Two key figures at Sadhiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, Mason Geddes and Daniel Richards share a common passion for golf and their resolve to build a successful career far from home.
Their paths are different, but they both found new homes in the United Arab Emirates.
Mason: The Leap of Faith and the Life of Golf
For Mason, his journey to golf began in his teens. Growing up, he played multiple sports, including soccer and rugby, but the injury ultimately turned him towards golf. “I was hurt when I hit a rugby and soccer,” recalls Mason, “But with golf, I couldn’t really get hurt.” By the age of 15, he was a father. He was driven by a highly competitive family match with his grandfather and was completely committed.
After completing college, Mason began his journey in the golf industry at Gloves in Watford. However, within six months, the opportunity to move to Abu Dhabi was created. “I was 21 at the time and lived in my house and I was like, ‘Why?'” he says. “It was a leap of faith, but I have never looked back.”
Currently, as Assistant Golf Services Manager at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Mason leads a team of 14 staff. His main focus is to ensure top-class service for members and guests. The clear communication he emphasizes is important. “There are so many nationalities here, clear communication is essential to ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities,” he explains.
Mason’s outstanding moment soon came when the club held a Pro-AM event featuring Pep Guardiola and Tommy Fleetwood shortly after their arrival in 2022. “Pep brought in a lot of Man City players,” he recalls. “It was a great, busy few days, but everyone really enjoyed it.”
For young professionals considering a career in golf, Mason’s advice is simple. If it doesn’t work, you can always go back, but unless you’ve tried it, you don’t know what’s turning the corner. ”
Dan’s professional journey in golf
Dan’s journey began at the tournament golf college in the UK, combining golf psychology, nutrition and management research with research from the Pro Tour in Portugal. But in his first year he made it happen. “I wasn’t enough to make it a play expert,” he admits. Instead, he shifted his focus to golf work, a natural fit, given his long-standing passion for the sport.
Dan moved to Abu Dhabi in 2020 and started as the team leader at Sadhiyat Beach Golf Club. “I was picking up golf balls and washing my golf cart. It’s all normal everyday,” he recalls. Over time he advanced through tournament and membership roles, eventually becoming Golf Operations Manager. His responsibility now extends to both Saadiyat and Yas Acres, a nine-hole flood course popular with evening players.
“I moved to Yas Acre about 12-13 months ago,” says Dan. He is particularly proud of his role in implementing revenue-boosting strategies, including successful monthly pass programs. “We’ve grown our revenues significantly in 2024 and helped us set it right in 2025,” he points out.
Like Mason, Dan faced the challenges of adapting to life far from his family. “Everyone travels around the world without knowing it’s difficult,” he shares. However, he quickly built a strong network within the golf community. “Now I enjoy living in Abu Dhabi and won’t be able to see him return to the UK any time soon,” he says.
Dan emphasizes that career growth opportunities are more accessible in the UAE than in the UK. “Here we recognize our hard work and talent,” he explains. “In the UK, senior roles are often met in the long term, making progress difficult.”
As he aims to become a golf expert, Dan suggests adopting the “short-term loss, long-term profit” idea. “A lot of people are focused too much on their pay,” he says. “However, taking career steps abroad is extremely beneficial. I am extremely pleased with providing excellent service, building relationships and encouraging team growth.”
Shared perspective
Both Mason and Dan found a house away from their Abu Dhabi home. Adapting to a new culture has had challenges, but they have grown both personally and professionally through their experience. They see their futures firmly rooted in the region and continue to be committed to providing world-class services while fostering growth within the team.
“Golf has done great things for me over the last few years,” says Mason. Dan reflects similar feelings and expresses pride in his work at both Saadiyat and Yas Acre. For both, golf is more than a profession. It is a platform for the pursuit of connection, growth and excellence.
