Regional Tournament Update on green next to golf ball with a USGTF logo
31 Jul 2025

REGION UPDATE

United States Golf Teachers Cup – The 29th annual championship will be held Monday and Tuesday, September 22-23, at Stallion Mountain Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration can be found at http://www.usgtf.com/uscup/

Southwest – One region championship remains to be played this year, and that is the USGTF Southwest Region Championship, to be held Saturday and Sunday, September 6-7, at The Golf Club at Twin Creeks in Allen, Texas, just north of Dallas. There will be a practice round on Friday, September 5, with a meet and greet later that evening at 6:00 p.m. The entry fee is $250 with an optional $20 skins game each day. As a reminder, all USGTF members in good standing are eligible to play regardless of residence. For more information and to enter, please contact region director Bruce Sims at bsims@pga.com.
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South African flag waving in left corner of beautiful golden hour with blue sky of South Africa Mountains, sea, and community
31 Jul 2025

NEWS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

South African flag waving in left corner of beautiful golden hour with blue sky of South Africa Mountains, sea, and communityBy Ruald Strydom, SAGTF Member

Golf in South Africa embodies a blend of tradition, diversity, and natural beauty. The sport is deeply ingrained in the fabric of South African society, appealing to a broad spectrum of players from various backgrounds.

South Africa’s golfing landscape is as diverse as its people and landscapes. From the lush green fairways of the Garden Route to the arid beauty of the Karoo, golf courses are scattered across the country, offering players not just a game but an immersive experience in different environments. The Western Cape, with its wine country and coastal vistas, contrasts with the rugged terrains of Mpumalanga and the scenic wonders of KwaZulu-Natal.

Local clubs often serve as hubs for social interaction, charity events, and grassroots development programs. These clubs, nestled in urban centers and rural communities alike, contribute to the sport’s accessibility and popularity throughout the nation.

This unique blend of golf and wildlife sets South Africa apart as a destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an adventure beyond the fairways. It’s a testament to the country’s ability to offer a multifaceted experience, where the sport of golf seamlessly integrates with the natural wonders that make South Africa a truly exceptional destination.
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Luxor Las Vegas 2025 US Cup Host Hotel
31 Jul 2025

FINAL CALL FOR LUXOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS FOR THE US CUP

Luxor Las Vegas 2025 US Cup Host Hotel
The Luxor has become one of Las Vegas’ top iconic venues with its pyramid shape, paying homage to a far away and long-ago land. It has also served as an excellent host hotel for past United States Golf Teachers Cups, and once again will fulfill that role for 2025. Special rates have been arranged for U.S. Cup participants, and the deadline to take advantage of these rates is August 27th.

Reservations at The Luxor may be made at https://book.passkey.com/event/50989197/owner/4939/home.
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29th Annual US Golf Teachers Cup Sept 22-23. Hosted by Luxor Las Vegas. Entry deadline August 25th!! Golf course with Las Vegas background and iconic sign.
31 Jul 2025

DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THE US CUP

29th Annual US Golf Teachers Cup Sept 22-23. Hosted by Luxor Las Vegas. Entry deadline August 25th!! Golf course with Las Vegas background and iconic sign.

Great fun and great competition await competitors for this year’s United States Golf Teachers Cup, to be held Monday and Tuesday, September 22nd-23rd, at Stallion Mountain Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada. August 25th at 5:00 p.m. EDT is the entry deadline to enter the tournament.

This year’s U.S. Cup features play in three divisions: Open, Senior and Super Senior with women participants given a yardage break. A concurrent pro-am will be played, although USGTF participants are not required to bring an amateur partner to compete. All amateurs must have a current USGA handicap index available through the GHIN system or its recognized equivalent.

To enter, please visit http://www.usgtf.com/uscup.
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30 Jun 2025

EVERY HOUR, SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD, GOLF LESSONS ARE BEING CONDUCTED BY WGTF MEMBERS



One of the deep philosophical nuggets from the book Golf in the Kingdom was the fact that at any second on Earth, a golf ball is in the air somewhere. That’s how pervasive the game has become worldwide.

A corollary to that is the fact that at any given moment around the world, a World Golf Teachers Federation member is giving a lesson somewhere. This shows the incredible reach that the WGTF has made in just 32 short years of its existence. And this is in large part why every member nation in 2026 will adapt the WGTF name and become one global golf teachers’ organization.

All of this would not be possible if not for the fact that WGTF members take their craft seriously and diligently strive to give the best lessons and coaching possible, continually learning, and refining their craft. As we continue into the 21st century, bigger and better things are coming to fruition for the worldwide organization that is the WGTF.
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30 Jun 2025

USGTF INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT – COBRA DARKSPEED ADAPT DRIVER

Cobra Golf has taken adjustability to a new level with its Darkspeed Adapt series. Each model has 33 possible settings to fine tune and adjust ball flight to a degree never before possible. The four models are the LS driver for low spin and workability; the X driver which should fit most golfers; the Max-driver for maximum forgiveness, and the Max-D driver, with heel-biased weighting to fight slices in a lightweight head.

Each driver comes in a sleek modern look to inspire confidence, and with a choice from multiple shaft options, every golfer is sure to find their proper fit in order to hit fairways with incredible distance. USGTF members are eligible to receive a personal use discount and should call the National Office at (772) 88-USGTF for information.
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30 Jun 2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – ZANDER ZAFAR

Zander Zafar from Texas is a junior golfer under the tutelage of USGTF member Kurt Graves, and is making waves as one of the state’s best junior players. Zander has shot in the 60s multiple times, placed 2nd overall in the district tournament, 2nd place in the regionals and placed 22nd in the state tournament his sophomore year. He attends a small 2A school but plays against players from 5A and 6A schools, consistently finishing in the top 10. He recently joined the Texas Junior Golf Tour to play against more advanced competition.

“Zander is great to work with, he will take in the information, process it and then put it to use in his swing,” said Graves. “He has come a long way from when he first started. I am proud of the way he has progressed in his golf game and his mental game. I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in college golf.”

Zander said, “I got started in golf due to a loss of interest in baseball. My dad pushed for me to learn the game of golf at the age of 13. My biggest struggles would be how to keep composed and focused through the ups and downs on an 18-hole round or a 36- to 72-hole tournament. This is something I just have to work on round by round and remind myself to stay focused and worry about the next shot. I would love to compete at golf on the next level in college.” You can visit his social media on Instagram @zander.zafargolf.
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30 Jun 2025

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER ARI RIEGER

By Ari Rieger

Growing up as a multi-sport athlete in Mill Valley, California, I didn’t take up golf until I was 14 years old, going into high school. Despite the late start, I instantly fell in love with the game and quickly improved. By my junior year, I was named team captain of my high school golf team. I made all-league teams three consecutive years and won the league championship individual title in my senior year.

I continued my competitive playing career at Occidental College, where I was also named team captain as a junior. Through my roles as captain of my high school and college teams, I discovered my passion for coaching. Leading, assisting and encouraging my teammates brought me immense satisfaction. I realized that for me, the true joy of golf is not just in playing but in sharing the love for the game and watching others grow and succeed.

In 2019, I pursued my goal of becoming a golf teaching professional. By 2020, I earned my USGTF certification and began teaching full-time. Additionally, I am a PGA Associate, American Development Model (ADM)-certified, PGA HOPE instructor and certified club fitter. As a coach, I believe in an individualized and holistic approach. I am passionate about helping players of all ages and skill levels achieve their best. My teaching philosophy includes incorporating modern technology, such as video and 3D analysis, with old-school fundamentals, course management and mental game coaching. I enjoy working with everyone from new players to experienced golfers, always striving to help them play better and have more fun.

The greatest reward in coaching for me comes from witnessing the progress and joy of my students. My career is driven by a deep love for the game and a commitment to helping my students find greater enjoyment, confidence, and success.

Currently, I serve as the head golf professional at Willowick Golf Course in Santa Ana, California, and am the director of the all-new Willowick Golf Academy, established in December 2023. Most days I can be found giving a lesson or instructing a class on the driving range and practice green, or on the golf course with my students. If I’m not teaching, you’ll probably find me practicing or out playing golf. When I’m not at the golf course, I enjoy spending time at home by the beach in San Clemente with my wife Jayne, my cat Ollie, and my friends.
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30 Jun 2025

“PRO” FILE – US OPEN CHAMPIONS J.J. SPAUN AND MAJA STARK



Ed Furgol. Jack Fleck. Steve Jones. Michael Campbell. Wyndham Clark. You can now add the name J.J. Spaun to that list of unlikely U.S. Open winners when he outlasted a stellar field to win the 125th championship at Oakmont Country Club. Spaun finished in style, birdieing the final two holes to clinch a two-shot victory.

With Robert McIntyre in the clubhouse at +1 and everyone else at +1 or better still on the course, it was looking good for McIntyre, but Spaun closed in style to finish the deal. Spaun is the prototypical journeyman, having played on the PGA Tour since 2017 with one prior victory to his credit. But in 2025 he has played very well, including a playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at The Players. This almost certainly will turn out to be the biggest victory in his career and should be a mainstay on the professional scene for quite some time.

Like Spaun, Stark is somewhat of a journeywoman, although she is quite young and only turned professional in 2021, she is an accomplished professional. Maja Stark is the first Swedish woman to win the U.S. Women’s Open since Annika Sorenstam accomplished the feat in 2006. She had one previous LPGA Tour title, like Spaun did on the PGA Tour, before winning the Open Championship, having won six times on the Ladies European Tour. Her other close call with a major championship was in 2024 at the Chevron Championship when she finished second. She has also represented Europe in the Solheim Cup competition and will likely be a stalwart on that team in years to come.
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Regional Tournament Update on green next to golf ball with a USGTF logo
30 Jun 2025

Region Update



Central – If Ron Cox wins any more USGTF region championships, we may have to name a trophy after him. Cox, from Nashville, Tennessee, did it again when he won this year’s Central Region Championship, held at Walden Ponds Golf Course outside Cincinnati, Ohio. He defeated Central Region director Tony McMullin in a one-hole playoff to secure the title.

This victory goes along with Cox’s Southeast Championship crown from earlier this year, along with numerous other region and U.S. Cup division titles. Cox, who is in his 70s, continues to impress with his fine play and has proven the adage that golf is, indeed, a game for a lifetime.

Northeast – Stephen Winn from Middle Island, New York, won the USGTF Northeast Region Championship when he outlasted the field with a 76. Gerald Ecker, also from New York, finished second with a 79. Play was contested in three divisions, and Peter Palmisano won the 70+ division. The tournament was held at Mercer Oaks Golf Course in Princeton Junction, New Jersey.
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