Steven McDonnell

About the Candidate

Steven McDonnell

PGA Director of Golf | PGA Advanced Golf Coach

Gateshead, UK
07540730022

stevenmcpga@outlook.com
www.stevenmcdonnellgolfacademy.co.uk
Digital Reach: 80,000+ Followers

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

A PGA Director of Golf (Qualified 2026) and PGA Advanced Golf Coach with extensive experience leading golf operations, coaching programmes, retail performance and facility development.

Proven success launching and transforming golf facilities, increasing commercial performance through strategic planning, digital marketing and operational excellence. Experienced in P&L management, project delivery, workforce leadership and member engagement, combining modern business practices with traditional club values.

CORE MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

Personal Management

Progressed from a PGA Professional to PGA Advanced Golf Coach and PGA Director of Golf within ten years through continuous professional development.
Advanced user of digital systems including website development, TrackMan Professional (Level 1 & 2), booking software and performance analytics using GoDaddy website tools.
Built a digital audience exceeding 80,000 followers, generating more than two million annual social media impressions.
Strategic Management

Developed business plans for the launch and growth of two indoor golf facilities.
Led facility launches, rebranding projects and commercial development initiatives.
Implemented operational systems including retail management, online booking platforms, websites and Foremost Golf retail solutions.
Operational Management

Managed golf operations across private academies and members’ clubs, ensuring exceptional customer service and operational efficiency.
Developed modern operating procedures while maintaining the traditions and values of established golf clubs.
Managed Health & Safety, safeguarding, compliance and risk management across coaching, retail and practice facilities.
Delivered effective communication with club committees, members, suppliers and stakeholders.
Managing People

Experienced in recruitment, staff development and performance management.
Led, mentored and developed PGA Professionals, assistants and operational staff.
Created high-performance coaching environments through structured player development pathways.
Managing Finances

Managed budgets, forecasting and commercial reporting across golf operations and private businesses.
Strong P&L management experience with responsibility for retail, coaching and business performance.
Successfully increased revenue through coaching, retail growth and digital marketing initiatives.
Marketing & Customer Experience

Developed integrated marketing strategies across websites, social media, email campaigns and digital advertising.
Enhanced customer journeys through coaching programmes, retail excellence and member engagement initiatives.
Utilised data-driven marketing to improve customer acquisition, retention and commercial performance.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Golf Operations & Club Management
PGA Advanced Coaching & Player Development
Retail Management & Foremost Golf
Strategic Business Planning
Budget & P&L Management
Project & Facility Development
Digital Marketing & Social Media
Event & Competition Management
Team Leadership & Staff Development
Health & Safety & Governance

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Golf Performance Centre – County Durham

Owner / Director of Golf | Head PGA Advanced Coach
March 2025 – Present

Allowed me the freedom to complete my PGA Director of Golf qualification, targeting areas of experience required.
Run all day-to-day operations of a state-of-the-art indoor golf performance facility.
Lead all coaching programmes, player development and academy performance.
Planned and delivered the successful launch of the facility, including operational procedures, budgets and workflow implementation.
Manage all digital marketing, website development and social media strategy.
Implement governance systems including Health & Safety, safeguarding and risk assessments.
Drive commercial growth through coaching programmes and strategic business development.

Oakdale Golf Club – Harrogate

Head PGA Advanced Coach | Head Professional
June 2023 – March 2025

Led all day-to-day golf operations at the prestigious Oakdale Golf Club, overseeing the professional shop, competitions, coaching programmes and member services.
Planned and launched the club’s Foremost Golf retail operation, managing supplier relationships, merchandising, stock control and commercial performance.
Delivered bespoke coaching programmes using modern performance technology within a traditional members’ club environment.
Managed all retail operations including purchasing, pricing strategies, inventory management and sales performance.
Organised club competitions, corporate golf days, coaching clinics and member events to increase participation and member engagement.
Managed the club’s social media platforms, promoting coaching, retail and club activities to strengthen digital engagement.
Built strong relationships with members, visitors, suppliers and club committees while maintaining exceptional customer service standards.
Mentored PGA assistants and golf operations staff, creating a professional and customer-focused team culture.

The Players Lounge – Golf Coaching Centre

Owner | PGA Specialist Coach
November 2019 – March 2023

Founded and managed a successful indoor golf academy with full responsibility for business operations.
Managed all financial performance including P&L, budgeting and commercial planning.
Designed and managed planning applications and facility development.
Developed the “Optimal Golfer Development Pathway”, significantly improving long-term customer retention.
Led all marketing, branding, digital content and operational systems.

Whitburn Golf Club

Head PGA Professional | Golf Operations
June 2017 – October 2019

Managed the day-to-day golf operations of a busy members’ golf club, ensuring the efficient delivery of all golf services.
Oversaw the professional shop, retail performance, stock purchasing, merchandising and supplier relationships.
Coordinated club competitions, handicap administration, tee booking systems and visitor golf operations.
Delivered coaching programmes for juniors, beginners, members and elite players while expanding participation.
Worked closely with the Club Manager, Greens Committee and management committee to maintain course presentation and improve the overall golfing experience.
Managed practice facilities, buggy and trolley fleets, equipment maintenance and operational readiness.
Organised golf events, society days and corporate outings, ensuring seamless customer experiences.
Maintained Health & Safety standards across golf operations and practice facilities.
Developed strong member relationships through excellent customer service and daily operational leadership.

North East Area

Self-Employed Golf Coach – Lead Coach (Various Clubs)
2017 – 2026

Lead Coach delivering Get Into Golf programmes and Junior Academies

Ravensworth Golf Club
Oakleaf Golf Club
Garesfield Golf Club
South Moor Golf Club

PREVIOUS BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Hays Recruitment
Recruitment Consultant – Specialist in talent acquisition, interviewing and staff placement.

Vertu Motors & Lidl
Store Training Manager – Expert in people development, operational efficiency and large-team supervision.

Siemens
Logistical Project Planner – Managed complex logistical schedules and project budgets.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications & Awards

PGA Director of Golf – Completed 2026
Director of Golf – Management Theory (2025)
TrackMan Professional Certified – Level 1 & Level 2
PGA Advanced Coach (2023)
PGA Golf Degree – University of Birmingham (2019)
Level 2 Golf Coach
Short Game & Sloping Lies Accredited
Golf Psychology Certified (2019)
Sports Agent Certified (2019)
Diploma in Sports Coaching and Nutrition (2020)
SafeGolf Accredited
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Emergency First Aid – Level 2
Enhanced DBS
CPD Accredited until 2027