GOLF TEACHING PRO MAGAZINE^®
 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By Geoff Bryant USGTF President and C.E.O.

Recently, I paired up with a stranger on the first tee in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. He was a very friendly chap who was struggling somewhat with his game. On the third hole, as we were walking down the fairway he said, “You know, Geoff, I’m really not sure why I play this game – it continually punishes me – but then there’s that certain enjoyment it offers, as well.” I laughingly replied that perhaps we all just enjoy being punished! For a high-handicapper though, I felt that his statement was quite profound. In fact, he may have hit the nail on the head in describing golf and how so many high-handicappers truly feel about the game.

One of the things I’ve always known about teaching golf is that we not only possess a unique opportunity in helping people improve, but also in helping certain individuals to simply feel good about themselves. What I mean by this is that in today’s modern, fast-paced world, life can have a tendency to beat up on people. Then, of course, if you throw in the golf learning process, you have what many would refer to as a double whammy! And that’s why qualities such as empathy, humility, patience and encouragement are important traits to possess in our trade. Even in general conversation, exhibiting some of these traits with your students can have a tremendous healing effect. In fact, when you think about it, we harbor quite a responsibility in this regard.

I believe that to acquire these characteristics or human decencies is a part of wisdom, acquired over time, that this profession of ours allows us to display. I’ve witnessed this countless times by Level IV Master Golf Teaching Professionals® at certification courses throughout the country. For example, not all, but many candidates are slightly nervous – especially during the one-on-one verbal teaching test. This is common and certainly understandable since many are brand new at teaching. However, the real question that the examiner asks himself is, “Does this candidate have the potential to become a competent, effective golf teaching professional?” Since we all learn, grow and become more confident at what we do through repetition, most often the answer is yes, because the actual subject knowledge that the candidate displays is evident.

From the examiners’ point of view, the verbal teaching test is their final opportunity to teach, encourage and share their personal insights into the golf teaching profession with their soon-to-be peers in the industry.

As opposed to intimidating or condescendingly correcting from a feeling of superiority, we’re fortunate in that USGTF examiners, and hopefully those representing the World Golf Teachers Federation, feel a certain affinity with our members. In fact, I would have to say that mutual respect is one of the main forces that cause many to exceed their capabilities and has always been the impetus of our organization.

The unwritten moral principle that the entire World Golf Teachers Federation was founded upon has always been to educate, and provide opportunity and respectful consideration for each candidate. It is then our hope that through this productive effort, USGTF members will in turn, help, encourage and be empathetic to the needs of their clients, as well. Together, think of how many lives the USGTF and WGTF continue to enhance each day throughout the world.