1 Oct 2024

REGION UPDATE

Southwest – Ron Cox from Nashville, Tennessee, has done it again. Cox won yet another USGTF region championship when he captured the Southwest title at Twin Creeks Golf Club in McAllen, Texas, with a two-round total of 141 to run away from the field. Jeff Kennedy and Yuan Li finished as co-runners-up at 158. Region director Bruce Sims rounded out the top four with a 159 total.

Cox has won region titles in the Southwest, Southeast and Central regions. This concludes USGTF regional action for the year. Stay tuned for the 2025 schedule, which is slated to kick off with the Southeast Region Championship to be played February in Florida.
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1 Oct 2024

CANARY ISLANDS AND WGTF

By John Carr

With its year-round sunshine and average daily temperatures of 25°C, the Canary Islands is a perfect place for us to help people become golf coaches! With 23 courses spread over the seven islands, it greets in excess of 16 million visitors and over 150,000 golfers per year. It’s the second-most visited Spanish territory and is unique in that the universal spoken language across the islands is English.

The islands have become a European mecca for golf, with facilities and courses being presented in such a way to ensure the players have a first-class experience and keep coming back. Many of the courses are ranked as some of the best in Europe and some have and do host DP World Tour events. Whilst the playing facilities on the islands are very advanced, the coaching environment is not as mature, and as such provides us with a great opportunity to expand the game and help more and more people become a golf coach in a perfect golfing environment.

Our new Canary Island coach, John Carr, will be delivering our onsite training content for our new coaches. John is currently a WGTF coach from the U.K. and will be relocating to the Canary Islands to help us get more coaches teaching our great game. John has been in and around golf for over 30 years and has been working in his local community (in association with Kent Golf) growing the game with younger golfers across the county. He also organises golf trips with tuition to the Canary Islands.

John’s holistic approach to the modern game includes how to incorporate strength, flexibility, nutrition, mindset and a positive mental approach to the comprehensive WGTF teaching techniques we apply for the ultimate positive experience of golfers.

Our coaching product will be offered to both male and female coaches to ensure we are capturing the opportunities to coach men, women and young golfers across all age ranges and abilities.

We will keep you updated on our progress in the area and the timeline for when the launch dates are determined.
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1 Oct 2024

“PRO” FILE – WINNING PRESIDENTS CUP TEAM, THE USA

On the heels of Team USA recapturing the Solheim Cup in the women’s version of team golf, the Americans once again took down the International squad in the Presidents Cup played at Royal Montreal (Canada) in late September. Team USA raced out to a 5-0 lead on day one in the fourball competition, only for the Internationals to return the favor on day two, winning all five foursome matches. This gave hope that this year’s competition would be competitive.

However, the superior American depth showed itself on the weekend with the USA eventually winning, 18 1/2 – 11 1/2. Many keen observers bemoan the fact that the USA has been so dominant in this competition as the International squad has only won one time in 30 years. Short of saying that the Americans must sit out their 12 best players, it looks like the competition will be one-sided for quite some time, unfortunately.  
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1 Oct 2024

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER DAVE HWANG

By Dave Hwang  

In 1995 I moved to the United States from South Korea as a representative member of Asiana Airlines. This was where I first encountered golf. Initially, golf was just a pastime hobby, an activity that I picked up because of work, but as I continued, it slowly became one of my life’s passions. I found it fascinating and challenging, and I found myself delving deeper into the study of golf in both theory and practice.

Over the years, I realized I wanted to share this passion for golf with others, especially in the larger Korean community. In 2004 I received USGTF education from Master Golf Teaching Professional Mark Harman and obtained the title of Certified Golf Teaching Professional. I began teaching golf in the Korean community.

From young children who have barely mastered their fine motor skills to the middle-aged parents seeking new hobbies, I had the privilege of teaching golf to a wide spectrum of people. In many ways, teaching has been a learning curve. As I crafted and tailored lesson after lesson, I realized that GPS + ABC is crucial for anyone learning golf. GPS (GRIP / POSTURE / STANCE) + ABC (ALIGNMENT / BALANCE / CONCENTRATION) are, in my opinion, the most important aspects for all golfers.

I also emphasize the importance of putting, considering it as another game in golf. For Korean golfers, I highlight the saying, “putting is money” and “putting is rice,” underlining the significance of putting and emphasizing square impact in putting. Especially on flat ground, the ball must go straight, requiring the putter to hit square during impact. I regularly practice stroking with two balls to ensure they roll at a similar speed.

I obtained the master certification in 2014, and in efforts to make golf more linguistically accessible to the Korean community in the United States, I wrote and distributed several golf manuals in Korean. With information so readily available nowadays, I do caution against self-teaching for beginner golfers. Often, I found that this could lead to poor form that is difficult to correct.

As of now, I am currently working as a foreign language master professional examiner in Georgia and Chicago. Georgia has one of the fastest-growing Korean communities in the United States. Here, I aim to initiate regular meetings and competitions among USGTF professionals to discuss and research teaching methods, and work towards stabilizing lesson prices.  
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1 Oct 2024

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – SAL MARTINEZ

By Scott Henry

I am a USGTF golf teaching professional and the head golf coach at Sharyland Pioneer High School in Mission, Texas. The student I wish to highlight is Salvador Martinez, Jr. Sal will be a sophomore during the 2024-2025 school year. Originally from Edinburg, Texas, Sal became interested in the game of golf when his dad, Salvador, Sr., a military veteran, played golf at the military bases. Sal’s curiosity sparked him to join the golf team in junior high school.

As he learned more about the game, Sal became more and more involved. As his golf game improved, he decided to split his time with his first love, baseball. Sal earned several accolades during his freshman year, including qualifying for regionals with his top-5 finish at our district tournament, which is considered the toughest golfing district in the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, Sal earned an honorable mention for his first year’s campaign.

Fueled by this success, Sal created a summer golf schedule balanced with practice and golf tournaments, which will allow him to improve his proficiency in the game. The plan is to continue working on his golf swing mechanics, golf course management and proficiency. After high school, Sal wants to play golf on the collegiate level. His goal is to play for one of his favorite schools, either Notre Dame or the University of Oklahoma. His dream is to become a golf professional and qualify in the most prestigious tournaments in the world, such as the Masters and the U.S. Open. With Sal’s drive, passion and love for the game, I look forward to being with him every step of the way and seeing where the game of golf takes him. Birdies and eagles!  
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1 Oct 2024

INDUSTRY PARTNER – CALLAWAY GOLF

When Ely Callaway first heard of the USGTF back in 1993, he and USGTF founder Geoff Bryant struck up a friendship that endured until Callaway passed away in 2001. Callaway was a great supporter of the USGTF and provided members with the first opportunity to take advantage of a manufacturer’s product at a discounted rate.

Here we are in 2024 and Callaway is still on board as a USGTF industry partner. Callaway remains a leader in developing golf club technology, being the first to use AI technology in designing golf clubs. Callaway also has other products, most notably its golf balls, but has also expanded into accessories and apparel. USGTF members wishing to take advantage of Callaway’s personal use discount program (known as the Callaway VIP Program) may contact the USGTF National Office at info@usgtf.com or call (772) 88-USGTF
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1 Oct 2024

EDITORIAL – THE POWER OF GENETICS – ODDS FAMOUS GOLFERS’ CHILDREN WILL SUCCEED IN PRO GOLF

One of the greatest blessings children of famous athletes have is that the odds are great that they will be blessed with top-level athletic ability to succeed at least at the collegiate level. They also will have every resource available to them to maximize their potential.

However, one of the greatest curses children of famous athletes have is that, well, they are children of famous athletes. Not only do they have the pressure of living up to what mom or dad did, but coming from a privileged environment often leads to an insufficient work ethic. The son of one Hall of Fame golfer told the USGTF staff several years ago that because of his privileged environment, he simply wasn’t hungry enough to put in the time and effort necessary.

Examples of sons succeeding at the highest level of sports are few and far between. Most notable is baseball player Barry Bonds, son of Bobby, and in golf we have Bill Haas, son of Jay. Gary Nicklaus, son of Jack, had his cup of coffee on the PGA Tour, as did Andy Miller, son of Johnny. The problem of following in a parent’s footsteps, even if it’s in another sport, is that there is a certain undefinable talent that only a very, very few possess to reach the top professional level, and working extremely hard and correctly to maximize whatever talent the children possess often isn’t enough.

Now we have Charlie Woods attempting to follow in his dad Tiger’s footsteps. So far, he has nowhere near the accomplishments “Pops” does, nor should he be expected to have them. Charlie is an individual in his own right, and Tiger is one of the two greatest golfers to ever play (we’ll leave the debate as to whom is the best for another time). He might be a late bloomer or a never-bloomer – we have no way of knowing at this time. The best we can do is sit back, enjoy how he progresses and let him be his own person.
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1 Sep 2024

US CUP REGISTRATION DEADLINE

The deadline to enter the 2024 United States Golf Teachers Cup, to be held Monday and Tuesday, October 7-8 at Painted Desert Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, is Monday, September 9. As in recent years, this tournament will feature a concurrent pro-am (although bringing an amateur partner is not required for participation). The entry fee of $595 includes two rounds of tournament golf plus range balls, prize money and an awards luncheon following play. Play will be contested in three divisions: Open, Senior and Super Senior, with women competitors placed in the appropriate age division playing from shorter tees.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet members of the USGTF National Office, including CEO and president Brandon Lee. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.usgtf.com/uscup.
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1 Sep 2024

NOVEMBER MASTER COURSE

Are you interested in taking your teaching skills to the next level? The next USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional® certification course will be held Monday-Wednesday, December 9-11, at the USGTF National Office in Fort Pierce, Florida. In addition to lower playing ability test requirements, candidates must submit a written thesis, complete a shotmaking demonstration and pass a written teaching test. Candidates must have been a fully certified member in good standing for a minimum of 12 months. Many participants call it one of the most beneficial learning environments they have experienced.

To register, please visit http://www.usgtf.com/master-golf-teaching-professional.
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1 Sep 2024

CGTF CUP A ROUSING SUCCESS

By Marc Ray, CGTF President

It has been almost 20 years since British Columbia hosted the CGTF Cup, making this year’s tournament at Green Tee Country Club in Langley on May 14 a special and historic occasion. Most of the participants played a fun practice round, adding to the excitement and camaraderie. The general consensus was everyone had a great time and cannot wait for the tournament to return in Western Canada.

We extend our warmest regards to everyone who traveled from near and far to participate. Your presence and enthusiasm made this event truly memorable. The camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed as you cheered each other on exemplify the spirit of golf and community. A special congratulations to Bobby Flouris, who triumphed with an impressive one-under-par score of 71, mastering the challenging Green Tee course and winning the Bob Bryant Trophy. The course played like summer conditions — fast and firm but fair — making it a fun and enjoyable venue for all. Bobby’s performance was nothing short of spectacular on the well-conditioned track. He was able to run away with the win as a first-time participant.

We also commend Michael Fraser for his remarkable second-place finish, along with Ken Beaumont and Jesung Woo, who tied for third place. Tim Crough and Gilles LeBlanc secured a tie for fifth. Our 2023 champion, yours truly, finished in sixth place this year. Daryn Kreppi’s journey from Windsor, Ontario, proved to be well worth while as he ground out a solid round to earn a passing score for his playing ability test requirements and attained his full certification.

A special thank you also goes out to Master Golf Teaching Professional Curtis Nelson of Drive Golf Academy for hosting the pre-tournament golf social for the CGTF members. This event allowed participants to warm up their swings and meet each other in person. The CGTF utilizes Zoom for many continuing education sessions, which have built strong connections and friendships, making it fantastic to meet in person for the first time. The golf swing discussions were so much fun.

Thank you once again to all the participants, and a special shoutout to Valerie Beebe and Nitro Rite, who contributed to the success of this tournament, capturing photos of each of the parings. We look forward to seeing you all next year for another exciting edition of the CGTF Cup back in Ontario. Bobby has committed to come out and try to defend his title in 2025.

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