1 Jul 2024

EDITORIAL – WGTF TOP 50: AWARD AND VALUE

In any field of endeavor, there are those who separate themselves from the rest. The WGTF Top 50 was inaugurated years ago to recognize those who have achieved and maintained a standard that is among the highest in the golf teaching industry. Those who are on the list can truly be proud of this accomplishment.

There might be a misconception that those who did not make the list are not as “good” at teaching as those on the list. This is certainly far from the case. In selecting the overall Top 50, other factors are taken into consideration, such as years of service to the golf industry, published items, peer recognition and growing the game initiatives, for example. In other words, those who are on the list are there because they possess a list of attributes that goes far beyond just teaching ability alone.

The list also recognizes the global structure of the golf teaching industry, as there are fine teachers and coaches in all corners of the Earth. There are a variety of teaching styles represented — which is important — as no one teaching style fits all students.

The list is updated every two years, and look for the 2024-25 list to be featured soon.
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1 Jun 2024

USGTF/WGTF ACHIEVES ANOTHER MILESTONE: WGTF-NETHERLANDS RECOGNIZED BY NGF

 
In an email to WGTF-Netherlands president Bjorn Beekman, the Netherlands Golf Federation (NGF) has officially recognized WGTF-Netherlands to be on equal footing with the PGA of Holland as an association of golf professionals. This means all WGTF-Netherlands Level 3 and Level 4 professionals can now compete in NGF professional events, as previously this was only reserved for members the PGA of Holland.

This matters a great deal, according to Beekman. “It is indicative of the continued growth and improvement of WGTF Netherlands and the entire WGTF,” he stated. “It is a sign that golf governing bodies worldwide are beginning to respect the strength and legitimacy of the WGTF.”

Beekman went on to say, “I think customers always have to have a choice. When you like fast food, you can choose McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, etc. I think it’s good to see the difference between both education organizations, We as the WGTF are more for the adults with life experience and a life before golf, so we help them in a career change. Everybody is welcome to join the WGTF who has a passion for golf.”  
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1 Jun 2024

US CUP REGISTRATION ONGOING

Registration for the 28th annual United States Golf Teachers Cup at Painted Desert Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada, is available at https://www.usgtf.com/uscup. The national championship event of the USGTF features play in three divisions: Open, Senior (50+) and Super Senior (68+). The U.S. Cup has many regular players who return every year to renew old friendships, make new ones, and to compete for national honors. If you have yet to experience a U.S. Cup, please do yourself a favor and consider joining us this year!
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1 Jun 2024

NEWS FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

By Anthony Benny

At present, I am working with mostly junior golfers. It is a joy and a pleasure to work with them and listen to their feedback on the lesson. There are two very outstanding youngsters, Isabella Ramdeen and Harper Lane, whom I teach at St. Andrews Golf Club, Moka, and Pointe-a-Pierre Golf Club Ltd. The number of junior golfers has declined to less than half of what it was six months ago.

I am also working with the national junior team, in which 12-year-old Isabella is a member. I have a strong belief that this young lady will go places. Her love and commitment to the game is unbelievable! Meanwhile, Harper reminds me of the movie “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” His parents came to me at golf class one day and said, “Coach, we are having a problem sleeping at night. Harper hits balls at very odd times at night. He loves the game!” He is only 8 years old.

Before I end, I would like to say greetings from the beautiful twin islands of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to all my USGFT friends – Jennifer, Bob, Mark, and Geoff, and not forgetting my old friend Bob Jaffe. I stand as a proud USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional.
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1 Jun 2024

REGION UPDATE

  Northeast – The USGTF Northeast Region Championship will be held Thursday, June 20, at Mountain View Golf Course in Ewing, New Jersey. Tee times will begin at 12 noon. The entry fee is $185. For more information and to enter, please contact region director Bob Corbo at simductivegolf@gmail.com.

Central – The USGTF Central Region Championship will be played in July at Walden Ponds Golf Course in Hamilton, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, July 21-22. The entry fee is $250. For more information and to enter, please contact region director Tony McMullin at tmcmullin72@yahoo.com.

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 Jun 2024

“PRO” FILE – XANDER SCHAUFFELE

They say good things come to those who wait, and Xander Schauffele epitomizes that to a tee. He finally broke through in a major championship to win the PGA Championship in May. Schauffele rises to his highest world ranking, number two, after the victory.

He had been a consistent performer in the majors for years, often contending but never crossing the finish line first. Either someone would have a hot final round or he would falter, but not this time. Needing about a 7-foot putt on the last hole to secure victory, Schauffele’s putt found the left side of the hole, akin to how Tiger Woods made his putt 24 years ago on the 72nd hole at the same course, Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky, to edge Bryson DeChambeau by a stroke.

Schauffele said after the victory that if you dream something long enough, it will happen, and it certainly did this time. With the talent he possesses, it’s hard to believe this will be his only major victory. Outside of Scottie Scheffler’s performance this year, Schauffele has been the next best competitor, even though he lacked a victory until now. Yes, Schauffele dreamed it, he waited, and good things did indeed come to him.
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1 Jun 2024

“PRO” FILE – IN MEMORIAM, BILL BATH

People who knew Canada’s Bill Bath would say that he was one of the most likable people you would ever want to meet, and USGTF and CGTF members can attest to that. Bath, 52, passed away far too young recently after suffering a heart attack.

He joined the USGTF and CGTF over 20 years ago after becoming disenchanted with his job in retail. He loved golf but did not want to be in retail golf when he saw an ad for the USGTF. After a conversation with the USGTF’s Bob Wyatt and then-CGTF president Bob Bryant, Bath got certified in what he called one of the best weeks of his life. He quickly secured two driving ranges to teach at and steadily built a client base over the next three years. He is on record as saying that the people he met made him a better person and teacher.

He then proceeded to become an examiner for the CGTF and represented Team Canada several times in the World Golf Teachers Cup competition. He quickly became a friend to everyone who met him at these events, and left an indelible impression on all who were fortunate to know him. In recent years, he caddied for PGA Tour professional MacKenzie Hughes on occasion, and Bath’s death hit Hughes particularly hard.

The USGTF and CGTF wish to extend our deepest condolences to all of Bill’s friends, students and fellow competitors.
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1 Jun 2024

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – MADDIE HORRIGAN

They say big things sometimes come in small packages, and Maddie Horrigan of Hudson, Ohio, epitomizes that. Not only is she a champion swimmer standing at just 5′ 2″, she also has experienced success at the high school and collegiate level in golf.

She came to USGTF professional Rick Zivsak after playing golf for the first time with her dad, with the goal of making the high school team. There was just one problem: tryouts were in just 40 days. Maddie had to go from a complete beginner to high school athlete in that short period of time. But she succeeded, with Zivsak saying she had one of the greatest work ethics he had ever seen. And being a swimmer, Maddie certainly didn’t mind practicing in the rain, which she did. Maddie wound up making the junior varsity squad and impressively broke 50 later that season.

She went on to swim competitively at Mount Union College in Ohio, but was invited by the golf coach to try out for that squad. She made the team for a unique two-sport accomplishment. Maddie believes that one of her strengths is that she celebrates winning but also embraces failure, which can teach valuable lessons. Diagnosed with epilepsy, Maddie plans on becoming a physician’s assistant because she’s very interested in how the brain works due to her diagnosis. She also wants to work in an underserved community in order to give back. She will be starting graduate school in May in pursuit of her career dream.

As for Zivsak, Maddie has nothing but high praise for him. “No words can describe the impact he has had on me,” she said. “He has the biggest heart and is so positive. Golf has changed my life.”
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1 Jun 2024

USGTF INDUSTRY PARTNER – VOICE CADDIE

The Swing Caddie SC4 is a complete simulator and a portable launch monitor. For use indoors and outdoors, the SC4 delivers professional-grade swing and ball flight metrics. In simulator mode, the SC4 connects with the included MySwingCaddie App, providing a complete virtual display with metrics and stats. To further enhance the simulator experience, the SC4 is fully compatible with E6 Connect / Optishot Orion and its suite of photorealistic courses (optional subscription). In outdoor use, the SC4 can be used as a standalone unit (no smartphone required) with its vivid display featuring carry distance, launch direction, swing speed, ball speed, smash factor, launch angle, apex, and spin rate. For a more advanced experience, the SC4 connects directly to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, allowing golfers to save their tracked data, record their swings, and produce swing overlays. The remote control, voice output of distance, and rechargeable Lithium Ion battery ensure the highest level of experience and convenience. USGTF members receive a personal use discount, and may be taken by calling Membership Services at (772) 888-7483. Limit two per year.
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1 Jun 2024

EDITORIAL – GOLF ETIQUETTE AND HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS ON THE GOLF COURSE

What types of players are there that others don’t like playing golf with? First and foremost, anyone who behaves poorly is not likely to be the top choice of playing partners for other golfers. This doesn’t just extend to cursing, throwing clubs, etc., but also a golfer mainly talking about himself or herself throughout the round. Showing little interest in other people or subjects is a recipe for boorish behavior, too.

There’s a saying good company is more important than good golf, and that is certainly an accurate statement. It’s also relevant when conducting business on the golf course, because another saying is that you can tell more about a person in 18 holes of golf than you can in days or weeks of being in other settings. Our experience holds this to be true. Rare is the person who acts one way on the course and then another off the course. Does the person play with honor and respect of the rules and etiquette, or do they cheat and ignore basic courtesies? Even honest ignorance of the rules and etiquette is a problem because that person did not take the time to do due diligence in what is required in a golf course setting. And if they’re not prepared there, it’s likely they would not be prepared in a business setting, too.

Some of the strongest friendships and fruitful business partnerships have been forged on the golf course. And how we conduct ourselves and honor the game and our playing companions goes a long way in success or failure in these areas.
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