(L/R: Mason Geddes, James Harris and Daniel Richards)
Viya Golf has announced a significant internal restructuring, promoting three key team members into new leadership roles across its premier Abu Dhabi properties: Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach, and Yas Acres. These promotions underscore the company's commitment to nurturing internal talent and supporting continued professional growth.
New Leadership Appointments
The trio of long-serving employees stepping up are:
- Daniel Richards has been named Golf Operations Manager at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
- Richards’ journey is a testament to growth within the company, having started as an outside operations attendant in 2019.
- Reflecting on his ascent, Richards stated, "I never thought that six years later I’d be a Golf Operations Manager in Abu Dhabi... It’s an extremely proud moment for me to lead the team at arguably the best golf club in the region."
- His new role is particularly exciting as Yas Links is set to host the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in November.
- Mason Geddes has been promoted to Golf Services Manager at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
- Remarkably, Geddes, only 24, has achieved his long-term career goal two years ahead of schedule, having arrived in Abu Dhabi just three years ago as an intern.
- Geddes shared his delight: "When I joined the company, I created a three-year plan to become Golf Services Manager by 2026. To have reached that by September 2025 feels amazing."
- He is eager to take on the leadership role as the club embarks on "an exciting new chapter with the full relaunch of our redeveloped golf course to the public."
- James Harris has been appointed Golf Services Manager at Yas Acres.
- Harris brings a strong foundation in high-level operations, having previously worked at the world top-100 ranked course, Yas Links.
- For Harris, the promotion is a source of pride and a new challenge: "I’ve spent the past few seasons learning from different managers and leaders, and now to be trusted with leading the operation here gives me a lot of pride."
- He is also looking forward to expanding his focus to the club’s wider amenities, including the recreational side like "padel to the pool, to the family facilities."
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
The newly appointed managers also offered practical advice for others looking to follow a similar career path in the golf industry:
Company Perspective
Karl Whitehead, Cluster Club Manager at Viya Golf, expressed immense pride in the promotions, stating, "Dan, Mason and James have each shown exceptional commitment, drive and leadership potential during their time with us."
He added that their success reflects Viya Golf’s culture, which actively champions internal development and invests in its people as much as its world-class facilities. The trio's progress represents the next generation of golf leadership in Abu Dhabi, forged through hard work and a collaborative spirit.
