WGTF WELCOMES SOUTH AMERICA

USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional Bill Picca recently traveled to Bolivia to conduct a certification course for the newly formed South American Golf Teachers Federation, with six participants earning the Certified Golf Teaching Professional designation. Also on hand as part of the certification staff was SAMGTF president Luis Martins of Brazil. Martins, part of the winning Team Brazil at the 2015 World Golf Teachers Cup, is also on the Olympic Golf Committee representing Brazil. The course was held at Mapaizo Country Club in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a five-minute drive from the international airport. Two media entities, Caballeros Del Golf and Golf Sports Bolivia, covered the event. According to Picca, “The certification was a very successful event, and it was officially recognized by the Bolivian Golf Federation. The success was in great part thanks to the tremendous effort and dedication of the director of Mapaizo Country Club, and president of the SAMGTF Luiz Martins, with the support of the board of directors of the Mapaizo Country Club, Sun Hotels, and all the members from the country club that came every day to be present during the activities.” Picca further stated, “All the participants at the certification course were very actively interacting with the examiners, and one remarkable aspect is the fact that three of them had to travel from distant places to attend. All of them are already very involved with golf activities like assistant professionals, teaching pros, junior golf programs, and golf course staff, so they were very grateful to have the SAMGTF provide a certification course for them and to obtain a diploma with a credential recognized by the WGTF.” Two more classes are schedule later this year in Chile and Argentina.