The opening round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has delivered an early headline, Scotland’s rising star, Dominic McGlinchey, tops the amateur leaderboard. The 18-year-old may be making waves in the professional arena, but his journey to this stage has deep roots in the very course he now competes on.
Doha Golf Club is more than just a venue for young Dominic; it’s where his love for the game was nurtured. Back in 2015, his father, PGA Professional Gary McGlinchey, took on the role of General Manager at the club. At just five years old, Dominic could be seen rolling putts alongside his dad on the demanding Peter Harradine-designed layout, unknowingly setting the foundations for his future.
The Doha Golf Club Connection
Gary wasn’t just a club manager, he played a pivotal role in running the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters during his seven-year tenure. He witnessed the very best of the DP World Tour up close, and now he finds himself guiding his son towards joining that elite company.
I’ve known Gary for a long time. He’s a straight talker, a proud father, and has no time for time-wasters. Over the years, I’ve met plenty of overzealous parents desperate to live life again through their children, but this is different. Gary’s commitment to Dominic’s career isn’t about blind ambition; it’s about belief. If he didn’t think his son had the potential to reach the top, he wouldn’t be investing his time, effort, and money in making it happen.
Having spent my life in and around the professional game, I was eager to hear what advice Gary had for his son and when he realised Dominic had the ability to go all the way.
Building Belief
“I try to reassure Dominic that his normal game is good enough to compete at this level,” Gary explained. “He just needs to believe in himself and trust his ability. It’s a process that takes time, and we’re incredibly grateful for opportunities like this to gain invaluable experience.”
I must admit, at this point, I half-expected the kind of well-rehearsed lines you hear from pushy parent-managers, but then you look at what Dominic has achieved already, and it all makes sense.
“Dominic really started to show major progress when he turned 16,” Gary continued. “Last year, he played for the Scottish Boys team and shot a sensational 9-under-par 63 on his debut, tying Ian Woosnam’s course record at Krakow Golf Club in Poland.”
Course Knowledge
This isn’t his first time testing himself in professional company at Doha Golf Club, either. Last year, he narrowly missed the cut by a single shot at the International Series Qatar. But this is all part of the journey. Gary is carefully managing Dominic’s development, ensuring he gains experience in the right events at the right time.
“I’m guiding Dominic through all the major amateur events,” Gary said. “He made the GB&I Boys team last summer for the match against Europe, and now his goal is to make the Walker Cup team. He has the desire, talent, and work ethic to make it on tour. My job is to ensure he has the opportunities to chase that dream. I accompany him to most events to make sure he’s eating properly, staying in the right places, and not spending long hours driving between tournaments.”
Gary’s own career has taken him around the globe. He first came to the Middle East as an assistant professional at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in the 1990s. These days, he’s fulfilling a different kind of dream as with his company, Golf Coast Host, running exclusive golf tours. From April to October, he hosts experiences on Scotland’s Golf Coast, including at the private Renaissance Club, home of the Scottish Open. When the weather turns, he heads to Australia’s Gold Coast to do the same.
The Dream Lifestyle
Having built the perfect seasonal lifestyle, I was curious to know what, if anything, he missed about the Middle East.
“It’s always great to come back to Doha Golf Club,” Gary admitted. “I have so many friends here, and the Qatar Golf Association always treats us well. My daughter lives in Dubai and works for Emirates Airlines, so we often stop over on the way to and from Australia. But if I had to say what I miss most, it’s the camaraderie. I’ve had some of the best times of my life here, and coming back always makes me smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry at the most ridiculous things, many of which I probably shouldn’t repeat here!”
With Dominic’s career on an upward trajectory, the McGlinchey name is set to remain part of Doha Golf Club’s legacy for years to come. If his early performances are anything to go by, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey.
