When David Baron left his small home town on the East Yorkshire coast to forge his dream career in the Far East, he could never have imagined the road that lay ahead of him.
It was not that he was ill-prepared, Baron had been planning for a life on different shores from the age of 15. He had watched friends go on to succeed in Europe and, in a career-defining moment, spotted an immense appetite for golf and the skills of British PGA Professionals in Asia.
It would become a decision that would transform the Bridlington man’s life and lead him on an incredible journey through the economic powerhouses of Hong Kong and Shanghai. Highlights along the way included the chance to caddy for former Ryder Cup captain Sir Nick Faldo.
Today he is based in the former French colony of Cambodia, which did not build its first golf course until 1996 and is best known in Europe for its troublesome past.
Little more than a generation ago the country was in a seemingly endless state of bloodshed as 20 years of fighting brought the nation to its knees, resulting in some of the worst crimes against humanity in modern history. Life here, it seemed, would never be the same again.
Yet today’s Cambodia has made significant strides in overcoming its difficult recent history and is in the midst of a tourism boom. It is currently the second fastest growing golf destination in South East Asia, and Baron’s base of Siem Reap is recognised as the sport’s hotspot.
The award-winning, Faldo-designed fairways of Angkor Golf Resort are among the city’s crown jewels, but after just six months on the job, Baron, 31, is determined they will not solely be for the use of visitors.
“Obviously my first responsibility is to the club,” he explained, “we need to continue to grow and market the destination so that people want to come and spend time here.
“But we are well aware of the needs of the local community too, the owner of the resort has already helped to build schools and hospitals for the people of Siem Reap.
“As a PGA Professional I feel it is important to give something back, and I’ve recently been working on an initiative to give local schoolchildren free lessons as part of their curriculum."
“I’m hoping that we can spot some talented kids, speak to their parents or guardians and get them back for some follow-up sessions. They all love coming here to play golf, but without the opportunities not very many will make it to a higher standard.”
That realisation, Baron admits, came while working on a Faldo Series event in June. The international tournament brought competitors from around the world to Angkor, but only two were Cambodian.
“In many ways it is like a new country here,” he said. “The average Cambodian only earns about £70 per month, so golf has always been seen as a sport for government officials and the rich. We’re hoping to change that perception.”
Perceptions are important in sport, Baron himself never really considered golf until a new course opened close to his home at the age of 12.
“I was always very sporty, but as a young kid I always wanted to play football,” he recalled.
“I remember my mum persuaded me to try golf, I took a friend along to a beginner’s class and from there it completely took over my life.
“Right from the start I was impressed with the PGA Professionals at the clubs I visited. They were always there to offer a bit of advice or encouragement - it didn’t take me long to realise that I wanted to become a PGA Member.”
Baron would go on to complete his training at Ganton Golf Club and before long was offered a position as senior PGA Professional at Hong Kong Golf Club.
“Moving to Hong Kong opened my eyes to a whole new world,” he explained.
“Overnight I had gone from living in a quiet town to one of the most vibrant cities in the world. At work I had to quickly adapt to new cultures, work ethics, responsibilities and demands.”
In 2008 Baron was offered the opportunity to work alongside one of his childhood heroes. Faldo, short of a caddy, rang ahead and asked if anyone from the club would be willing to help.
“To be honest I was in awe,” said Baron. “He was an idol of mine growing up and I felt privileged to be given the opportunity to work with him. I remember at that point he was the Ryder Cup captain so we spent a lot of our time discussing that - it’s something I’ll look back on for the rest of my life.”
Following four years in Hong Kong Baron moved on to a three year spell in mainland China, where he would hone the business aspect of his skills in a completely new environment.
“China is a very complex working environment for a foreigner. At all levels, decisions were scrutinised, and I often felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall,” he said. “At one point they even asked me to justify why I wanted to order a certain type of golf ball!
“But as I got used to how things worked I got much better results. China was a tough, but rewarding place to work - they certainly don’t believe in nine to five jobs!”
During his decade in Asia, Baron has grown to love the continent. Now, as he looks to the future, he remains determined to help its people enjoy a sport he holds so close to his heart.
“I definitely see myself staying out here for the next 10 to 15 years and moving on to become a general manager,” he explained. “Golf is still developing in Asia and that gives you some very unique challenges.
“I’m enjoying myself in Cambodia at the moment, and I’m hoping we can get more clubs on board in our efforts to bring more local people into golf.
“Many of the kids who visit us come from families that have really suffered through difficult times, so it is amazing to see their faces light up when they get the chance to run around the golf course.”
For more information on Angkor Golf Resort, click here http://angkor-golf.com/ or if you have any questions about careers in Asia contact David at david@angkor-golf.com
