Balancing Work and Competitive Golf

David “DD” Damesworth, PGA Director of Golf at Orange Tree Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., discusses how he keeps his game in shape while still managing the club and keeping members and guests happy. “I challenge everyone to find something you love to do and within your daily routine find a way to get better at what you enjoy doing. Enjoy the journey and the process,” he says.

By David “DD” Damesworth, PGA Director of Golf at Orange Tree Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.

David “DD” Damesworth, PGA Director of Golf at Orange Tree Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., played in his fifth PGA Professional Championship at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa this year. He discusses his origins within the industry and how he keeps his game in shape while still managing the club and keeping members and guests happy.

DD: I grew up in Southfield, Mich. and played all kinds of sports but mostly basketball, baseball, soccer, track and golf. I was introduced to the game as a caddie at Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield. I quickly got hooked, had some early success and gained confidence quickly as I relied on my athleticism and hand-eye coordination from other sports that translated into golf. 

My dad and older brother, along with several of my friends, always have very competitive matches in all of the sports and that kept me very competitive and always kept my juices flowing. 

I played college golf at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich. and that was where I got into the golf business side at Egypt Valley CC. I realized there that I could work and make money while playing, teaching and working at a club. 

Coming from a very competitive background and always looking to improve on a daily basis has stuck with me to this day. I am always looking to get better at managing staff, and anticipating and meeting members needs, while maintaining my own golf game and fitness level. 

After college, I married my college sweetheart and we moved to Florida. I played full time for about three years before getting back into the business as an Assistant Golf Professional here at Orange Tree. Shortly thereafter, I was given the chance to be the Head Golf Professional and I decided to jump on the opportunity. 

Each and every day I am always asking, “how can I improve as a husband, dad, friend, golf professional and mentor?” These are things my dad always tried to think about and that the secret to being successful was in the daily routine. Spending time in the gym, along with eating right and maintaining a good range of motion, I have been able to increase speed while staying injury free for most of my career.

The balance at work is never easy but is very rewarding. I am able to manage a staff of 15-20, as well as try to meet the needs of 330+ members that are active and know their golf. I enjoy teaching on a daily basis and seeing my students improve and learn and grow as players and people.

Managing my golf game while juggling work responsibilities and coaching multiple sports with my kids is tough, but so much fun. The key for me is that I really enjoy practicing and playing to prepare to compete. The competition and playing under the gun once I feel prepared is so rewarding for me. 

I enjoy the time in the gym and working on speed and taking care of my body to find any advantage I can as a competitor. I have grown to learn that in order to reach my full potential I have to enjoy the process of improving and enjoy the grind. That is what gets me up in the morning and pushes me to be better. I hope to pass these traits to my kids as well as my staff to help them reach their potential. 

I challenge everyone to find something you love to do and within your daily routine find a way to get better at what you enjoy doing. Enjoy the journey and the process.