About Me
Have you ever wondered how good YOUR golf could potentially be?
Have you ever had the desire to reach your full potential in golf, but struggled to get there and make it last? That was a question I often pondered when I first started coaching golf back in 2005. In the early years as a golf coach, I watched my clients struggle to move the golf club in the "perfect way", and get frustrated when we couldn't get them the results they wanted. It was my own personal passion for health and fitness that led me to discover more about the importance of the individual's body and how it relates to the golf swing. In 2012, I spent some time at Royal Melbourne Golf Club with Dave Phillips (coach to the likes of Jon Rahm), where my eyes were completely opened up to what was possible for my students! I started to think differently about how I coach and begun to coach in a more individualised manner that takes into account each person's limitations. I now believe every person is unique and there's no perfect way to swing a golf club.
My mission is to help the EVERYDAY GOLFER CREATE LASTING SUCCESS! I do this by helping each of my clients move the golf club in the safest and most efficient way for their bodies, and in the process reach their full potential, make their success last and help them get the most enjoyment out of this great game!
Where it all began...
I grew up in small coal mining village called Calverton, in Nottingham, England. From an early age, my life revolved around sport. My Dad and my older brother had introduced me to football (soccer for the Aussies!) and throughout school and my adolescent years it was all I did in my spare time. I put everything into my football, and at 13 years old, I was scouted by top professional clubs and was due to sign for Leeds United, until knee troubles put an end to my football dreams. Looking for another focus, my dad introduced me to golf. I still remember clearly the moment as a kid when dad and I were driving back from a football match one day and he stopped to show me the 15th hole on our local golf course, which had a nice little pond next to the green. I thought, wow, that looks so cool! That Christmas, mum and dad surprised me with a junior membership at that club, and it was there where I attended my first junior clinic. The rest, really is history.
I completely FELL IN LOVE with the game. After school I would cycle to the golf course with my clubs on my back (a dangerous game on those small roads), but it did wonders for my fitness and balance! My friends and I would spend hours and hours on the chipping and putting greens until 10pm during those long Summer nights and our parents would take it in turns to come and pick us up. We were very competitive and would play each other for chocolate bars and soft drinks (No wonder my teeth were starting to rot!). I got good, fast and by 17 years old I was playing off a +1 handicap and representing the junior and mens county teams.
Golf was a VERY expensive sport and not something I ever thought I'd be able to do. My parents were AMAZING and without them I would not be the person or golfer I am today. We didn't have much money, but to motivate me my dad promised that if I got to a 5 handicap he would take me to 'proper' golf lessons. I did, and he started taking me to see the England team golf coach, David Ridley. It was a big investment for my parents, but if you want to get better at something, you must invest in a good coach. My parents sacrificed so much for my brother and I. I am so grateful to them!
My idol, like most kids back then, was Tiger Woods. I used to spend hours in my parents back garden, in my "Sunday red" Tiger shirt, trying to copy his swing (see photo above). I look back on that time with a smile, as I would never have been able to match his positions no matter how hard I worked. Why? Firstly, he is Tiger Woods! And secondly, my body is not the same as his, and with my own injuries, body structure and hip limitations, it would have been impossible! Have you ever been so frustrated trying to a certain move in the swing and just not understood why you couldn't do it?
Knowing what I know now...
My career as a golf professional and coach has involved a lot of trial and error over the years. I've kept what works and thrown away what doesn't, but even to this day, I'm always learning. I have a huge passion for helping others become the best version of themselves, on and off the golf course. I also have a keen interest in fitness which led me to become certified as a TPI Golf and Fitness Coach. I was also awarded PGA Rookie of the Year in 2006 at the Belfry in the UK, for coming top of my class in Europe for my studies in Coaching, Sports Science and Equipment Technology and was given the award by Sir Bobby Charlton at my graduation with my mum by my side (see photo above).
When I'm not coaching or playing golf I love to live a healthy lifestyle and work out in the gym to keep me energised. I also enjoy relaxing at the beautiful beaches of Perth and sipping on a coffee with my beautiful partner Emma, our son, Luke and the latest addition to our family, our daughter, Charlotte.
Since becoming a Dad in 2021, I have a fresh appreciation for how busy life can get and the frustrations of many of my clients. I too want to still enjoy my golf and with an ageing body, new shoulder injuries and less time to exercise, I am adapting and making the best of what my body and lifestyle allows. Now more than ever, I understand that we need to change the way we coach golf, because the "one size fits all approach" just doesn't work for busy people with physical limitations and lives outside of golf.
My mission as a golf coach is to HELP THE EVERYDAY GOLFER, just like you, CREATE LASTING SUCCESS with a golf game that is based around what your body and lifestyle allows.
I coach out of the incredible facility at Perth Golf Centre, based at the stunning Western Australian Golf Club in Perth. I am available for IN PERSON and ONLINE COACHING and look forward to connecting with you soon.
Danny.