Falkirk actor swaps the stage for golf course in new web series

Actor David Haydn has taken a year off work to focus on improving his golf and is documenting it on a web series

David Simpson, now known better by his stage name David Haydn, has been out of work for over a year, like so many other actors, due to the global pandemic.

Despite theatres expected to open later this year, the 40-year old expects restrictions to still make life difficult for actors and has taken the decision to spend 2021 on the golf course.

After working in the West End on shows like Kinky Boots and Girl from the North Country, Haydn came home to Falkirk in February 2020 and has not been able to return to London since.

After spending more time than he’d normally be able to on the golf course the inspiration came for his Youtube series “Go Low Like A Pro”.

"The idea is to see how good I can get,” explained David.

"The intention isn't to become a pro golfer, I don't have a particular handicap I want to reach.

"With no theatre or TV work I’ve pretty much been unemployed so I was playing a lot of golf with my dad and my friend Stuart.

"It seems like a universal thought amongst golfers, what if I could give up my job and just play golf? That’s where the inspiration for the challenge came from.”

Haydn is a member of Linlithgow Golf Club but also plays at Falkirk where is dad is a member and says he plans to feature as many local courses as possible in the series.

The series also features guest appearances from some notable names in the sport including Gary Wolstenhome and Jane Connachan.

On top of that, Haydn has also been getting advice from renowned coach Simon Holmes who worked with the likes of Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo.

Despite that and even though the actor is taking the challenge seriously, he says the series is intended to be fun and accessible for everyone.

As well as staring, Haydn also does all the post production work on the series and says he wont take himself too seriously.

"The idea is that It’s just an average guy doing this.

“It's a warts and all approach, I'm happy to show the nonsense, I don't really get embarrassed but I'm happy to make light of things.”

You can follow David's year long jounrey on his Youtbue channel HERE.