Mason Geddes and Daniel Richards, two key figures at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, share a common passion for golf and the determination to build successful careers far from home.
Although their paths are different, they both found a new home in the United Arab Emirates, where opportunities have enabled them to thrive.
Mason: A Leap of Faith and a Lifetime of Golf
For Mason, the journey into golf began in his teenage years. Growing up, he played multiple sports including football and rugby, but injuries eventually steered him towards golf. “I got battered and bruised playing rugby and football,” Mason recalls, “but with golf, I couldn’t really get too injured.” By the age of 15, he was fully committed, driven by competitive family matches with his father and grandfather.
After completing university, Mason started his journey in the golf industry at The Grove in Watford. Within six months, however, an opportunity arose to move to Abu Dhabi. “I was 21 at the time, living at home, and thought, ‘Why not?’” he says. “It was a leap of faith, but I’ve never looked back.”
Now, as Assistant Golf Services Manager at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Mason leads a team of 14 staff. His primary focus is ensuring top-notch service for members and guests. Clear communication, he emphasises, is crucial. “With so many nationalities here, clear communication is vital to make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities,” he explains.
A standout moment for Mason was shortly after his arrival in 2022 when the club hosted a pro-am event featuring Pep Guardiola and Tommy Fleetwood. “Pep brought a lot of Man City players over,” 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: “Take the leap. You can always go back if it doesn’t work out, but you never know what’s around the corner unless you try.”
Dan’s Professional Journey in Golf
Dan’s journey began at Tournament Golf College in the UK, where he combined studies in golf psychology, nutrition, and management with playing on Portugal’s pro tours. However, in his first year, he came to a realisation. “I wasn’t good enough to make it as a playing professional,” he admits. Instead, he shifted his focus to golf operations, a natural fit given his long-time passion for the sport.
Dan moved to Abu Dhabi in 2020, starting as a team leader at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. “I was picking up golf balls, washing golf carts – all the normal day-to-day things,” he recalls. Over time, he progressed through tournament and membership roles, eventually becoming Golf Operations Manager. His responsibilities now extend to both Saadiyat and Yas Acres, a nine-hole floodlit course popular with evening players.
“I moved over to Yas Acres around 12-13 months ago,” Dan says. He’s particularly proud of his role in implementing strategies that boosted revenue, including a successful monthly pass programme. “It’s helped us significantly grow revenue in 2024 and set us up well for 2025,” he notes.
Like Mason, Dan faced challenges adapting to life far from family. “Moving halfway across the world without knowing anyone was tough,” he shares. However, he quickly built a strong network within the golf community. “Now, I enjoy living in Abu Dhabi and can’t see myself going back to the UK anytime soon,” he says.
Dan highlights that opportunities for career growth are more accessible in the UAE than in the UK. “Here, hard work and talent are recognised,” he explains. “In the UK, senior roles are often filled long-term, making it harder to progress.”
For aspiring golf professionals, Dan suggests adopting a ‘short-term loss, long-term gain’ mindset. “A lot of people focus too much on salary,” he says. “But taking a career step abroad can be hugely beneficial. You’ll get immense satisfaction from delivering great service, building relationships, and facilitating team growth.”
Shared Perspectives
Both Mason and Dan have found a home away from home in Abu Dhabi. While adapting to a new culture had its challenges, they’ve both grown personally and professionally through their experiences. They see their futures firmly rooted in the region and remain committed to delivering world-class service while fostering growth within their teams.
“Golf has done amazing things for me over the last couple of years,” Mason says. Dan echoes similar sentiments, expressing pride in his work at both Saadiyat and Yas Acres. For both of them, golf is more than a profession – it’s a platform for connection, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.