As “specialists” in the field of teaching golf, we all know that the measure of a successful lesson is whether the students have a truly rewarding experience. When teaching professionals possess effective communication skills and can understand students’ needs, they are better able to promote memorable experiences that enhance the learning environment.

This member publication helps to provide a platform for furthering our members’ personal and professional interests. The USGTF is committed to offering the best in educational golf teaching-related articles and online materials that address the latest developments in golf instruction.

Recent publications created by the USGTF this past year include Golf Drills for Teaching Professionals, Mental Rules for Teaching Golf, and the Pro Shop Guide. Web-based learning tools are also an increasing valuable area of emphasis for the USGTF, and even more will be online in the future.

Also, our organization is entering into a new phase of education through its continual development of video and CD productions titled Concepts for Better Teaching. To be released this summer are three new videos, one titled “How to Teach Kids,” one titled “All About Teaching Golf,” and the third will delve into the history of the game.

For many of the above reasons, the USGTF and all member nations that make up the World Golf Teachers Federation have grown to become the world’s largest organization of strictly teaching professionals. Not being restrained by “old world” traditions, we have been able to evolve and grow with the help of many teaching pioneers. These individuals continue to redefine the teaching aspect of golf with their personalities, innovation and spirit. As a result, all of us have become privileged in defining the true direction of modern golf instruction. We have the opportunity to pass many of these concepts on to generations of players.

Many Level IV members are taking advantage of becoming examiners themselves. Instituted three short years ago, the Examiner’s Training Program, held the day after all Level IV courses, has been received enthusiastically. It’s one thing to impart our knowledge to the general public; it’s another thing entirely to influence those who teach this great game. While people are divided politically whether “trickle-down” economics work, few would doubt the value of the “trickle-down” effect our teacher training programs have on the general golfing public.

I hope you enjoy this issue and please don’t hesitate to share any interesting golf teaching related information with us. 

Happy Teaching!