First full-time professional appointed at Newbridge Golf Club

It was back in 1995 when Newbridge Golf Club officially opened to the public and in the intervening years, through year-on-year investment the 18 hole course has grown in maturity and membership.

Only this week the club has announced the appointment of a full-time professional who is about to take up his new role in Kildare.

Wicklow native Dylan Graham has been appointed the club's first professional and is eagerly looking forward to taking up his role.

Like a lot of golfers these days Dylan began playing golf very young, initially at Coolattin before moving to Woodenbrige when he was around 12 years of age.

Dylan played many sports but soon realised golf was his no. 1 pastime and sporting ambition.

“Like a lot of young golfers back then, I was dropped off at the course at 9am in the morning and picked up around 6, free baby-sitting if I am to be honest, and from there when I got to 16 or so I got a bit of part-time work at the club with the pro, stayed there for a few years and then after school I had a couple of options; I knew college was not what I wanted, I wanted to do something that I would be particularly interested in so I looked at becoming a pro, teaching golf and all that entails these days, which was more suited to me; hands on learning and coaching while also playing which I love; I love competing in the Irish events, and going out to play with friends and while I get loads of enjoyment playing the game I really love teaching the game.”

Dylan is a PGA professional for just over a year at this stage, and worked at Woodenbridge as an Assistant Golf Professional, in Wicklow.

“I also worked in Medinah in the US for some eight months in 2023 and then when I came home from there I took a role as Assistant Professional at Bray Golf Club where I have been at now for 18 months or so.

“That has been really successful and I have really enjoyed my time there.

“However, I am ambitious and always wanted to get a role as a full pro and this opportunity at Newbridge came along and I feel it is perfect for me.”

Dylan admits that in the early days the people who had the biggest influence on his career were his parents “they kept me involved in the game and did everything possible to help me along the way; brought me around the country to compete; to coaching sessions, and all that entails, so I would certainly have to thank them both for the time and effort they have put into my career.

“I would also have to thank my current boss, Craig Lewis, as I leave him, he has been with me throughout all my PGA training and was always there when I needed a hand, or needed advice and I am very grateful to him.”

Dylan says he is really looking forward to taking up his new role, at a relatively new club just 30 years old and then having the privilege of being the club's first professional and “while I realise it is a big responsibility I am looking forward to getting stuck into the task at hand and meeting all the members and visitors.”

Meanwhile investment continues at Newbridge GC unabated with work on new tee boxes on the 2, 5 and 11 just completed.

The club has also invested in two new robot fairway mowers purchased from RangeKing Ltd, in Straffan.

Catering at Newbridge Golf Club is provided by the excellent Seventh Catering Restaurant.

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