Academy Instructors
Resident Golf Professionals
Our experienced resident PGA qualified golf professionals offer expert tuition and advice on all aspects of the golfing game using the latest technology, in the most perfect environment for learning the wonderful game of golf.
Andrew Darker
Andrew Darker heads both the Golf operation and the professional team. He brings with him a wealth of international experience, having previously set up and directed the academy facilities at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club (host club to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, a major European Tour event and the PGA European Senior Tour Final). Andrew spent three years working with the Middle East market before moving to head the Golf operation at Aphrodite Hills in 2003.
Prior to this, for five years Andrew was based in the United Kingdom, in the role of Senior Coach at the renowned Cranfield Golf Academies. Here, Andrew was responsible for overseeing coaching at five main centres based around the Home Counties, where he gained valuable experience in both premier coaching and facility management. His last position with Cranfield Golf Academy was as the Head Professional at Sandown Golf Course in Esher, Surrey.
Andrew says: “Cyprus is a fantastic all year round golf destination. The Club has some of the best facilities in the region and with more quality golf developments on the way, Cyprus will become one of the best golfing destinations available within three hours of mainland Europe. The Golf team at Aphrodite Hills is committed to offering our clients the best of everything and I can assure all golfers and visitors of a truly memorable experience”.
Giles Johnson
Giles Johnson is the Senior Golf Professional, whose role within the Golf team is to provide a first class learning environment for golfers of all levels and abilities. He is fluent in both English and German.
Giles joined the Aphrodite Hills Golf team from Germany, where he worked as a teaching professional promoting golf throughout the country. During his time in Germany and whilst working at one of the top golf clubs in southern England, he gained vast experience in all areas of coaching to both beginners and players at high levels. Among Giles' many goals, he says: "I wish to promote the game of golf throughout the island and produce a future golf champion from Cyprus through our Junior Golf Academy to compete with the world's best tour professionals".
Danny Heard
Danny Heard joined the golf team in 2009 from London.
Danny moved to golf after playing all sports in his teens. He has an impressive playing record and an excellent reputation for coaching around the London area. Danny played Essex County for years, won player of year, OOM, numerous county events. Turned pro in 2003 at Chigwell Golf club and spent his last two years at Nazeing Golf Club in Essex building up his coaching profile whilst continuing to play East Region events where good results consistently ranked him in the top 20 in the Pga Order Of Merit. Danny’s key role at Nazeing involved the development of the Nazeing junior academy which now has players representing Essex County Golf Teams.
Danny says: “I am looking forward to continue the development of golf in Cyprus, the facilities are perfect for working on your game and I will use all the facilities at hand to improve your golf, I hope I have the opportunity to meet with you all and to take your golf to the next level”