About

Mission Statement

To share my knowledge and passion for the game of golf, through experience and technology. To help each student reach their full potential by creating a personalized golf development program, and creating a passion for the game of golf that will last a lifetime.

My Golf Journey

Darren Witter

My father took me to my first golf tournament when I was eight years old, and from that time forward, I’ve been hooked. Golf was unlike anything I had ever experienced. From the way spectators automatically fell silent prior to a shot, to the way the players dressed and conducted themselves, everything appeared to be governed by a series of unwritten rules and mutual respect. There was an undeniable air of sophistication surrounding the game, and I knew I wanted to be part of it for the rest of my life.

Shortly after my introduction to the sport, I got to experience it as a player, when my dad took me to my first round of golf at Hullett’s Golf Course in KZN. I loved everything about it, from the individually wrapped golf balls to the crunch of metal spikes on the concrete floors of the clubhouse. Most importantly, I loved the great game itself.

As a youngster, I was obsessed with golf in general and with my favourite golfer Mark McNulty in particular. I used to emulate his swing, as well as his distinctive white shoes, pants, and cap, as I hit golf balls into the practice net, my dad had made for me. I watched the VHS tape of ‘Golf My Way’ by Jack Nicklaus hundreds of times, and could recite the script word for word. During this time, at one of Mark McNulty’s golf clinics, I met respected golf pro Martin Whitcher and his son Steve, at Randpark Golf Club, and my path in golf was further cemented. Martin would go on to become my mentor, while Steve (who was also attending the clinic) was the best man at my wedding, and I was the best man at his.

Years later, while working with the Martin Whitcher, I was invited to play 9 holes with Mark McNulty and realized that I was now on the other side of the ropes, so to speak. From my apprenticeship, I learned the value of hard work and dedication, and continue to apply this to everything I do in golf and in life. Over the past two decades, golf has taken me from a youngster practicing swings in the family backyard to an accomplished teaching professional and one of the leading golf coaches in South Africa. During this time, I have had the honour and privilege of teaching some of the game’s greats, as well as working with aspiring golfers and emerging talents.

I golfed with my idol Mark McNulty and saw his million-dollar winner money clip first hand. I’ve practiced next to Ernie Els and currently teach the Els for Autism clinic. Tony Johnstone used one of my putters on the European PGA Tour. After David Frost missed the cut at Wanderers, I helped him correct his swing. He was so pleased with my work that he came back for another session and taught me his famous bunker shot. I am particularly grateful for the assistance of my early mentors Phil Simmons and especially Martin Whitcher, as Martin helped me become the golf coach I am today.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with a number of skilled young golfers, including Thomas Aiken, who has gone on to win numerous European tournaments, Anton Haig, who once beat Tiger Woods in his prime, Tyron van Aswegen, who currently plays on the US PGA Tour, and Hei Ji Kim, of the Korean LPGA Tour. In addition, I have worked with countless others who became inspired to make a career out of golf themselves.

One of my proudest achievements in golf was the time I spent working with Martin Whitcher to start the Damelin Golf Academy in 1998. At the time, this was the very first golf academy in South Africa, and we were able to form a team that won the 1999 World School’s Championship in Surrey, England. More importantly, we laid the groundwork for future generations of South African golf academies.

My journey in golf began all those years ago when my father brought me to my first tournament and has been helped along the way by many great people. I am honoured to be in a position to pay it forward and help make golf dreams a reality for other aspiring South African golfers.

Ready to embark on your lifelong golf journey, or to continue one that has already begun?

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Testimonials

Here’s what our happy clients had to say about our services:

Best coach! I had a goal to play golf and we reached that goal before a very important tournament that I had to attend. Thanks Darren!

Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp

Darren is a consummate professional who has not only made sense of my swing but has transformed my daughter into someone who loves and excels at golf. His patience with students (especially juniors) and deep understanding of the game is beyond compare.

I’d highly recommend the Golfers Masterclass team to anyone who wishes to improve their game!

Regardt van de Vyver

After seeing Darren for a couple of lessons at Randpark, I decided to enrol my 5&6 year old into his Junior Clinic as well. He has taught them to love the game and nurtured their swings to what they are today …. 6 years later. Not only does he make their group lessons competitive and fun but they listen attentively and don’t argue (He’s Brilliant with kids). He uses a trackman technology as well as keeps records of how their swings have developed over the years. He often emails trackman results & videos with pointers so we don’t forget what we need to work on. My daughter loves competition and has done exceedingly well in kids tournaments as well as making the provincial team. Golfs masterclass has successfully given her a sound platform to potentially earn a scholarship for golf one day to university’s overseas should she decide too when she’s older.

Darren is based at the Randpark Golf club (voted Best golf club in Johannesburg) with access to two amazing courses, two story Driving range, fitness gym and the latest in trackman technology and I would highly recommend him to any one or family who want to learn, enjoy and improve their game.

Ian Twidale

Ben started his lessons with Darren when he was only 3 years old. Darren is an amazing coach and was so patient and kind with Ben encouraging him to try his best every time. He really believes in Ben and helps Ben to believe in himself! Now Ben is 6 years old and his foundation for golf is set and ready for the rest of his life! He has a beautiful natural swing and just LOVES golf! Darren not only coaches your child on the “how to” about golf but also creates a passion for the sport! We absolutely love Darren! Feels like he is part of our family by now! Thank you Darren!

Nandi Uys