Viya Golf has appointed Marc Arnold as its new Director of Instruction, overseeing the teams of coaching professionals at three of Abu Dhabi’s top golf courses: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Golf Club, and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.
Marc’s journey to this position is full of international experience. Born in England, he studied at the University of Birmingham for his foundation degree with the PGA.
He kicked off his international coaching career in 2017 as a PGA Teaching Professional at The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain.
A year later, he moved to the UAE to become Head Teaching Professional at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, which hosted the Challenge Tour Grand Final in 2019 and is part of the DP World Tour schedule for 2023 and 2024.
“I am delighted to be given this opportunity to manage the Viya Golf Academies in Abu Dhabi,” Marc said.
“I have been extremely lucky during my time overseas to work with some of the best people in the golf industry and I now look forward to a new challenge and working closely with the teams at Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
I would like to thank Viya for giving me this opportunity and all their help and support during my time with the company.”
He’s enthusiastic about the future, saying, “We have some exciting plans for 2025 and I am thoroughly looking forward to building and developing the academies.
We have a fantastic team of golf professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they are extremely dedicated and passionate when it comes to growing the game and coaching all ages and abilities.”
Marc’s résumé includes working in the UK, where he joined the prestigious Centurion Club in London in the summer of 2020.
After a successful stint, he was named International Ambassador for the club, coaching members and guests between the UAE and the UK.
In February 2022, Marc returned to Abu Dhabi to continue his development, joining the team at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club as Senior Golf Professional.
His focus has been on working with the academy’s golf professionals to provide top-level instruction to players of all ages and abilities.
“Our academies here in Abu Dhabi play a crucial role in introducing and nurturing new golfers, driving the continued growth and participation of the sport in the UAE,” Marc explained.
“We have recently appointed three new golf professionals who will bring their own unique ideas and concepts to the academies, and they are looking forward to introducing new coaching programs and meeting all the members and guests at the golf clubs,” added Marc.
With Marc Arnold at the helm, Viya Golf is set to see exciting growth and development in the coming years.
