The great thing about teaching golf is that it allows us the opportunity to meet people that we would not otherwise have met. When this happens, a chain reaction takes place – our lives are enhanced, opportunities become more prevalent, and we continue to grow in our profession.

Of course, there are many other advantages to this profession, including the essential component of revenue. I’ve always contended, however, that many of us enter the golf teaching industry due in part to the genuine satisfaction derived from sharing our passion and helping people enjoy the game.

In this day and age of e-commerce, it’s refreshing to be in the business of personal service. There’s nothing like that good old handshake and face-to-face conversation. In fact, our personality and people skills are an integral part of the service that we sell.
One of the USGTF’s promotional ads states, “In the golf teaching industry, there are no opponents – only friends.” This statement has considerable merit, and is especially evident during our national and international golf teachers cup events. At the recent 10th annual United States Golf Teachers Cup in San Antonio, many longtime USGTF course examiners had the opportunity to speak at the closing banquet dinner. The theme of each speaker reflected how camaraderie and friendship just seemed to be a by-product of our profession.

Of course, the other thing, in my opinion, that golf teaching professionals possess is a certain amount of street smarts. This is a characteristic that is acquired over time simply by dealing with a variety of people. And, if you have taught long enough, you learn the subtle art of helping people feel good about themselves. After all, many clients come to us for more than just improving their swing mechanics; at times, it seems that we are called upon to be psychologists, as well. The game is notorious for wrecking havoc especially on those seeking perfection.

On other fronts, I recently met with Mr. George Fellows, the new president and CEO of Callaway Golf. Mr. Fellows reiterated to me Callaway Golf’s commitment to the United States Golf Teachers Federation by providing all USGTF members in good standing access to their personal-use program. This was initially implemented by Ely Callaway over 10 years ago, who at that time realized the impact that USGTF and WGTF members would have on the purchasing decisions of the golfing public. He also realized that USGTF members were unique in that they brought with them backgrounds in business and in life, and as a result brought for the first time, a whole new dimension to the golf teaching industry. This fact is certainly evident if you read the interesting personal stories of the recently published World Golf Teachers Federation top 60 teachers publication. 

The new Callaway program is called Callaway Golf VIP, and allows all members in good standing access at wholesale pricing to an even wider range of Callaway merchandise than ever before. For those living outside of the United States, the program may not apply. Please contact your own GTF national office for details on their individual arrangements with Callaway Golf.

Dates and locations have been set for both the 2006 and 2007 United States Golf Teachers Cup, and also the 2007 World Golf Teachers Cup. These events are becoming more popular than ever, so please do not hesitate to register well in advance.

I hope all of you enjoy this edition of Golf Teaching Pro magazine. Have a great teaching season.