Dean Montgomery has been appointed Director of Golf at The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a role that will see him lead the golf offering into an exciting new era. With an impressive international background and a passion for the game Dean’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment – ahead of the highly anticipated opening of The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a five-star hotel set to open in late spring.
Dean’s journey in golf began at just ten years old, when his father first introduced him to the game – igniting a passion that has shaped both his career and life. A graduate of a dedicated golf college programme in the UK, he quickly immersed himself in the professional world of golf, gaining invaluable experience at some of the sport’s most renowned clubs, including Royal Liverpool (Hoylake ), Woburn, and Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
Over the years, Dean has built a reputation for operational excellence, leadership, and delivering exceptional member and guest experiences. Most recently, he served as Golf Operations and Tournaments Manager at Bearwood Lakes in Berkshire – a private club known for its championship pedigree, hosting Open Qualifying, Seniors Open Qualifying, and the Justin Rose Ladies Series.
A PGA Professional, having placed in the PGA Trainee of the Year Awards, Dean is also a respected member of both the PGA Managers Advisory Group and the Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE ), where he actively contributes to the Young Managers Group.
Originally from the UK, Dean’s Irish roots run deep with grandparents hailing from the island, and a strong affinity to County Kerry. This heritage has fostered a long-standing connection to the west of Ireland. Now based in Galway, Dean brings a global perspective, a deep appreciation for Irish hospitality, and a clear vision for the future of golf at Galway Bay.
Speaking about his appointment, Dean said he is delighted to have joined the team in Golf at The Hawthorn.
“It is a truly special place, with one of the most beautiful courses in the country and a welcoming community around it. With the opening of The Hawthorn on the horizon, the opportunity to shape the golf experience during this transformative period is incredibly exciting. I’m honoured to be part of the journey and look forward to what’s ahead.”
Dean’s leadership marks a new chapter for Golf at The Hawthorn by Galway Bay – one rooted in passion, professionalism, and world-class golf on Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast.
Connacht Hospitality Group will open The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a landmark five-star hotel, in late spring 2026, marking Galway’s first new five-star property in over two decades.
The Hawthorn by Galway Bay will combine a world-class hotel, championship golf course, and experiential wellness spa on the edge of Galway Bay. Located on a spectacular coastal headland near Oranmore, the property promises to redefine luxury on Ireland’s west coast while celebrating the spirit, craft, and landscape that make Galway unique.
The Hawthorn by Galway Bay is the realisation of a long-held vision first imagined by Christy O’Connor Jnr., whose 1989 Ryder Cup heroics remain part of Irish sporting legend. Christy Jnr. designed the original Galway Bay Golf Course in 1993, foreseeing the site as a global destination that would unite great golf and great hospitality. Now, thirty years later, and ten years after Christy’s passing, that vision is being brought fully to life by the Connacht Hospitality Group. The championship course and clubhouse has been undergoing a multi-year enhancement, elevating the golfing experience to five-star standard.
The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, Renville West, Oranmore, Co. Galway, H91 YXRZ www.thehawthornhotel.ie
