Laytown and Bettystown Golf Club are losing their club professional of nearly six years, Scott Kirkpatrick, who is moving across the Boyne to County Louth to take up tenure there in the New Year.
“Obviously we’re very disappointed to see him go as he has certainly had a very positive impact on our club in the time he has spent with us” Laytown & Bettystown (L&B) spokesperson Bryan Collins told Drogheda Life. “He was very popular with the members and a joy to work with overall.”
When he took over at L&B Scott had big shoes to fill as he succeeded the famous RJ (Bobby) Browne who had been the head professional at the club for over 40 years prior to that.
It will be a similar experience now that he is moving to Baltray as he will be replacing another long-standing pro, Paddy McGuirk.
“Our club was delighted when Scott stated when taking up the position that he was very interested in continuing all of the great work that Bobby had been doing with our junior boys and girls for decades” Bryan said.
“Our juniors will certainly miss his coaching sessions but look forward to the arrival of the new club professional, Gavin Byrne, who is coming to us from Beaverstown GC.”
In recognition of Scott’s contribution to the club over the last six years, a special golf day was organised on Monday last (Dec 27th).
This was followed by a small presentation ceremony at the club due to Covid restrictions. Scott’s family and his pro shop team were in attendance at this special farewell evening.
The members of Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club wish Scott and his team, Cian Geraghty, Philip Duff and Conor Nolan, well in their new positions at County Louth Golf Club and look forward to seeing him again when we visit to play golf in Baltray in the years to come.
Pat O’Donohue hands over the reins to incoming L&B pro, Gavin Byrne.
Gavin is currently the Head Professional at Beaverstown Golf Club. He started his golf career at Mannan Castle Golf club and was playing off scratch by the age of 17 before turning pro in 2009, serving under renowned PGA Professionals Maurice Cassidy and Brian Kerley.
Gavin qualified in 2013 and assumed the Head PGA Professional role at Farnham Estate Golf Club.
At 26 Gavin was the youngest Head PGA Professional in all of the U.K and Ireland. After 2 years Gavin was promoted to Director of Golf of the Resort. While there Gavin also serviced other Golf clubs in the area and launched junior and lady coaching programmes in Clones G.C, Belturbet G.C and Ashfield G.C, respectively.
Gavin has a wealth of experience in all aspects of golf coaching, custom fitting and excellent retail knowledge. His philosophy is to enhance the enjoyment of the golfing experience while helping everyone reach their goals.
We very much look forward to welcoming Gavin to the role of Head Professional at Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club and strongly believe this will be the start of a long lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.
Congratulations Gavin and thank you to the selection committee for their effort in filling the role. Here’s alink to his farewell speech https://fb.watch/acfkZ1pmWs/
