Marcus Knight grew up in the Midlands, England, received a golf chipping game from his mother at the age of four — and hasn’t stopped thinking about the sport since. Today, he lives in Obfelden, Zürich, coaches at Swiss Golf Park in Wädenswil and Players Playground in Thalwil, and has been Switzerland’s television golf expert for over two decades. Three-time Swiss PGA Champion, Alps Tour winner and self-confessed shy person — Marcus is one of the most recognisable figures in Swiss golf.

Hooked at Four, Certain by Seven

Marcus’s love affair with golf began with a toy. His mother gave him a chipping game when he was four years old, and something clicked immediately. By seven, he knew that golf would be his life and career — one way or another. There was never any doubt.

In his younger years in England, Marcus worked on building sites and behind bars during the winter months to finance his golf in summer. It was never glamorous, but the goal was always clear: golf came first, everything else was fuel for the journey.

A Quarter Century on the Road

Marcus spent more than twenty-five years travelling the world as a tournament professional — an experience that shaped every aspect of how he understands the game today. “The many mistakes I made during those years have formed who I am today,” he says. It’s a career defined not by perfection but by resilience, curiosity and an unshakable love for competition.

The highlights speak for themselves: three Swiss PGA Championship titles, back-to-back wins at the Barras Memorial Tournament, and an Alps Tour victory in Neuchâtel — achieved while working full-time as a teaching professional. It’s the kind of feat that requires both talent and a refusal to choose between competing and coaching.

Unique, Flexible, Comfortable

Marcus describes his teaching style in three words: unique, flexible, comfortable. His approach is built on baby steps — helping clients feel success before moving to the next challenge, one thought at a time. “This keeps a smile on the face and helps to keep everything relaxed,” he explains.

Technology is part of the toolkit. Marcus uses video analysis and Trackman to give clients immediate, objective feedback — but the emphasis is always on feel and understanding, not numbers for their own sake. Whether on the range or in the indoor simulator at Players Playground, his days are built around eight hours of coaching, guided by the simple belief that every client deserves to leave with a smile.

Switzerland’s Golf Voice

Marcus has been Swiss Television’s golf expert for twenty-two years — a role he took on despite describing himself as a shy person. “Which made the job quite daunting at first,” he admits with a grin. Over the years, the position has become far more than commentary. It gives Marcus a platform to share his passion for the game and influence how people experience golf — always with a serious message but always packed in a smile.

His social media presence follows the same philosophy. On Instagram (@mkgolflife), Marcus brings a light-hearted, entertaining approach to golf content, making the sport feel accessible and fun without ever losing substance.

Labradors, Sports Cars and Staying Alive

Off the course, Marcus is usually found relaxing with his wife and their two Labradors — while still thinking about golf. If Plan A had never worked out, he says he’d be selling sports cars — “probably the second-best job in the world.”

As for the next five years? Marcus keeps it refreshingly simple: “My life is pretty great, so the goal is to stay alive and keep on enjoying it.”

Bring Back the Butterflies

Marcus’s wish for Swiss golf is heartfelt and specific: he wants golfers to rediscover the joy of competition. “I hear too often that people say they don’t play tournaments because they just want to have fun,” he says. “That breaks my heart — because the feeling of pride and joy when you perform in a tournament can make your season.”

Marcus believes the butterflies in your stomach before a competition should be embraced, not avoided — just like a first date. His message to the next generation of coaches is equally clear: “Find out what makes each unique, individual client smile — and repeat. We deal with people’s hobbies. Your clients have enough stress in their professional lives. When they come to their hobby place, make sure they experience as many smiles as possible.”