Daanyal Spalding

About the Candidate

Profile:
A highly experienced professional golfer and dedicated golf coach with a proven track record in player development, leadership and program management. Having turned professional at 19 years of age, I travelled internationally and brought a global perspective and deep understanding of the game to coaching.  Skilled in designing tailored coaching programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels utilising advanced tools such as Trackman and performance analytics to drive measurable results. Adept at mentoring coaching teams, fostering inclusive golfing communities and driving membership growth.  Passionate about inspiring players to reach their full potential both technically and mentally, whilst contributing to the overall success of the golf facility.

Playing Achievements
·       Represented England through my amateur career followed by winning individual player titles.
·       2009 competed at the British Junior golf tour, winning 8 events across the UK.  This enabled me to qualify and play in the Callaway World Junior Championships in San Diego, California.
·       2016 gained status to play on the Asian Development Tour, The Big Easy Tour and after a season in Europe, finished 9th in the tours order of merit.
·       2016 winning the British Farm foods qualifying event at Nailcote Hall, UK enabling me to play in the Sky Sports covered event.
·       2017 I gained membership for the Europro Tour and Challenge tour.
·       2018 qualified to the final stage of The Open.
·       1 professional win in 2024 after 4 years out of competing.

Coaching Achievements
·       PGA qualified professional.
·       Set up an academy of 30 junior golfers at Four Ashes UK driving range in my capacity as Assistant PGA professional.
·       Coaching players competing on the European Challenge Tour and Mckenzie Tour.
·       Provided professional golf coaching to members of a Royal family in Saudi Arabia maintaining the highest standard of discretion.
·       Coached and caddied for Challenge Tour professional win, subsequently gaining him a European Tour card.
·       Coached for 3 years at Hensol Golf Academy, increasing footfall of golfers of all abilities leading into higher sales in retail and on the driving range.
·       Trackman Level 2 Certified.

Skills and Experience
·       In-depth Trackman knowledge and use of data insight to enhance performance.
·       Holding golf clinics to large groups.
·       Caddy on European Tour events providing real-time insights through coaching and performance analysis.
·       Coaching players of different capabilities, understanding their strengths and areas of improvement.
·       Working with leading performance coaches to develop my knowledge.
·       Developing tailored practice plans and programmes for golfers of all levels.
·       Managing teams of people to ensure golf course/facilities are presented at championship course level.

Employment

Personal Private coach to high end client – Jan 2026 to present

·       On course playing lessons delivered on a weekly basis.
·       Designed fully customised development plans based on in depth technical analysis, physical capability and long- term performance objectives/goals.
·       Delivered bespoke, one-to-one coaching services to high -net- worth client ensuring discreet, highly personalised and premium experience.
·       Provided on demand coaching support in person and online.
·       Delivered detailed pre session preparation and post session breakdowns. Including technical feedback and key focus points to take away from each session to ensure clarity and accountability between each session.

Hensol Golf Academy, UK
PGA Golf Professional – May 2022 – March 2026

Lead Coach:
·       Designed and delivered comprehensive coaching programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels focusing on swing mechanics, shot variation, course and mental strategies with measurable milestones to track progress resulting in 90% client retention for repeat coaching sessions.  This high level of satisfaction also led to numerous client referrals expanding my reputation.
·       Set clear goals and benchmarks to track progress ensuring clients remained motivated and engaged throughout.
·       Successfully coached players to reduce their handicaps from beginner level to single figure handicap by utilising Trackman and video analysis for data-driven performance feedback.
·       Organising specialised clinics and workshops to attract and retain players.
·       Develop strategies to increase lesson bookings and new membership.
·       Achieved a 50% increase in female attendance by strategically building a strong and inclusive coaching community encouraging commitment to the academy.
·       Mentored and supported fellow coaches by providing guidance and sharing knowledge to enhance their professional development fostering a collaborative environment, ultimately improving coaching standards.
·       Enhanced the academy’s profile and visibility by leveraging social media platforms to engage with both current and potential clients. Developed and executed a content strategy that included coaching tips, success stories, promotional offers boosting engagement and attracting new clients.
·       As a 5-star rated online golf coach through Skillest I provided personalised coaching to players worldwide, helping them develop not only their golf skills but also their mindset and overall approach to the game.  I focus on holistic player development combining technical coaching with mental strategies to help players at all levels reach their full potential.
·       Successfully organised and managed group golfing holidays abroad, coordinating all aspects of travel, accommodations, and golf course managements.  Designed itineraries that provided a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants, ensuring high-quality golf experiences and fostering community among players.  Delivered exceptional customer service throughout the trips while handling logistics and ensuring the events met participants expectations.

Operations Management:
·       Overseeing day-to-day operations of the pro shop, ensuring exceptional customer service.
·       Increased shop revenue by 5% in the first year through effective merchandising to maximise sales opportunities, enhance shopper experience, extensive product knowledge aligning recommendations with individual playing needs and goals thus driving repeat business based on their improved performance.
·       Maintained a high customer retention through exceptional service and relationship management.
·       Managed inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock availability to meet customer demand in peak seasons.
·       Collaborated with suppliers addressing any supply issues.
·       Performed professional golf club regripping ensuring clubs met performance standards and customer satisfaction.
·       Conducted precise custom club fitting using Trackman Technology, analysing swing data, ball flight and performance metrics to recommend optimal club specification for clients.
·       Utilised XPOS system for efficient stock control, sales tracking, and financial management.

Golf East Golf Construction and Consultancy, Middle East
Project Co-ordinator – June 2020 – 2022

·       Extensive training in Hungary within the golf maintenance and Greenkeeping team.
·       Working alongside the Director of Golf, I led and managed a team of 25 maintenance staff at an exclusive golf complex in Saudi Arabia ensuring optimal course conditions and facility standards were consistently met. Oversaw team operations, implemented efficient workflows and fostered a collaborative environment to enhance productivity and maintain exceptional presentation standards across the complex.
·       Led finishing works and provided consultancy in desert landscaping on a prestigious project in Saudi Arabia overseeing design execution, resource management and quality control.  Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful delivery of aesthetically pleasing and sustainable landscape tailored to the unique environmental challenges of the region.
·       Worked and provided consultancy on the rebuild of the Emirates Golf Greens in the UAE providing construction and landscaping to improve overall quality and longevity of the greens.
·       Utilised advanced Rain Bird irrigation system to ensure efficient water distribution among the golf course and landscaping to sustain healthy plant growth and optimal aesthetic appearance in challenging arid conditions.

Four Ashes Driving Range, UK
Coaching – 2017-2019

•                Successfully grew the academy junior membership by 40% during my first summer of coaching, through targeted outreach, engaging coaching programs and fostering a positive and inclusive environment for young golfers. Designed age-appropriate sessions that promoted skill development and a love for the game.
•                50% of the junior golfers I coached have progressed to actively participate at a partner golf club demonstrating the effectiveness of the coaching program in developing foundational skills and fostering a long-term passion for the game.
•                Organised and facilitated weekly ladies’ groups which fostered a strong sense of community and led to the creation of a popular coffee morning.  This initiative not only encouraged greater participation but also significantly boosted cafeteria sales through increased foot fall and social engagement.
•                Organised and led quarterly golf clinics, consistently attracting a loyal group of regular attendees.  Designed comprehensive targeted sessions that addressed key areas of the game fostering long-term engagement.
•                In the first 18 months, successfully increased full time driving range membership by 5% through targeted marketing strategies and the implementation of tailored coaching programs. This growth reflected a strong focus on building long-term relationships and delivering consistent value to members.
•                Organised and led monthly clinics on the driving range designed to attract new participants and increase footfall. These clinics not only enhanced customer engagement but also drove sales by showcasing the range’s facilities and creating a buzz.

Four Ashes Driving Range, UK
Part time Senior Advisor – Sept 2017

•                Liaising with Golf Reps for latest golf fashion.
•                Taking incoming golf enquires and booking lessons.
•                Minimise theft through stock control.
•                Assessing & dealing with customer stock returns in a professional manner.
•                Stock ordering.
•                Store merchandising.
•                Building customer relationships through product knowledge and recommendations.

Copt Heath Golf Course, UK
Sales Advisor Part time – March 2016 to June 2017

•                Booking Golf lessons for the Head Coach.
•                Diary management for the Head Coach.
•                Accounting of Green fees.
•                Greeting customers & providing product knowledge.
•                Stock ordering.
•                Store merchandising.
•                Organising and conducting demo days to increase sales.

Voluntary Work

•                In 2013 I designed and coached a 12-week program at a local school to juniors ranging from 4 to 16 years helping to raise the profile of the sport within the community. This promoted physical activity, fostered teamwork and built individual confidence through engaging age-appropriate lessons. The program required extensive pre-planning and the development of a structured coaching approach, focusing on providing constructive feedback and setting personalised goals. The program also emphasised the values of sportsmanship and collaboration. All equipment for the program was self-funded, demonstrating my commitment to providing quality, accessible coaching opportunities for young players. This initiative was covered in local newspapers.
•                Regularly attended clients’ corporate golf days offering pre-round coaching and providing on-the-spot lesson to enhance participant’s experience.  Additional, participated in ‘Beat the Pro’ challenges, creating a dynamic and interactive atmosphere while showcasing professional expertise.

Training

·       2023 completed a six-week Golf Coaching Business course focused on developing self-promotion skills through social media platforms. Gained expertise in creating engaging content, building an online presence and leveraging digital marketing strategies to attract and retain clients, ultimately enhancing business growth and visibility.
·       Completed an intensive 3-month one-to-one training in Hungary focused on mastering the presentation and operation of a five-star golf complex. Gained in-depth knowledge across all aspects of the facility including restaurant, driving range, golf course and academy.
·       Regularly attended annual seminars to stay updated with the latest advancements in golf coaching techniques and player development strategies. These seminars provided valuable insights and best practices ensuring continuous improvement in coaching delivery and maintaining a high standard of instruction for players of all levels.
·       2024 attended a 3D Biomechanics Seminar to gain an in-depth understanding of how to optimise each client’s physical capabilities for improved golf performance.  Learned to analyse movement patterns, identify physical limitations, and tailor coaching strategies to enhance efficiency, power and consistency in players’ swings.
·       Trained and proficient in operating a wide range of golf course machinery, including John Deere and Toro maintenance equipment, ensuring high quality turf care and optimal course conditions and presentation.

Education

Tudor Grange School, UK
Sept 2011 – June 2013
BTEC Sports and Science Level 3 – BTEC Diploma (PASS)
English Literature – A (A Level)

Tudor Grange – Solihull 2007-2011 (GCSE)
Subject
GCSE Grade
PE
A
English
A
BTEC Sport Science
A
Religious Studies
B
ICT
B
Maths
C
Science
C
Business Studies
C

References available upon request.