About
Hello, I am Dean Dužaić, Golf Performance Coach, PGA Golf Professional and Golf Sport Developer
A hardworking and motivated golf professional with experience within the very challenging golf market of Croatia. Although equipped with the years of experience within the golf hospitality business, a huge desire for professional learning in area of golf operations and sports coaching led towards furthering education both in the UK and Croatia. Equipped with the strong set of operational and coaching skills is highly committed to developing the golf business at what is currently the only golf course in Istria region.
Basic Information
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Address:
Umag, Croatia
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Date of Birth:
07 October 1986
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Place of Birth:
Pula, Croatia
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Language
Croatian, English
Skills
Golf Coaching
Sport Development
Elite Performance Coaching
Education and Learning
Sports Science
Work Experience
Jan 2019 -
Present
Golf Course Manager, Golf ADRIATIC | PGA National Croatia / www.golf-adriatic.com
Opening in 2009 as part of the touristic Skiper Resort, the course is situated on the seacoast near Umag, Istria. As the venue evolved into a PGA Branded Property, the role centers on strategic and operational leadership of Croatia's only touristic golf course, driving business development and maintaining high international benchmarks in course management.
March 2013 -
Present
Head Golf Professional, Golf ADRIATIC | PGA National Croatia / www.golf-adriatic.com
This role focuses on the development of the golf academy business within a challenging market. Responsibilities include the design and delivery of coaching programs tailored for individuals, juniors, and groups, ensuring that the academy meets the elevated service standards expected of a PGA Branded Property.
Jan 2017 -
Present
National Team Selector & Coach, Croatian Golf Association/ www.golfsavez.hr
This role is responsible for structuring the national selection and coaching programs, implementing selection policies, and overseeing the national talent development strategy. It involves leading the national team at international tournaments and ensuring a cohesive, high-performance coaching support for elite players.
Education
University of Birmingham, Master of Science in Sport Coaching (with distinction)
The School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, 2019 - 2024This Sport Coaching MSc programme is a unique development in the field of sport coaching in seeks to develop high-quality coaches in a research active environment.
Dissertation: Challenges of implementation of evidence-based contemporary coach education programme for golf coaches
University of Split, Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology (Fitness and Leisure)
Faculty of Kinesiology, 2017 - 2020Faculty of Kinesiology offers studies in which high-grade educated professionals in the field of kinesiology, qualified to teach physical education at all levels of education (from preschool to university) are educated. Also, students are educated to teach at all levels of competitive sports for children, adolescents and adults, and recreational activities for adults. Students also are trained to conduct kinesitherapy procedures and programs for people with special needs.
University of Birmingham, Advanced Diploma in Golf Coaching
The School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, 2017 - 2018This Advanced Certificate in Golf Coaching (AdCert) is a unique development in the field of golf coaching in that it seeks to develop you into a high-quality coach through learning in a research-led environment.
University of Birmingham, Foundation Degree in Science (Professional Golf)
The Professional Golfers' Association (GB&I), 2013 - 2016A three-year PGA Foundation Degree (FdSc) involves distance learning on Golf Coaching, Sports Science, Equipment Technology and Custom Fitting, Business Management and Rules of Golf whilst working in the golf industry.
Professional Development
PGA Training programme
The Professional Golfers' Association (GB&I), 2014 - 2016The PGA training programme is a dynamic and exciting course designed exclusively to meet the needs of the golf industry and PGA Professionals. The PGA has been involved in training and educating Golf Professionals for over 50 years and now runs all its programmes from the National Training Academy at The Belfry. A three-year PGA training course includes Foundation Degree (FdSc), UKCC ASQ Level 1 & 2 Certificate in Golf Coaching, Child protection course, First Aid certificate and work placement in the industry for a duration of the programme.
Confederation of Professional Golf, Initial Professional Education (IPE)
3-months programme - 2012A three-month programme that gives an access to an introductory level of coach training while touching on issues around developing both the sport and the industry.
Work
Talent Development Initiative
Croatian Golf Association & PGA of CroatiaThe Golf Talent Development Initiative is formed in collaboration between the Croatian Golf Association & PGA of Croatia, to address a need for an immediate action on developing junior golf in Croatia. Key influencers in golf in Croatia have joined forces to establish programme with a clear pathway for talent development, so both junior participation and competitive golf move forward.
My work included preparation of Talent Development Strategy & preparation of the first application for the R&A National Body Development Grant to receive funding. The initiative is endorsed by The R&A.
Teaching Golf
Individual lessons, Schools, Groups & Team buildingLessons are tailored around each student's individual needs and include a physical screening and assessment, equipment evaluation and technique video analysis, followed by individualized drill routine recommendations. Junior and family lessons are specifically designed to make learning golf fun, easy and safe. With a broad range of club sizes, everyone can join, so kids, parents and grandparents can together participate in learning the game!
Performance Coaching
Elite players coaching, Individual & Team Development planningI aim to develop individuals by helping them create self ownership of golf using an evidence based coaching, player-focused learning environment and reflection based exercises.
My work and achievements with Croatian National Team included a design and implementation of comprehensive Selection Policy for National Teams, a design of coaching programmes and leading the team on World Amateur Team Championships and European Team Championships, including the Win at the European Men’s Team Shield Championship 2018
Golf Sport Development
Golf participation growth & talent development planningAchieving growth means establishing a clear pathway for talent development, from kids/junior participation over long-term talent development towards working with elite players.
Challenges in golf sports development in Croatia we are currently facing include increasing junior participation, supporting long-term talent development with coaching and playing opportunities and finally strengthening coaching program for elite players, so Croatian National Team can further inspire new upcoming talents.
Coach Education
Formal and internationally recognised education for golf coaches.As a programme co-manager, coordinates the project which is a result of the collaboration between the PGA of Croatia and the Croatian Golf Association to address a need for a formal education of golf instructors who would support the development of golf in Croatia. The programme is delivered through the Croatian Institute of Kinesiology, supported by The R&A National Body Development Grant, The Ryder Cup European Development Trust and is meeting requirements for the international recognition by the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG), at Level IPE level.
Organisations
PGA of Croatia
Supporting Education & CPDAs a member of the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG), PGA of Croatia are group of committed golf professionals, which in cooperation with Croatian golf association, are ensuring a development of golf as a sport in Croatia.
The Professional Golfers' Association (The PGA)
AA Class PGA ProfessionalThe PGA is the world’s oldest PGA. As a distinguished members’ organisation, it educates and trains PGA Professionals to degree level. Providing them with the very latest skills which they can employ across all areas of the sport, from golf club management to coaching other golfers.
Croatian Golf Association
Leading Croatian National TeamThe Croatian Golf Association is a governing body for golf in Croatia. It was founded on September 8, 2008 in Zagreb, and today is a member of Croatian Olympic Committee, a member of the European Golf Association (EGA) and the International Golf Federation (IGF).
My Academic Work
Video on Talent Development in Golf
If you are a parent or a coach of a young golfer, this video is for you as it aims to provide examples of good and bad practices, to identify principles which may be used to improve golf talent development environments.
View Video
Player & Participant Development Models
A critical evaluation of player and participant development models for application in the golf talent development environment in a country in Europe where golf is emerging.
Read article
Expertise in Golf Coaching
In almost all endeavours, some people are performing at a significantly higher level than others. These individuals are often recognized and labelled as experts.
Read articleMy Projects
Internationally recognised formal education for golf coaches in Croatia
As a programme co-manager, coordinates the project which is a result of the collaboration between the PGA of Croatia and the Croatian Golf Association to address a need for a formal education of golf instructors who would support the development of golf in Croatia. The programme is delivered through the Croatian Institute of Kinesiology, suported by The R&A National Body Development Grant, The Ryder Cup European Development Trust and is meeting requirements for the international recognition by the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG), at IPE level.
More information (CIK)More information (CGA)
Contact Information
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Address
Umag, Croatia
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Phone
+385 (0)98 424 777 -
Email
dean.duzaic@pga.hr