PGA Professionals’ Profiles
St Mellion International Resort - Academy Coaching Team
Darren Gass PGA - Head Professional
Darren has been teaching golf for over 16 years in both the UK and abroad. Venues include such places as the exclusive Emirates Golf Club, Dubai where he was based before moving to St Mellion and the IMG World Junior Academy, Florida where he has escorted both International and Professional players on winter coaching and training trips. On his travels he has had the fortune to work with and learn from some of the worlds leading authorities on golf coaching and its related areas, it’s these experiences that have helped to shape his own unique coaching approach.
Darren is now widely known for his work and success, with elite players as under his tutelage players have competed on all major European Tours and in the Open Championship. For many years Darren lead the coaching for the Cornwall County Teams and in 2001 he coached Scott Godfrey as he became Cornwall’s first and only English Amateur Champion.
Although his reputation extends into elite player development he still loves working with the members and visitors at the Resort. His holistic approach to coaching is great for players of all levels, assisting them with much more than swing technique. Darren’s speciality is providing stage shows and range clinics for the Resorts many major corporate events.
David Moon PGA - Golf Manager
David has a vast experience coaching golf although most of his time is now spent managing the golf operation at the Resort. As a previous Titleist instructor on the European Tour and Cornwall County Coach, his coaching style is well respected in the South West. Due to other commitments David’s coaching is now restricted to corporate events and members.
Jack Stevenson PGA - Teaching Professional
Started golf at the young age of 6, joining Great Torrington golf Club at the age of 7. He picked the game up quickly and was playing for the men’s 1st team by the age of 11. He has enjoyed great success there, winning the club championship twice and being a part of the successful men’s team who won the Palairet Trophy in 2008. At the age of 13 Jack was arguably the best for his age in Great Britain and Ireland winning the Golf Foundation/Weetabix GB&I age group championships (U’13) and the English U’13 salver at the Reid Trophy. Jack has played for Devon since the age of 12 playing at all levels from U’14 through to the Men’s 1st team. Now entering the professional ranks Jack has turned his focus to teaching and is very motivated in becoming the best coach he can possibly be. He has a keen interest in the physical side of the game and has recently qualified as a Fitness Instructor, and in the future would like to specialise in golf fitness.
Ben Waters PGA - Teaching Professional
Ben started out as a junior member at the St Austell Golf Club, Cornwall, and after playing many events for both club and County he decided to make golf his carrier. Three enjoyable years followed as Ben attended the PGA’s new training program and degree course at the University of Birmingham. Once completed Ben decided to return to his home county, becoming a fully qualified PGA Professional at the St Mellion Resort. Ben has now been coaching for over 3 years and helped hundreds of golfers improve their game.
Liam Barnett PGA - Trainee Teaching Professional
Liam took to golf as a young junior and has had a huge passion for game ever since. After finishing his education a career in professional golf was the inevitable choice. He was then selected to undertake his professional training here at the St Mellion International Resort, and is now a very capable and diligent young PGA trainee member with a bright future ahead of him. He thoroughly enjoys coaching the juniors and the innovative Get-into-Golf program, helping them develop both their swings and golfing Knowledge. On a playing side he takes his game seriously and is working hard on his game this winter and looking forward to a successful year ahead.
Nathan Rivers - Trainee Teaching Professional
Nathan started playing golf at the age of 13, he then feel in love with the game progressing through the junior ranks. When leaving school he decided to attend Duchy College where he took a national diploma in golf studies. On completion in 2004 Nathan joined St Mellion as a PGA level 1 coach, assisting with all junior programs. He is currently undertaking his PGA level 2 qualification so he can take a more active role in the academy. Nathan is always looking to further his knowledge and qualifications so he can provide the best coaching possible. He has shown great enthusiasm working with the juniors and is always thinking of new games and fun ways to deliver sessions.
Academy Bookings and Information
Contact Tel: 01579-352002 option 2
