“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER BENJAMIN BICKFORD

I’m immensely grateful to the USGTF and its training program, as it has allowed me to blend my passion for teaching with the game of golf, which I deeply love and cherish. This program has been instrumental in shaping my coaching philosophy, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who shares these passions.

As a teacher at the Peddie School in New Jersey, I’ve had the privilege of working with remarkable young individuals, both in the classroom and on the golf course. In 2008, the same year I earned my full certification from the USGTF, I took over coaching the golf team, and we won our 100th match in April 2016 with a record of 100-10. Over my 15 years with the team, I have had the privilege of working with golfers that have gone on to play at top Division I programs such as Duke, Wake Forest, and many others. Notably, Max Greyserman, Peddie class of ’13, recently joined the PGA Tour and finished tied for 21st at the 2024 U.S. Open. Our team has enjoyed significant success, becoming 7-time MAPL Champions, 5-time Mercer County Champions with two record-setting performances, and 9-time NJSIAA Champions with two record-setting performances.

However, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career, thanks to the USGTF, has been working with young people new to golf. Peddie Golf Camp (peddie.org/pgc) introduces students to the game using the USGTF training method at the Peddie Golf Club in Hightstown, New Jersey. We have helped students learn the fundamentals of setup, grip, and stance, in order to place athletic young people from sports like soccer, lacrosse and baseball in the best possible position to meet success. One of our key focuses is to incorporate competitions, activities and on-course play to showcase how rewarding the game can be, inspiring students to continue practicing and improving, as well as having many playing in junior tournaments for the first time. Our hope is to plant a seed which then causes kids to ask parents to take them to the course and bring their clubs on family vacations.

In addition, the real strength of the camp’s curriculum is that it provides another avenue and opportunity to foster character development in both our campers and the young people who serve on the staff. My goal is to foster a culture of dedication, respect, and continuous growth among my students and athletes, both on and off the golf course, and the USGTF training helped provide me this opportunity.