Alfred Turnipseed USGTF Level III Member Brooklyn, NY

My love affair and exposure to golf began at about eleven years of age in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. I began by caddying to earn a few extra dollars. Throughout my high school career, caddying was a major source of income by leaps and bounds. My cousin and I built a three-hole golf course on our property to improve our playing skills. I was hooked on this game.

After graduating from Clark College in Atlanta, I moved to New York City. My thirst for golf was still increasing. I played golf at every opportunity. I became a student of the game, taking lessons, reading golf books and publications, and obtaining knowledge about the game from any source possible.

Throughout the years, my ability to analyze golf methods and techniques has improved tremendously. My friends and golf buddies would always seek me out to correct any flaws or deficiencies in their golf games.

My occupation as a financial professional afforded me many opportunities to teach and to play with many golf enthusiasts. Many business opportunities presented themselves on the golf course.

I met a wonderful man on the golf course named Sid. He decided that I had something special to offer to this great game. He was a teaching professional and we became very good friends. Sid was to become my teacher and mentor. I took lessons from him for about four years. Sometimes, we would just sit for hours talking about golf theory. He opened a completely new world to me. My golf education continued with Sid until he died, but I was left with knowledge of the game that made me want to seek more. However, I needed to move in a different direction.

Playing golf one day in New York City, a golfer in my foursome who was a stranger asked for my help to fix his slice. After offering a few pointers, to my amazement, he said, "You are hired, if you want the job." "What job?" I asked. He was a high school principal and needed a golf pro in the adult education department. He had known me for less than two hours but presented me this opportunity on the spot. Later, he said my approach to the game, my knowledge, my demeanor and my attire had impressed him. I was thrilled and accepted the position.

But, after a few months of being the high school golf professional, I needed more credentials. The United States Golf Teachers Federation was suggested. I called this organization and was sent materials to study and to contemplate. Certification was my next step in becoming a teaching professional.

The USGTF has changed my life since I became a member. Not only have my teaching skills improved, I am a more confident person. Knowing that I can go anywhere in the world and be recognized as a true teaching professional fills me with an enormous amount of pride.

The USGTF as an added dimension is very satisfying. We are caretakers of the game.

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