Zane Skillings

About the Candidate

PROFILE

 

Ambitious and personable Golf Teaching Professional with 30+ years’ experience in coaching, player development, retail operations, and sports leadership. EGTF‑qualified and actively pursuing PGA status conversion, with a proven ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences, high‑quality coaching, and a strong, visible presence within private member environments.

 

Experienced in pro shop management, custom fitting, junior & ladies coaching programmes, event support, and member engagement. Known for building trusted relationships, creating welcoming environments, and driving commercial performance through service excellence and coaching growth.

 

Entrepreneurial, proactive, and well‑suited to leading a thriving professional service within a progressive golf club.

 

CORE SKILLS:

 

Golf Coaching (All Levels)
Junior & Ladies Academy Development
Custom Fitting & Equipment Knowledge
Pro Shop Retail Operations
Customer & Member Experience
Coaching Programme Design
Club Event & Competition Support
Player Pathway Development
Community & Member Engagement
Team Leadership & Staff Training
Hospitality & Guest Experience
Entrepreneurial & Commercial Mindset
 

Professional Experience

 

Retail Assistant Manager – American Golf – UK

📍 Oct 2025 – Jan 2026 (Redundancy)

 

·         Managed daily retail operations, stock control, merchandising, and customer service delivery.

·         Provided product knowledge, equipment advice, and supported custom fitting processes.

·         Coached and developed staff to maintain high service standards and sales performance.

·         Managed store P&L, compliance, and operational efficiency.

·         Reinforced a strong health & safety culture and ensured full policy adherence.

·         Gained deep familiarity with golf retail trends, customer expectations, and equipment technology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EGTF Coach – Private – South Africa

European Golf Teachers Federation (EGTF)
📍 Mar 2004 – Oct 2019

·         Delivered structured coaching to juniors, adults, beginners, and competitive players.

·         Designed personalised development plans using technique analysis, performance data, and player profiling.

·         Supported players in etiquette, course management, fitness, and mental preparation.

·         Assisted with pro shop operations, including retail sales, customer service, and equipment advice.

·         Provided hospitality and operational support during tournaments, ensuring smooth, professional events.

·         Built long‑term coaching relationships and a loyal client base through consistent service quality.

 

Football Coach / Chairman – Kempton Park FC & Eastern Gauteng Football Association – South Africa

📍 Jan 2010 – Sep 2019

 

Designed and delivered structured training programmes for youth and adult teams.
Built player development pathways based on individual strengths and performance analysis.
Led trial processes, maintained discipline standards, and ensured safe training environments.
Chaired the Ladies Football Division (2012–2016), significantly increasing participation.
Promoted holistic athlete development including nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle habits.
Developed strong community engagement and club culture—directly transferable to member interaction.
 

Education & Qualifications:

·         EGTF Diploma – European Golf Teachers Federation (2004)

·         FA Learning (UK) – Coaching Children, Soccer Camp Coaches, Fitness in Football (L1), Match Analysis, Session Planning (2009)

·         SAFA Referee Certification – Level 4 (1993)

·         Hospitality Studies (1994–1996)

·         High School (Matric / GCSE Equivalent)

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RELEVANT TRANSFERABLE EXPERIENCE:

 

Strong background in customer service, hospitality, and member engagement.
Experience managing budgets, retail operations, and service delivery standards.
Skilled in event coordination, scheduling, and supporting structured programmes.
Leadership experience across multiple sports environments, including staff development.
Comfortable using digital systems, scheduling tools, and basic performance analysis software.
Systems & Tools:

 

·         Microsoft Office Suite

·         POS & Retail Systems

·         Foresight Technology Swing Analysis

·         Familiarity with Club Management Systems

·
SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS:

 

EGTF Teaching Professional (2004)
Competed on FORMAX Golf Tour – 2006 & 2007
Semi‑Professional Footballer – BK Callies (Vodacom League)
Nottingham Forest Youth Academy – 1993
University Football – Wits Professional FC
High School Tennis #1 Seed – South Africa

Personal Attributes:

 

·         Warm, approachable, and member‑focused

·         Strong communicator and relationship builder

·         Highly organised and detail‑driven

·         Passionate about coaching and player development

·         Entrepreneurial, proactive, and commercially aware

·         Visible, energetic presence within club environments

 

REFERENCES:

 

●    Bill Abbott / Peter Dunne (President) – EGTF – (+44) 01223 655445 – mail@egtf.co.uk or billabbottgolfpro@hotmail.co.uk

Bruce King – (Chairman) – Eastern Gauteng Football Assoc (+27) 11422 5223 – brucetk50@gmail.com