Viya Golf has appointed Marc Arnold as its new Director of Instruction of the Cluster, overseeing the teams of coaching professionals at the three golf courses in Abu Dhabi.
Arnold will manage teams of PGA professionals across the trio of courses, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, building on his multiple years of coaching experience acquired around the world.
Arnold was born in England before studying at the University of Birmingham for his foundation degree with the PGA. He began his first international coaching role in August 2017 as a PGA Teaching Professional at The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain. In 2018, he then travelled to the UAE to become Head Teaching Professional at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, the host of the Challenge Tour Grand Final in 2019 and part of the DP World Tour schedule in 2023 and 2024.
“I am delighted to be given this opportunity to manage the Viya Golf Academies in Abu Dhabi”, Marc commented. “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.
“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.”
Arnold has also worked in the UK, joining the team at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire in 2020. After a successful summer, he was then awarded the role of International Ambassador for the Centurion Club and coaches the members and guests during their time in the UAE and UK.
In February 2022, Arnold returned to Abu Dhabi to continue his professional development, joining the team as Senior Golf Professional at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.
He said: “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. 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.”