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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1 Sep 2024

REGION UPDATE

United States Golf Teachers Cup – The 28th annual championship will be held Monday and Tuesday, October 7-8, at Painted Desert Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration can be found at http://www.usgtf.com/uscup.

Southwest – The USGTF Southwest Region Championship will be held Friday-Sunday, September 20-22, at Twin Creeks Golf Club in Allen, Texas. The entry fee is $250. For more information and to enter, please contact region director Bruce Sims at bsims@pga.com.
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1 Sep 2024

“PRO” FILE – OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER AND LYDIA KO



Is there anything Scottie Scheffler can’t do when it comes to golf? The man who is playing Tiger-esque golf in 2024 achieved something that Woods will likely never do in winning a gold medal at this year’s Olympic Games event, firing a 62 to overcome a faltering Jon Rahm and claim the top spot on the podium.

It is no stretch to say Scheffler is matching, and in some ways surpassing, what Woods did at the peak of his career. The difference, of course, is that Woods did it over a period of many years while Scheffler is just finding his stride. Time will tell if he can keep up his blazing pace.

For Lydia Ko, her Olympic gold medal also meant qualification into the LPGA Hall of Fame, perhaps sports’ most difficult hall of fame to qualify for. After an impressive start to her career, winning twice on the LPGA Tour as an amateur — the first time as the youngest player ever — she also became the youngest to win a major championship and to ascend to No. 1 in the world. However, after 14 victories in four years, she began a series of equipment, caddie and coaching changes that left her adrift for a number of years. Fortunately, she found her way to the top of the game again starting in 2021 and has since won five more times in addition to her Olympic victory.

Ko has the distinction of being the only player, male or female, to hold a gold, silver and bronze medal in Olympic golf. One would be foolish to bet against her attaining another in 2028 at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
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1 Sep 2024

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER SEAN MOORE

By Sean Moore

Sean Moore has been a teaching professional in the Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia area for the past five years. After nearly 15 years as an athletic director in the private-school world, he decided to change career paths to be able to spend more time with his family while continuing his joy of working with people through sport.

Moore played basketball in college, and following a career-ending injury, he decided to continue through graduate school to earn a Masters in Education. After a successful career in athletics, including Athletic Director of the Year and the State Award of Merit, he wanted to return to the game of golf, which he loved as a kid. He was given an opportunity to begin his golf instruction career with a mentor at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington. After building a strong group of clients, he was then asked to join Rudy’s Golf and Sports Bar as the director of golf instruction in Alexandria, Virginia.

He loves working with students who are new to the game and individuals who want to learn the sport in a relaxed environment with a less-technical format. He greatly focuses on core fundamentals that will allow students to enjoy their time on the course with family and friends, building lifelong memories. He believes that golf can be such a tool in life in that regard and that it is the one place you can learn a tremendous amount about yourself, conduct a meeting, witness constant, natural beauty and share time with partners, colleagues and friends alike.

Moore cherishes seeing the growth of his students and when they call or text about a gorgeous course, a personal best score or a skill to work on in their next lesson together. He loves spending time with his wife and son, and truly embraces the moments he has shared on a golf course with everyone, including his boss, mentors, students and his dad.
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