World-renowned golf trick shot performer David Edwards shares his favourite places to play and his fondest golf memories – and chooses who would join him in his dream fourball
Having travelled the globe with his golf trick shot show for more than three decades, PGA professional David Edwards has become a world-renowned performer. He has demonstrated his skills in more than 50 countries – including at Ryder and Solheim cups – and once hit a golf ball off a tee held in Rory McIlroy’s mouth by Louis Oosthuizen.
Raised around the world as the son of a Royal Signalman, David picked up the game at Catterick and practised wherever he went – from the north of England to The Hong Kong Golf Club. An honorary member of the PGA, which he has been a member of for more than 50 years, 70-year-old David maintains a busy diary of shows while also hosting events – many of which include sharing his hilarious on-course commentary videos at the end of the day’s play. He continues to perform at tournaments and corporate events as well as charity and captains’ days – while also hosting tournaments throughout the year – including an incredibly successful charity event for Prostate Cancer UK. Between doing all of that, we managed to catch up with him for a round…
How much golf do you get to play?
I average a couple of proper rounds a week, with a lot of those in the quieter winter months. Add in work and fly fishing, and I keep busy.
How did you get into golf?
Growing up, I travelled the world as my father served in the British Army. He took up the game while we were based in Catterick, and I’d go down to the club and hit balls from about the age of 10. I used to love seeing how far I could hit the putter on the practice ground – I think that was the start of what would become my show many years later. We then moved to Hong Kong and I hit thousands of balls in a net there and played on Saturdays. I left school a bit earlier than I should have done, became the assistant professional at Catterick, and the rest is history.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
I have so many great memories in the North East and North Yorkshire – particularly my time working at Catterick and Richmond. While Catterick feels like home, Seaton Carew is one of my absolute favourites.
And further afield?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to play all over the world. In the UK, Royal St George’s is very special as I played in The Open there in 1981 after coming through qualifying. Overseas, The Concession in Florida – designed by Tony Jacklin and Jack Nicklaus – is a fabulous place to play.
What’s your best score?
Nowadays breaking 80 is great – though I had some good days as a young professional.
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
At 70, there are a lot to choose from. Playing-wise, it would have to be the 1981 Open – qualifying as the club professional at Catterick and playing in the group behind Jack Nicklaus for two days was incredible. In terms of performing, I’d have to pick the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
What about your most embarrassing moments on the course?
I made a 10 on a par three at Teesside as a young lad, having had to hit four tee shots. While I was the professional at Scarborough South Cliff, I had the flag lowered after being informed a member had died, only to then see him on the first tee with his wife. I informed him the flag was at half-mast in his honour – he took the information well, hit a great tee shot, and off he went.
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
I always use white tees in the show. I also have some little things I’ve been given at shows over the years which I keep in my golf bag and always travel with.
What are your strengths on the course?
Being a PGA professional, I put a lot of focus on hitting the ball properly in my shows – which isn’t easy with some of the clubs in my bag. Good rhythm and striking help me drive it well when I’m playing – and they make it easier to pick up the balls at the end of the show!
And your weaknesses?
Putting has always eluded me. I focused on the longer clubs and some work at the other end of the bag would have helped me over the years.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
My PING drivers are amazing – in any length from 2-8ft. I love hitting them off the high tees as that’s a proper test of your ball striking.
Who is your best golfing friend?
My wife, Jacqui, is a fantastic playing partner and we’ve had many happy years together which I’m very thankful for.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in golf?
Golf has been my life and career for more than 50 years, so I have no idea what I would be doing. I love performing, so perhaps I would have joined the circus.
Who is your favourite golfer?
If I only have one pick it would have to be Jack Nicklaus. I do a few impressions as part of the show and while I’ve had to update them over the years – Ian Poulter, Colin Montgomerie and Bryson DeChambeau are three favourites.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
The Open is the most special event in the golfing calendar, and the Ryder Cup is a close second.
Who do you admire?
Noel Hunt was the pioneer of performing golf trick shots in the UK and, as well as inspiring me, he gave me the fantastic advice to work out my own show and do things my own way.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
I’d choose Jack Nicklaus, Tony Jacklin and Rory McIlroy – and Rory would be in my team.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
Keep it – I think every shot and every decision has led to where I am today and I’m pretty happy with that.
