The investment completes a purchase programme totalling £150,000 over the last 12 months and brings the greens machinery up to date, helping to secure the course’s future for years to come.

A great deal of progress has been made since the 1890s when a team of three were used to cultivate the original course and Alan Bell, club captain, said: “Helensburgh Golf Club is committed to becoming the best moorland course in the west of Scotland and is determined to provide the best support possible for the efforts of our greens team.” In 2013, the course received acclaim from both members and visitors for improvements that had been made to the greens and fairways but further improvements are now set to take place.

Records kept by the club over the last few months indicate total rainfall increased by 300mm over the equivalent period last year and and with more constant rain this winter there has not been as many opportunities for the water table to reduce.

But Robert Bacon, head greenkeeper, commented: “Whilst improvements were made last year, there is still work to be done to reduce the depth of thatch on our greens.

“The new machinery will enable us to improve this in 2014 with a program of deeper tine penetration to allow better aeration and drainage on a more regular basis.

“The new and replacement mowing equipment will result in a much better putting surface which can be enhanced as appropriate by the use of our specialist greens roller.”