Student Spotlight – De’ja McLetchie
By Ricky Campbell, USGTF Master Teaching Professional, Trinidad & Tobago
After teaching for 17 years, last year Mr. Sheppard, a very good friend, ask why not start an academy so I can share my gift and knowledge with the children on the little island most people call Tobago, but I call home. So, I started the Ricky Campbell Golf Academy (RCGA), with seven children at first, and to date it has grown to 60 children ages 5 to 14. My goal is to expose them to the game at the age I was, but with a certified instructor, which I most thank the USGTF.
It’s not a year yet, and I have four students who are very promising, so I chose to feature the female for this article. When De’ja McLetchie started, no one was as shy as she was, and I’ve watched as she has grown into someone very positive. As for golf, with her parents’ support and instructions and yours truly, I can see a bright future. I’ve even got about 15 of the parents involved, and they are loving it, too.
I cannot end without saying thanks to Jim (Mr. Hollywood) Perez and his wife Marci for the golf clubs donated to the RCGA, of which De’ja is one of the recipients.
Yader Jara Alvarez became a member of the USGTF in 2011 and gained his Master Golf Teaching Professional teaching license in 2015. He lives in Varas Al Oeste, Nicaragua.
Nicaragua is located in Central America. There are three golf courses; two of them are located in the south of the country where one can enjoy surfing, as well, and Nejapa Golf & Country Club, located in the capital, Managua.
Alvarez said, “Since I met golf, I found my passion. The first time in a golf course, I felt as I was in paradise. Once I learned how to play, I fell in love with the game.”
He continued, “Back in 2001, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant pro. It was a wonderful experience. Through the years, I knew it was I wanted to do in my life – help others to enjoy the game.”
After obtaining his Certified Golf Teaching Professional status in 2011, Alvarez found windows of opportunity opening. Today, he’s the head professional at Nejapa, where he started as an assistant.
“All I have to say is thanks God and thanks to United States Golf Teachers Federation for bring all the joy and blessings to me and my family, said Alvarez.
We called it! In our April e-newsletter, Cameron Smith was the featured pro, and we wrote these prescient words: “…it would surprise no one if he were to win a major championship sometime soon.” Smith wasted no time in winning his first major championship just three short months later when he won The Open at St. Andrews in Scotland.
By Rafael Conde, Director, USGTF-Mexico
During 2022, the golf business in Mexico is slowly getting back to its usual activity as COVID-19 is more under control. With this situation, some requests for certification courses and teaching lessons are also gaining interest.
The USGTF golf teaching method is highly appreciated by golfers in the country, since it is recognized as a reliable method for improving players’ golfing skills and their understanding of the game. As recommended by the USGTF, we, as teaching professionals, must understand our clients.
It has been also very helpful to pursue our certification courses for caddies, since it is of vital importance for them to have a clear understanding of what is considered excellent caddying work. It is vital that they have the correct information. Since this population has been neglected for many years in Mexico, we have been actively promoting with golf club managers the importance of having properly trained and certified caddies. Here, the club managers are contributing with half of the cost of the course and the other half is covered by the caddie. During this year, we have conducted two certification courses for caddies, one with 50 people and other with 45. These courses are conducted during two consecutive days.
For the balance of this year, we expect to conduct one Level 3 certification course. Now that the COVID-19 crisis is possibly under control, we expect to have a better 2023.
