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BAILEY GILL

At just 28, Bailey Gill already embodies the modern professional golfer — calm, focused, technically sharp, and driven by quiet ambition. A proud Yorkshireman with five England international caps, nine professional titles, and a reputation for consistency, Gill’s story is one of steady progression rather than overnight success. From early days at Worksop Golf Club to competing on the MENA Tour and chasing his DP World Tour card, his career is fuelled by determination, self-belief, and a love of the grind.

 

Now splitting his time between the UK and the UAE, Gill is preparing for another big step forward — and, as he puts it, “every week is about moving closer to that next level.”

 

ENGLAND CALL-UPS AND EARLY LESSONS
Gill’s golfing journey began like many English talents — through a mix of raw enthusiasm and strong local roots. “As an amateur, I played for England five times and was part of the England Men’s Team for two years,” he recalls proudly. “It was something I always wanted to achieve, and I’ll always look back on those experiences as a great accomplishment.”
Representing his country sharpened his competitive instincts and instilled the discipline needed for life on tour. “It teaches you how to travel, how to prepare properly, and how to perform under pressure,” he says. “When you’re part of a national setup, you’re surrounded by some of the best players in the country. You can’t help but learn and raise your own standards.”

 

That education paid off quickly. By 2019, Gill had climbed to No. 52 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings and No. 2 in the European Men’s Golf Rankings. It was the perfect launchpad to turn professional later that year.

 

“I’d had a really solid final year as an amateur,” he says. “I was confident and felt ready. The transition can be tough, but the experience of representing England gave me the belief that I could compete at the next level.”

 

BREAKTHROUGHS AND THE PROFESSIONAL MINDSET
Gill turned professional in August 2019 — and it didn’t take long for him to make an impression. Just months into his new career, he secured his first MENA Tour victory, a milestone that proved pivotal. “That first win meant a lot,” he says. “It was only three or four months after I’d turned pro, and it earned me an invitation to the Oman Open on the European Tour the following week. That experience was incredible.”

 

Since then, he’s built an impressive résumé — nine professional wins and over 40 top-10 finishes across various tours — achievements that have helped establish him as one of the most consistent performers on the regional and developmental circuits.

 

When asked which part of his game has evolved most since turning professional, Gill doesn’t hesitate. “Definitely my putting,” he says. “It’s become a real strength. But overall, everything’s improved — I’m stronger physically, and mentally, I’m far more accepting of the ups and downs that come with professional golf.”

 

He’s learned that mindset can be the deciding factor between good and great weeks. “The Qualifying events are always the toughest mentally — there’s so much pressure to perform,” he says. “That’s when you have to draw on past experiences and stay positive. I try to approach every event the same way, whether it’s a smaller regional event or a DP World Tour qualifier. You can’t afford to change who you are just because of the stage.”

 

GUIDED BY GREATS
Like many successful professionals, Gill’s progress has been shaped by a remarkable group of mentors. “I’ve been lucky to work with some fantastic coaches,” he says. “Steve Rose coached me from age 13. Then when I represented Yorkshire, I worked with John King, and with England Golf, Graham Walker was instrumental in developing my game.”

 

Each phase of his journey introduced new insights and refinements. “They all helped me develop technically, but also mentally — understanding how to manage a golf course and not just hit good shots,” he explains.

 

When Gill turned pro, another name entered the mix — legendary coach Pete Cowen, whose influence runs deep through the elite game. “Working with Pete has been amazing,” says Gill. “His knowledge is second to none, and he’s helped me really understand my swing and my patterns. Nick Huby has also been a big help at Pete’s academy in Rotherham — they’ve both given me a lot of structure.”

 

Gill also credits performance coach Keir Stockdale with helping him manage the mental side of the sport. “Keir’s work has been massive for me — especially in learning to step away from overthinking the swing and focusing more on performance and process.”

 

That mental clarity has been invaluable when competing abroad, especially in the UAE, where he’s often based during the winter. “When I’m in Dubai, Stephen Deane helps me keep things on track,” he says. “It’s great to have someone who knows my game and can keep me pointing in the right direction.”

 

Behind it all, though, stands his family. “My dad’s been a huge influence,” Gill says warmly. “He doesn’t play, but he’s always pushed me to keep improving and not get too comfortable. My brother Spencer caddies for me when he can — it’s great to have him out there. He knows me as well as anyone.”

 

Gill is also quick to acknowledge the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) for their support. “They’ve given me some amazing opportunities to play on the Challenge Tour and Clutch Pro Tour,” he says. “Their dedication to developing golf in the UAE is incredible, and I’m really grateful to be part of that.”

 

THE ROAD AHEAD
For a player as focused as Gill, there’s never been any doubt about his direction. “The main goal is to get onto the DP World Tour or the Asian Tour as soon as possible,” he says. “I’ve got DP World Tour Qualifying School coming up in a few weeks. I made it to the final stage last year but missed out on a card — so hopefully this time it’s different.”

 

That hunger drives every day on the range. “Everyone at this level is working toward the same thing — getting to the big tours. The difference comes down to consistency, belief, and patience,” he says. “You’ve got to enjoy the process even when it’s tough.”

 

Gill’s long-term outlook is pragmatic but ambitious. “I just want to keep progressing — every year a little better than the last,” he says. “If I keep doing that, I know the results will come.”

 

THE MENA GOLF TOUR CONNECTION
Gill’s story is closely tied to the MENA Golf Tour, where he earned his first professional win and plenty of valuable experience. “The MENA Golf Tour has always been special to me,” he says. “When I turned pro, it was the first circuit I looked at playing. A lot of my friends were in the same position, and we all gravitated toward it because it offered the best opportunities over the winter.”

 

Beyond the competition, the tour offered adventure and exposure. “We travelled to incredible places and played some great courses,” he says. “Those experiences helped me grow up fast as a professional — learning how to manage travel, adapt to different conditions, and stay focused.”

 

Now, with the MENA Golf Tour returning for its highly anticipated relaunch, Gill sees big things ahead. “It’s brilliant to see it coming back,” he says. “It’s more global this year with a few events in Portugal and across Europe, but it’ll eventually return to the Middle East. That mix is fantastic — it gives European players a way to stay sharp through the winter while maintaining that strong link to the region.”

 

He believes the Tour’s revival fills a vital gap in the professional landscape. “It’s so important to have a developmental tour here,” he says. “It’s been missing for a couple of years, but now it gives players — both local and international — a proper stage to compete, earn, and improve. That’s invaluable for golf in this part of the world.”

 

Gill is also quick to praise the leadership behind the new chapter. “Having Keith Waters as Commissioner is a huge positive,” he says. “His experience from the DP World Tour gives the MENA Golf Tour real credibility and direction.”

 

And one detail stands out to every player — fast payments. “Prize money being paid out within 48 hours of an event finishing is unheard of,” Gill laughs. “On development tours, players often wait weeks for payments, which can make it tough financially. It’s a small thing that makes a massive difference. It shows the Tour understands what players actually need.”

 

BALANCE, DRIVE AND PERSPECTIVE
Off the course, Gill is grounded, easygoing, and passionate about sport in general. “I’m a big Liverpool fan,” he admits with a grin. “And I follow Formula 1 closely — mostly Red Bull and McLaren.”

 

That love of competition, whether on a football pitch or an F1 circuit, mirrors his own approach to golf. “I love analysing performance — seeing how the best in the world prepare and adapt. There’s always something to learn from top athletes, no matter the sport.”

 

When it comes to downtime, Gill values simplicity. “I enjoy spending time with friends and family, getting away from golf when I can,” he says. “You need those breaks to stay fresh mentally. The game can be demanding — so balance is key.”

 

 

A PLAYER BUILT ON CONSISTENCY AND CHARACTER
Bailey Gill might not be one for grand gestures or bold proclamations, but his steady rise through the ranks tells its own story. With technical precision, mental strength, and a network of top mentors behind him, he’s quietly building toward the next level of his career.

 

Whether it’s grinding through DP World Tour Qualifying School or teeing it up in the desert heat on the MENA Tour, his focus never wavers. “I’ve always been taught to keep my head down and do the work,” he says. “Golf rewards patience — you can’t force it. You just keep improving and let the results come.”

 

And for Gill, that next big result feels closer than ever.