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This Golfing Life

5. Danielle Thwaites: Tour Pro, Super Mum and Back Again

April 16 · 1 hr 5 min
0:00-1:05:56

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Danielle Thwaites, formerly Danielle Masters, was a rising star on the Ladies European Tour, a Curtis Cup player, and a prodigious talent in English golf — until injury and life took her away from the game. In this episode of This Golfing Life, Danielle shares her incredible journey: from picking up her first club as an 11-year-old in Maidstone, Kent, to competing internationally, facing career-halting injuries, and navigating the highs and lows of motherhood — including raising her son Stanley, who was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome.

Now back in love with the game, Danielle talks about her return to golf, her determination to qualify for the AIG Women’s British Open, and how her passion for the sport and life has been shaped by resilience, family, and a relentless drive to enjoy every moment.

Join host Dan Davies as he uncovers Danielle’s stories from life on tour, the adversity she’s faced, and her inspiring comeback to the game she loves. You can follow Danielle’s journey on Instagram at @danielle.golfer and on You Tube at DanielleGolf.

Listen and follow to hear:

  • How Danielle became an England international in just two years

  • Life on the Ladies European Tour and the Curtis Cup experience

  • Overcoming career-ending injury and stepping away from golf for a decade

  • Raising a child with Williams syndrome and navigating family challenges

  • Her journey back to competitive golf and dreams of the AIG Women’s British Open

20% discount at Sounder: Listen to this episode to get a 20% discount code off your next basket at SounderGolf.com 

Follow Dan Davies and find out more about RNGC, Britain’s toughest test of extreme short golf, at @RNGC2021

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Danielle Thwaites

02:00 20 years ago: Who was Danielle Masters?

03:26 Meeting Jon, her future husband, aged 16

04:51 Danielle's start in golf and meteoric rise

10:05 Playing for England and unfortunate wardrobe choices

13:05 Highlights of Danielle's amateur career

16:58 Michelle Wie aged 13

19:54 Turning pro and playing on tour

26:55 Saving a life, getting injured, walking away from golf

33:47 Retraining, starting a business, marriage and motherhood

38:00 Bringing up a child with Williams syndrome

50:24 Turning 40 and turning back to golf

53:58 PING & reconnecting with her golf family

58:26 The new goal: Playing in the AIG Women's British Open


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