Blog

14 Nov 2014 Corina Pelloni

COMPETITIVE GOLF

Someone once said there are the two games of golf: golf with friends and tournament golf. It goes without being said that each game is completely different than the other. Either you play golf, or you play competitive golf. As golf teaching professionals, it is important for us to teach both. A majority of our work will be with the average golfer, helping them learn the game. Maybe one student wants to break 100 for first time, while another doesn’t want to be embarrassed at their annual work scramble. For those who desire to play non-competitively, we have all the answers. We can work fundamentals and teach them to develop a better short game. After awhile and when they become more confident in their game and their performance, some students begin to consider playing in tournaments, dreaming of winning their club championship. As their instructor, this is where we need to begin teaching them about the competitive aspect of the game. Most of us have played tournaments at some level: high school, college, mini-tours, or even taking our PAT. We know competitive golf. We know what it’s like to battle nerves on the first tee. We know how doubt can creep into our thoughts. We know what it feels like to have our hands shaking on a three-foot putt. However, for the most part, we also know how to control those situations. These are the life lessons of playing competitive golf that we are responsible to teach our students. They need to know we can relate because we have experienced those feelings – and still do. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of playing in the US Golf Teachers Cup in Las Vegas. Even though I have played in many tournaments, it amazes me how nervous I still get before I hit my first tee shot. Coming back from that tournament, I was able to communicate with my students about my successes and failures, things I learned, and things I need to improve on. After sharing my stories, I was amazed at how they opened up about their experiences. Before, they were afraid to admit how they were feeling; now they were relieved to hear that even their instructor battles nervousness on the course. They didn’t just learn about how I got out of different shot scenarios – they learned about the trials and tribulations of competitive golf. We are all busy, and sometimes it’s difficult to make the time for tournament play. My challenge is for each of you to sign up for one in the next few months. You will be amazed what you will learn about yourself and how much you can teach your students from your experiences.

28 Oct 2014 Corina Pelloni

USGTF Official Statement On PGA Of America And Ted Bishop

On Thursday, Ocotber 23, Ted Bishop, then president of the PGA of America, used social media to call professional golfer Ian Poulter a “lil girl” and compared him to a “little girl squealing at recess.”  Bishop’s remarks were in response to Poulter’s criticism in his new book of six-time major winner Nick Faldo, who had become a good friend of Bishop’s. On Friday, October 24, the PGA of America’s board of directors voted to dismiss Bishop from his position as president due to these remarks.  Although his tenure as PGA president will be recognized, he will not be accorded the position of an honorary past president as is customary. Since the USGTF was founded in 1989, we have had a record of inclusion and opportunity for all, including women.  The USGTF does not approve or condone in any way Bishop’s remarks. Having said that, the PGA of America’s punishment does not fit the crime.  Bishop has had a long history of promoting women’s and girls’ golf, in addition to promoting the game for all.  The actions of Bishop in this arena have been nothing short of exemplary, including the formation of the inaugural Women’s PGA Championship and calling on the R&A to admit women members. Interestingly, the PGA of America has itself had a long history of discrimination, including African-Americans, women, and today older people.  The current structure of the PGA of America’s apprentice program makes it virtually impossible for an older person to become a PGA of America member.  In contrast, the USGTF has always welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds. The USGTF is also on record as saying the PGA Tour should sharply reduce its entry fee for qualifying for the PGA Tour, in order for more qualified minorities to be able to afford the process.  Unlike the USGTF, the PGA of America has remained silent on this matter, and therefore is complicit in the lack of minorities on the PGA Tour. Bishop has apologized for his remarks, which we are convinced do not reflect his personal beliefs regarding female golfers, given his long track record in this regard.  When you take into account his entire body of work, it is obvious to us that the PGA of America’s action towards Bishop was unwarranted and has unnecessarily tarnished him and his legacy.  We believe a public reprimand and allowing Bishop to gracefully apologize, which the PGA of America did not permit him to do, was the correct course of action.