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By James Gilmore, Denver, Colorado
Metropolitan Tee Times
The Challenge
They said it
couldn't be done----training and certifying golf teaching professionals.
That was the exclusive terrain of the PGA of America, established
in 1916. How could any other organization dare challenge tradition
and compete head to head with such a Goliath of the golf industry?
Furthermore, how did this entity become the largest organization
of golf teaching professionals in the world?
USGTF President
For the answer
to these questions, I asked Geoff Bryant, president of the United
States Golf Teachers Federation, based in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. According
to Mr. Bryant, he knew twenty years ago there was a market for personable,
qualified golf teaching professionals. Bryant, a former ski racer
and teacher, knew that some of the best ski instructors in the world
attended seven-day certification courses. If it worked so well for
skiing, Bryant was sure it would work for golf. He was right.
Certification Courses
Nowadays, the USGTF holds 4
levels of certification with continuing education through Golf Teaching Pro magazine, the official member publication of the USGTF. In order to achieve certification, candidates may choose to attend
the level of certification they prefer and successfully pass the criteria required for each
level. The playing ability test also includes a division for seniors and super seniors.
Golf Apprentices
Prior to the
existence of the USGTF, candidates with a desire to teach golf had
to attend a three to four year apprenticeship program governed by
the PGA. Ironically, these individuals did very little teaching.
That's still the case today. Most apprentices work for minimum wage
and spend most of their time selling merchandise, cleaning clubs,
or taking charge of tee times.
Next: Part II
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