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World Golf Teachers Federation®
HISTORY
The World Golf
Teachers Federation (WGTF) was established in 1993. With its unique
evolution, it plays a significant role in the history of golf
instruction worldwide.
The WGTF came to fruition as a result of the creation of the United
States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) four years earlier in 1989.
Individuals from around the world wanting to teach the game traveled
to the United States to become certified, would then return home and
begin teaching golf.
The USGTF had established a unique program not available anywhere
else - - - a six-day certification program with ongoing education
thereafter through membership publications, monthly email
newsletters and instructional DVD’s. It was unique in that it opened
the door to those who had never been given the opportunity to enter
into the golf teaching profession. Prior to this, there was only a
4-6 year apprenticeship program initially established by the British
PGA in 1901, carbon copied by the Canadian PGA in 1911, the PGA of
America in 1916 and subsequently reproduced over the years by every
other nation who decided to establish a PGA entity of their own.
NEW METHODS OF LEARNING
The problem with this apprenticeship program however, was that the
world had changed, technology had advanced, and new methods for
learning had evolved. WGTF founder, Geoff Bryant, who had an
extensive background in skiing as well as golf, knew this new
approach was a much better system for training teachers. According
to Mr. Bryant, “North America produces some of the world’s greatest
skiers. Their teachers did not require 4-6 year apprenticeship
programs. Every great Canadian and American ski coach started their
initial training with a one-week program. The key, however, was that
they were at least provided the opportunity to enter the industry
and move forward in their profession.”
With USGTF members now established in every golfing nation, Mr.
Bryant realized that it would be most beneficial to everyone to be
trained in their own languages. This prompted the concept of
establishing for the first time ever, Master Golf Teaching
Professionals and trademarking the name.
Initially, Master Teaching Professionals from the United States
traveled to each WGTF member nation to assist in their training and
certification process. As time progressed however, and according to
plan, nearly all member nations have now established their own
examiner training programs and conduct their own training.
As a result of this evolution, it is interesting to note that the
World Golf Teachers Federation was the first worldwide membership
entity of professional golfers that adapted a standardized method of
certification to cross boundaries amongst all golfing nations.
The historical benefits of a cross-fertilization of ideas and
culture have had far reaching effects for teaching professionals.
Today, there are now over 18,000 WGTF members who act as ambassadors
to the game and who share their passion for golf each and every day
with their students around the world.
The WGTF has also spawned the growth of the biennial World Golf
Teachers Cup®. This event is open to all WGTF members worldwide and
is the world’s largest international golf tournament for Certified
Golf Teaching Professionals®.
For more information on our
member nations, please click here.
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