Daren was born in Zanesville, Ohio and raised in Sarasota, Florida on Longboat Key. He began his golf career at The Longboat Key Club in 1994, before becoming the Assistant Golf Professional at Sara Bay Country Club. He continued his career as an Assistant Golf Professional at Edgewood Valley Country Club in suburban Chicago, before returning to Sara Bay Country Club as the Head Golf Professional in 2002. He holds his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Florida Atlantic University, where he was co-captain of the baseball team. Daren has received several awards including Merchandiser of the Year for the North Florida PGA Section 2007, NFPGA Southwest Chapter Merchandiser of the Year 2006 & 2015 and was awarded the distinguished Acushnet PGA Apprentice Scholarship in 2000. Daren resides in Bradenton with his wife Kimberly. They have three children, Tyler, Ali and Payton.