Doonbeg GC in West Clare has appointed Dubliner Brian Shaw (35), as their first head professional. Doonbeg, the 18 hole championship links course designed by Greg Norman, is scheduled to open next spring.

Shaw, who has been head professional at Adare Manor for the past two-and-a-half years, previously worked as a teaching professional in the US. Having represented Ireland at both school and junior levels, he played collegiate golf for LaSalle University, where he went on to coach the university team.

His first job as a professional was at Hobe Sound GC in Florida. He then taught at Tripoli CC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Holmes Golf in Orlando, Florida, before returning to Hobe Sound in 1998.