Scottish PGA Professional Declan Gray is starting a new chapter in his career after accepting a new teaching role in Dubai.
After six years at The Blairgowrie Golf Club, where he was a long-time junior member, the 23-year-old former Perth Grammar School pupil has teed up a teaching professional’s role at The Montgomerie Club, which was designed by European Tour legend and former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie.
“I have really enjoyed time at Blairgowrie and working with the team here,” said Gray, who graduated with a golf degree from the University of the Highlands and Islands based in Dornoch. “But I feel the time is right to move on and this is a great opportunity to gain experience working abroad.
“My degree, and the reputation of the UHI course and being on the doorstep of Royal Dornoch certainly helps on the international front. I’ll be taking up a role as a teaching professional at the Montgomerie Club’s Academy, as part of a six-strong team under the head pro David Laing, who is from Edinburgh.”
Gray revealed he sought advice from his Perth-born predecessor at Blairgowrie, Sam McLaren, who is now director of golf at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club in the UAE, and former general manager Steven Morgan, who spent time in the Middle East earlier in his career.
“I began by emailing heads of golf and pros just to let them know I might be interested in any seasonal roles that were coming up for the autumn,” explained Gray. “I was in Dubai for a holiday earlier in the summer and touched base with a few people, including Sam.
“Teaching golf is my passion and for the last four years I have been coaching juniors and helping ladies getting into golf. It’s great to see the junior section at Blairgowrie, in particular, thriving. We have around 100 members now, which is good for the club moving forward.
“In Dubai, I’ll be working with golfers of all standards, from all over the world. Sometimes a translator will be required to overcome the language barrier. As you would expect, the facilities are superb, including a Trackman studio, a very good short game area and a nine-hole practice course. And after the summer we have had here in Scotland, it should be a bit warmer in Dubai!”
Stuart Wilson, managing secretary at The Blairgowrie Golf Club, said: “Declan has been a great asset to the team here, working alongside head professional Neil Cameon and assistant Graeme Leggat. It has been a pleasure being able to support Declan in his educational and professional development. We thank him for his dedication to Blairgowrie Golf Club and wish him well in his exciting new venture in Dubai.”