A LEADING British golf coach has just landed a top role in Irvine.

Scott Garrett was named as the new PGA Head professional, to lead the coaching ticket and golfing programmes at Gailes Golf:Leisure, this week.

Garrett is a fully qualified PGA professional who brings a wealth of experience to the new role.

He was recognised by Golf World Magazine as one of the Top 100 British coaches.

The Glasgow native was formerly the head professional at The David Lloyd Centre in Glasgow where it launched its new golf academy.

As he looks forward to this new chapter in his career, Scott said he is looking forward to coaching the next generation of golfers in Ayrshire.

He said: "Throughout my career I’ve been very fortunate to have access to the best coaches, and I’m fortunate to be able to pass on those skills to the next generation of golfers.

“I believe the best coaching should be at the start of your golfing journey, especially when it comes to juniors because they're [hopefully] going to play for the rest of their lives. 

“Golf is a great life skill, and it can enhance young people’s future opportunities. It’s a wonderful pastime to have. You don't need to be brilliant at golf, just the desire to play and enjoy it.”

It is that passion and commitment Scott will bring to some of the coaching programmes at Gailes Golf:Leisure, such as the established ‘Juniors do Golf’ and dedicated Ladies’ coaching programmes on offer.

Scott and the PGA team will also be available for one-to-one lessons at the Gailes Golf:Leisure Academy that includes state-of-the-art technology in the teaching studio and the only Toptracer Range in Ayrshire.

The Gailes is a SimpsInns owned hotel and leisure complex, and owner Malcolm Simpson said he is delighted to be adding Scott to the team in Irvine.

He commented: “We are delighted to welcome Scott to the team at Gailes Golf:Leisure. We have the very best facilities here and we look forward to working with Scott as be brings new ideas to the golf coaching programmes here at The Gailes.

“We are surrounded by so many world class golf courses here at The Gailes. To have wonderful coaching and practice facilities, now headed up by Scott, further complements the golf offering in this part of Ayrshire.”

Scott also has links with this part of Ayrshire having coached at nearby Irvine (Bogside) Golf Club for several years from 2008.

The 47-year-old join Gailes Golf:Leisure from his last role at Affordable Golf in Glasgow. Affordable Golf also has a busy retail store at Gailes Golf:Leisure.

Now, Scott says he is delighted to be returning to familiar territory.

He added: "It’s exciting to be coming back to Ayrshire. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with many old clients and friends. It’s a beautiful part of the world, and the amount of great golf courses in the area is phenomenal.

“Jobs like this don’t come up very often so it’s very exciting. I'm very lucky that my passion and my job are the same thing.”

The 47-year-old, who turned professional in 1999, takes over from long-time head professional Edward Thompson, who was instrumental in setting up the existing coaching programmes at Gailes Golf:Leisure.

Scott will take up his new role from August 1, 2023. 

For more information on PGA coaching and golf development programmes at Gailes Golf:Leisure, visit gaileshotel.com/golf/pga-coaching.