EDITORIAL – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MASTER AND CERTIFIED GOLF TEACHING PROFESSIONAL®?

There are two trademarked phrases that the USGTF holds dear: Certified Golf Teaching Professional® and Master Golf Teaching Professional®. If there is anyone who is using these phrases – whether it’s another organization of golf professionals and/or teachers or an individual – who hasn’t gone through the USGTF certification process to earn one of these titles, they are in violation of U.S. trademark law and are subject to legal action.

Hence, there is a distinct difference between the two. A certified teacher has learned all the basics of teaching the game of golf and is qualified to give a competent lesson to beginners, average and advanced players. A master teacher has learned and demonstrated more in-depth knowledge and abilities to the point that he or she is qualified to teach all players, including tour players. And not only that, but a USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional has demonstrated that they cannot just give a competent lesson, but they can give an excellent lesson.

Master teaching professionals in the USGTF have to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and abilities by presenting a written thesis; pass a shotmaking demonstration and an extensive written test. Once these are accomplished, they have earned the title Master Golf Teaching Professional. To attempt to qualify at this level, a person must have been a Certified Golf Teaching Professional in good standing for a minimum of 12 months.

Many say that going through the Master Golf Teaching Professional process is the most educational thing they’ve done in terms of their teaching education. If you think you need to take your teaching to the next level, explore what the program has to offer at https://www.usgtf.com/master-golf-teaching-professional.