WWG: How did you get into playing golf?
Aoife Kelly: I I’ve always been an avid sports player, but in 2018, I severely injured my knee. After spending 16 weeks on crutches, I was hesitant to play any sports again. While teaching in London, I took a part-time job at my friend’s bar during the summer of 2020. One day, I struck up a conversation with a man who mentioned he was organising a social golf outing. I asked if I could join, and that’s how my journey in golf began.
WWG: Why did it take so long for the sport to appeal?
AK: Growing up, I was involved in many sports, thanks to my parents, who were incredibly supportive. Golf, however, wasn’t really one of them. I did attend a driving range summer camp once and remember playing pitch and putt with friends during the summer, but we never took it too seriously. I was quite busy with Gaelic football and also played as a goalkeeper in field hockey.
WWG: Did you find it easy from the start? What enabled you to improve so quickly?
AK: I would never claim that golf is easy, but it’s a sport I quickly grew to love. I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered it, and I’ve been told that many aspects of my game come naturally to me, for which I’m truly grateful. With more time to practice, I’m excited to see where I can take my game.
WWG: You are considering a break from your role as a teacher to focus more on golf?
AK: I’ve been a teacher for the past 11 years and have been working part-time since I was 15. Balancing my schooling and college with playing sports almost every day, between training and matches, was quite a feat. Now, I feel it’s time for a bit of a break and perhaps even a change in career path, especially since my golf game is still developing. I’ve only been playing golf for the last four years, so it would be exciting to see what I could achieve with a few months off to focus on it and participate in amateur events. Whether this journey leads me to golf or another direction, the possibilities are exciting.
WWG: What’ve been the benefits of developing your game in Dubai compared to Ireland?
AK: Honestly, that’s a tough question for me to answer since I’ve played and learned all my golf in Dubai, and I’ve loved my journey here. The weather in Dubai allows you to play a lot more, which is a huge bonus. Going home in the summer is very exciting, though, as you have to adjust to distances because the ball naturally travels further in the heat. The grass is different too; it’s like an entirely different experience. I do really enjoy playing at home; it’s lovely to walk the course and play in strong winds. My home club, Galway Bay, is right on the coast, and it’s an exciting course to play, especially when the winds are up. I was quite surprised when my handicap initially declined and dropped even further during the first summer I spent in Ireland. This year, I had my first coaching experience in Ireland during the summer, and I really enjoyed learning from Gary Madden at Glenlo. He is an incredible coach and taught me a lot in a short amount of time.
WWG: Who have been the most instrumental figures in helping you improve your game?
AK: I joined Trump in late January 2021 with a 25 handicap, which I received after a social event in the UK. Within two weeks, I had the opportunity to play with Steven Kelbrick, a successful amateur golfer. He was impressed by my natural ability, despite my few months of experience, and offered to help me improve. We practiced together regularly, and by summer, I had reduced my handicap to 7. Steven encouraged me to seek professional coaching, which I did about a year later. He has been the most influential figure in my golf journey, and we still keep in touch. My first coach, Jamie McConnell, was inspiring and fun, but we parted ways this year as he took on a new role. Now, I’m working with Gary Madden at Glenlo Abbey and David McKidd at Trump Dubai, and I’m excited to continue developing my game with their support.
WWG: Will you remain based in Dubai?
AK: I will definitely stay in Dubai because I love it here. The facilities, the weather, and the lifestyle are fantastic, not to mention all the wonderful people I’ve met since falling in love with golf.
WWG: What events will you schedule to play in this upcoming season?
AK: I’m hoping to play in as many amateur events as possible over the next few months. If given the opportunity, I’d love to participate in bigger events across the UAE and surrounding countries. Who knows, I might even try to compete in some of the bigger events in Europe, the UK, or even in the US. The world is my oyster right now, and I’m enjoying every moment. I love the competitive side of golf, but who knows what the future holds? Maybe social golf will be the path I take in the end, but for now, I’m just excited to get out and compete.
WWG: Who is your golfing icon and why?
AK: I think Lydia Ko is a fantastic role model for all female golfers. Her attitude, work ethic, determination, and demeanour are truly commendable. She is incredibly passionate and embodies what I believe competitive golf should look like.
WWG: How has technology helped you improve?
AK: Technology has certainly helped to some extent, but I believe knowing your clubs and having confidence in them is most important. It’s crucial to know your yardages, but without being properly fitted and using the right equipment, consistency is very difficult. Getting your clubs fitted correctly is essential. I find it amusing that I bought my first driver for £5 at a car boot sale in London. However, when I decided to take golf seriously, I sought a proper fitting. I met Stuart Taylor of ProSports, who directed me to Golf superstore in Dubai and I found them exceptional. I love my clubs and appreciated their honesty about my game; I sacrificed some distance for accuracy, which was the right choice for me.
WWG: How would you make the game more appealing for women in the region?
AK: With more women working, there could be women-only corporate golf mornings, increased mixed pairs golf events, and workshops for women to learn about the game and gain the confidence to give it a try – whether that’s a par 3 course, Topgolf, or just a putting lesson at a local club. Every year, the children in my class hear all about golf and how often I play and practice. They are always intrigued. I think this interest could be developed further with mother-and-daughter golf days, for example. There are so many ways to expose the sport and get more women involved. In the future, it would be great to see Dubai hosting a few professional events for women. I enjoy the Race to Dubai every year, and I think it would be fantastic to have a female version. γ
