In a recent issue of Golf Teaching Pro magazine, we presented an opportunity for all members of the World Golf Teachers Federation to participate in an official Top 25 capacity.  We had an outstanding response to the survey from golf teaching professionals and WGTF presidents throughout the world.  In fact, our initial survey called for the Top 25 Teachers.  However, upon further review, the quantity and quality of the nominees was so high that we felt limiting the list to just 25 would be a great disservice.  Therefore, we have decided to recognize 60 teachers as a result.
            Initially, we hesitated in creating such a list in the belief that it would exclude many worthy candidates.  As we stated in our member publication though, we felt the benefits would outweigh any trepidations that we may have had.  Since it is difficult to measure pure teaching ability through any method, it was of course necessary to take into account a number of other factors.
            Those who made this list had to undergo a rigorous examination of not only their teaching ability, but also their overall experience and contributions to the game, their home federations, and to the WGTF in general. 
            This is the first worldwide ranking of golf teaching professionals in the history of the game.  Once again, the WGTF continues its role as pioneer in the golf teaching industry.  Among our many accomplishments:

• A more realistic and effective training and certification process for golf teaching professionals
• The inclusion of 35 member nations that now train and certify their own golf teaching professionals under one international umbrella
• The World Golf Teachers Cup, the first established worldwide team and individual competition for golf teaching professionals
• A set of Federation bylaws set forth to enact a world standard of uniformity and professionalism in the training of teaching professionals.

            Success in the golf teaching profession requires many characteristics similar to other professions.  These include a certain amount of entrepreneurship, salesmanship, subject knowledge, experience, and communication skills.  The successful teacher seems to acquire, over time, all of these attributes and even more.  We are sure you will find that the 60 teachers listed herein best embody these traits.
            We hope you enjoy reading their interesting personal stories.

Geoff Bryant

            Jim “Hollywood” Perez lives in Fresno, California, where he started teaching golf part time from 1976 to 1995.  In 1995, however, after receiving his USGTF certification in Las Vegas, teaching golf became Jim’s full time career. One year later, he completed the Level IV Masters Certification at San Luis Rey Downs Resort in San Diego.
            Jim has also been nominated as one of the top 100 Golf Teaching Professionals by “Golf Magazine.” At his golf school in Fresno, California, Jim has given over 50,000 lessons. He won the Mexican-American Golf Association Club Championship and the Sanger Golf Association Club Championship.  He was also selected player of the year by the USGTF in 2003 and recently represented Team USA at the World Golf Teachers Cup in Brazil.
            Always anxious to give his students the best, most up-to-date information, Jim has attended teaching clinics conducted by the likes of: Butch Harmon, Mark Harman, Bert Boyce, David Vaught, Mike Stevens, Bob Toski, Jim Flick, Jim Ballard, Harold Swash, Don Trahan, Pete Egoscue, and Skip Lattela. Certainly, as a result of Jim’s willingness to share all of this knowledge with his students, his junior high and high school accolades include a record 12 state titles.
            He is a contributing writer for ESPN Magazine and has completed a book called Kindergarten Golf. Jim also has just completed a full year on ESPN Radio’s Golf Talk Live on Saturday mornings.

            Crossing over from the tennis profession in 1990, Dieter G. Lang started as a golf professional in 1994 at the GC Zollmühle.  He joined the USGTF in 1997 and was certified in 1999 as a Master Teaching Professional.
            He was the founder and first president of theGerman Golf Teachers Federation in 2001.  He also developed the education program and teaching manual for the GGTF in the German language.  Sixty golfers have earned their certification as teaching professionals under the guidance of Dieter and his education and examination staff.  The GGTF is getting stronger and stronger every year, with 115 members in 2005.
            As head professional at GC Zollmühle,  Dieter helped to develop the golf club, the membership and the golf course.  He started with approximately 50 members, a 9-hole course, and a 6-hole practice course in 1994.  In 2004 the GC Zollmühle became an 18-hole championship course, along with having a 9-hole practice course and complete practice facilities, and now has around 1200 members.
            In the winter of 2004, Dieter opened an indoor golf center with with a putting green, golf simulators, full-swing area, and a video corner.  The GC Zollmühle and the indoor center are also the home and education center for the GGTF.
            Under the guidance of Dieter, different special projects have been developed, like kids programs, school projects, and working with handicapped people.
            The philosophy of Dieter is to have fun teaching golf  “the easy way,” with all the respect for your students and their wishes, and pay back that which is in your power.

            “From a successful profession in electrical engineering, in 1998 I started my golf teaching career. Prior to gaining my teaching certification, I played professionally for two years on the Alp-Tours.  After some years working in a golf club in Bavaria, in 2003 I earned my Master Teaching Professional designation.
            “In my daily business as a golf teacher, the philosophy ‘fun and easy’ is very important.  For most people, golf is for relaxing. We, the teaching professionals, are service providers, and should see that our clients have a good time with golf.”
            Wilfried believes it is more effective to teach the game away from the practice tee for many students.
            “In my opinion, it is not necessary to teach the swing all the time – it is more important to show how to play on the golf course.  Therefore, nearly half of my lessons are taught on the golf course, because it is more effective.
            “I can also teach the mental game much better on the golf course.  The 1st-tee jitters, playing over obstacles such as water and bunkers, emotions, pre-shot and post-shot routines, and course management are typical subjects.”
            While employing an “old school” teaching philosophy, Wilfried also uses the latest technology.
            “For a quality lesson I mostly use a modern analysis system.  The swing-speed of a better golfer is too fast for comparison. It's easier for a teaching professional to make the right and complete decision.
            “Finally, I strongly believe that if someone isn't learning, then someone isn't teaching.”

            “I consider myself to be very fortunate to be making a living while performing my passion.  I find teaching golf and working with people to be fascinating.  It seems like I learn many things during each and every lesson I give – whether it be working with a beginner or touring pro.  I have had the tremendous pleasure of working with Special Olympics participants for many years now.  I haven’t charged a fee for working with that group so far, and yet, I consider myself to be getting the best deal between the two of us.
            “Working with touring pros has been a great experience for me.  I had the pleasure of working with J.L. Lewis from 1995-1999.  J.L. has made several million dollars on the PGA Tour in recent years.  I have also worked with Warren Druian since 1999, who won the 2004 South African PGA Championship, and also Clayton Berger, who became the World Long Drive champion a few weeks later.
            “I wish I could say that I have found the secret to teaching golf, and I guess there would be a certain amount of satisfaction in feeling like I was the reason some of those people I mentioned had their success.  However, all I teach is solid, time-tested fundamentals.  I have been fortunate to be in the right spot at the right time.  That, coupled with my passion for teaching golf, has enabled me to experience whatever successes I have had.
            “I am also a frequent attendee at all USGTF national events.  Attending these functions has been an important step for me in getting to know many of my peers from around the country.”

            Craig Roberts has been a member of the Australian Golf Teachers Federation since 2002.  Craig joined the organization after many years teaching golf in Japan alongside some of Australia’s and Japan’s most successful instructors.
            Craig has been playing golf since he was five years old.  He has been working in the golf industry in various forms since 1992, when he traveled to Japan to work as a caddy.  He returned to Australia in 1994 where he worked as a Japanese-speaking golf tour guide.  He then moved into a role as golf programs manager for Victoria University in Melbourne.
            Since joining the AGTF, Craig has developed a successful indoor teaching academy in Melbourne.  He has built a strong following in the local area, and most of his lessons are referrals by other students.  The indoor facility is state-of-the-art, utilizing a golf simulator in conjunction with video analysis and various teaching aids.
            Craig also works for the AGTF on a part-time basis, helping to build and maintain the membership database and in the day-to-day running of the operation.  He also helps out at some of the certification courses and has been influential in establishing the AGTF International Golf Academies in Australia and Asia.
            According to Craig, “Being an ambassador to golf, and able to ma e a living of it, has certainly been a tremendous privilege for me.”

            Some people think that Mick Quaid has never worked a day in his life because he does what he loves every day – playing golf and finding new ways to help other people to improve their games.  Over the last 20 years, Mick has traveled the world, fulfilling his golfing passion.
            Inspired by Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book, Mick built a company called Vachardia – Short Game Golf Solutions (in association with SouthWest Greens and Nicklaus Design USA), which specializes in synthetic surfaces for private greens, indoor academies, and commercial landscaped developments.
            As an accomplished golfer in his own right, Mick is pioneering a whole new approach and natural teaching methodology as to how the sport is played, and, most interestingly, how the sport is coached and taught.  He has set out to revise and overhaul how the game is played, and, as a consequence, created an exciting new blueprint for coaching, which he is introducing to the academies and the World Golf Teachers Federation.
            While in school, Mick represented Ireland as fullback in the first-ever Irish Schools Rugby International, which was played in the world’s oldest international rugby ground Dublin’s famous Lansdowne Road Stadium.  He is now looking forward to the Ryder Cup coming to the Emerald Isle in 2006.
            Mick is also a frequent attendee of the biennial World Golf Teachers Cup and has always represented Ireland with great pride at this event.

            Dave Shaver has been teaching the game of golf for the past 20 years and has earned the distinction of “USGTF Master Teaching Professional.”  Dave was selected and is serving as Director of the Southwest Section of the USGTF, and is a member on the Board of Advisors.  He has been a USGTF examiner for the past eight years, teaching Level l through Level IV classes.
           For the past ten years, Dave has been the Director of Instruction at Ahwatukee Country Club in Phoenix, Arizona.  He teaches individual lessons, group clinics, and directs America’s Favorite Golf Schools. His duties also include the training of apprentices in teaching the game.  Furthermore, Dave is on the faculty teaching staff at Arizona State University.
           Dave was selected as one of ten teachers in the United States to teach high-level corporate outings with “Destination Better Golf.”  In this capacity, he teaches top-level corporate executives from companies such as Bristol Myers, Compuware, and Ford Motor Company.  His credentials also led to his selection in opening the first “ModelGolf” facility in the western region.  Dave is a certified ModelGolf instructor.
           Teaching has been his top priority and has left little time for competitive golf since 1997 and 1998, when he finished runner-up and champion, respectively, in his division in the United States Golf Teachers Cup.
            Dave’s upbeat personality always makes him a favorite mentor to many of his students, and is a strong reason for his immense popularity.

            Few teachers in the WGTF, and for that matter, the entire teaching industry, have the qualifications of Mike Stevens.  He’s one of those guys who does everything so well – playing, teaching, writing, business acumen – that it would be easy to envy him, except that he’s a genuinely fine human being, as well.
            He began his golf teaching career as the junior golf instructor at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa in 1996.  In 1997, he expanded his operation to include adults by opening the Guaranteed Golf School in Tampa at three locations.  Since 2000, he has been recognized as one of Florida’s top 10 instructors by the Florida Golf News.
            Playing-wise, Mike is a regular participant at USGTF and WGTF tournaments.  He is the 2004 United States Golf Teachers Senior National Champion.  He is also one of the finest hickory shaft players in the nation and is currently the 2005 national champion.  Prior to this he won two regional championships and finishing second at the National Hickory Championship three times.
            Mike is also an accomplished golf writer, having had his work appear in numerous publications, including Golf Teaching Pro magazine.           
            In the year 1998 at the World Golf Teachers Cup at San Roque Golf Club in Spain, Mike vaulted Team USA to victory in a sudden death playoff against Team Europe.  Mike’s success as a player, despite his heavy work schedule, is truly a testament to his deep understanding of our great game.

            “Teaching golf was something I never thought I would be doing as a career when I first started playing at nine years old.  Teaching my buddies in junior high school helped develop my interest in that direction.
            “My professional teaching career started with my love of equipment and clubfitting.  I doubt I would have ever developed as a young teacher without my passion for helping people play better golf by using the right equipment.  I realized back then (1984) how satisfying it was to help people enjoy themselves more by making the game more fun.
            “I joined the USGTF in 1992 and I am forever grateful for the opportunities to meet, work with, and learn from some great instructors.  My motivation for wanting to be the best teacher that I possibly could was simple: fear of failure.  I never wanted to give a poor lesson. I was so afraid of not giving someone the right information and help that I became obsessed with learning all that I could.
            “No one gets anywhere by themselves.  It takes watching other teachers, picking their brains, and thousands of hours on the range.  I have so much gratitude for the many great teachers that I know, among them Dave Shaver, Mark Harman, Jim Perez, Marty Delohery, Mike Levine, and so many more.
            “Thank you so much.  After 20 years of teaching, I am still learning, and continue to have a strong passion for sharing my knowledge with others.”

            “For the past 20 years here in Ireland I have played off a scratch handicap.  During this time I have won four All-Ireland golf medals at my club, Warrenpoint, and was in the final qualifying school for the European Tour in 1984 and 1985.
            “I eventually opened my own driving range and became a certified golf teaching professional in 1994 with the European Golf Teachers Federation.  I am proud of the fact that I went on to win the European Golf Teachers Cup three times in a row.
            “Recently, I have opened a 3,000-square foot indoor teaching studio.  I work extensively with video analysis, the Explanor Training Ring and the Dream Swing training aid.  Students travel to my facility from all parts of Ireland.
            “I believe a good teacher should have the qualities of never stop learning and let every lesson be a lesson for the teacher.
            “With regard to the golf swing, I’ve always felt that students should be made aware of, and understand the impact position.  With this in mind, I work a lot with chipping and pitching, which, in essence, are both smaller versions of the golf swing.  When students become proficient in these areas, they are able to adapt better to the impact position with the full swing.
            “One of the greatest satisfactions for me as a golf teaching professional is to see the progression of my beginning students to the point where they are playing golf with friends and family and sharing that zest for life that golf creates for people.  As a result of this, the game is passed on from one person to the next,m and even more people share this infinitely enjoyable game.”

            Ken was born October 4, 1956, and raised in Scotland, the “home of golf.”  Ken was an avid and talented soccer player, and was more interested in kicking a ball than hitting it with a stick.  He played golf only to appease his father, a member at the local golf club.  Fortunately for us, golf soon became his sport of choice.
            He came to the United States in 1984 and has been a resident here ever since.  Ken met our president, Geoff Bryant, in 1990 at…where else?… a teaching and practice facility in Florida.  After a lengthy discussion about the golf swing, Geoff asked Ken if he would like to attend a certification course as an observer, at what was then a new concept in the golf industry.
            Ken and Geoff were both in agreement that good and credible teachers were badly needed to help the ever-increasing numbers of new golfers.  Ken has been a valued member since that day.
            In 1999 at the Ballantrae Golf Club in Florida, Ken won the World Cup individual championship, giving all our members a reminder not to forget the old man.  A member of the United States team on six occasions, Ken’s playing ability will never be underestimated.  Nor will his contagious smile and easygoing personality, always quick with a joke.
            With regard to teaching, Ken says, “As teaching professionals we have a lot of the keys and our students have a lot of the locks that need to be unlocked so they can play better golf.”

            Originally from Miami, Bob Wyatt Jr.’s love for the game started at an early age.  His father was a collegiate player at the University of Miami, and, at age six, Bob was enrolled in a junior clinic taught by renowned teacher Bob Toski.
            From that point on, Bob immersed himself into the game, making it a daily routine of playing or practicing every spare moment.  By age twenty, he decided that teaching golf in some capacity would be the most rewarding road to pursue.
            Bob began his teaching career at Crooked Creek Golf Course in Miami.  From there, he moved on to accept the position of golf director at Kendale Lakes Country Club.  During this time Bob hosted the LPGA Burdines Classic.  This gave Bob an opportunity to work with a number of up-and-coming tour hopefuls.
            Later, Bob went to work with the Bob Toski Corporation traveling throughout the country, giving golf instruction as well as promoting custom golf clubs.
            He met Geoff Bryant in 1984, and began to work at The Florida Golf Schools.  When the USGTF was founded in 1989, the “Bobaloo” was right there, and has been ever since.
            Bob currently serves as National Coordinator for the USGTF, and also travels the country teaching at the certification schools.  Because of the sheer volume of classes he works, he is likely responsible for training more prospective teachers than anyone in the game’s history – quite a claim to fame.
            According to Bob, “I’ve had a rich and rewarding career at what I enjoy doing the most.”  What more could anyone ask for?

            Everyone knows him as a former WGTF Individual Champion and 2004 USGTF National Champion.  However, Dave Belling is also an excellent teacher whose inclusion to this list is certainly deserving.
            Dave turned professional in 1983 and worked in the small town of Lacombe, Alberta.  The following year, he moved on to Red Deer Golf & Country Club, where he began teaching extensively, which he found to be his passion.  To make a long story short, after 15 years as a club professional and more than seven years as a touring professional, Dave joined the USGTF and CGTF and has not looked back.
            Dave's philosophy:  “Golf is a game of position, as is the golf swing.  You must have a solid foundation (grip, stance, posture, and balance) in place.  Once that's in place, we can build the hitting area, using the railroad track and 1/2 swing (9 o'clock to 3 o'clock) to understand where the club must be to hit the ball in a straight line.  Next we go to the finish position in perfect balance, and once these three criteria are met, we can deal with the power.”  Dave's method of teaching is to build the golf swing from the ground up.  “Without basic fundamentals in place, there is nothing.”
            Among Dave's many strengths are exceptional communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills.  He has a proven teaching method and over 20 years of experience in both business and teaching.  Along with his true passion for the game, he brings experience, talent, and dedication.
            For the past two years, Dave has operated his Train2Engrain Golf Schools at two facilities - Bonnie Doon Golf & Country Club in Camlachie, Ontario, and St. Clair Parkway Golf & Country Club in Mooretown, Ontario.  In the New Year, Dave will start a new venture as Head Golf Professional and Director of Instruction at Arkona Fairways Golf Club in Arkona, Ontario.  Dave is also a Level IV Master Teaching Professional and examines at CGTF certification courses on a regular basis and occasionally for the USGTF. 

            Goo-Sik Kim, Daejeon City, Korea, serves at the tournament director for USGTF-Korea.  He is a Level IV Master Teaching Professional, and also is the director of the Jeil Golf Clinic.  Kim has a particular philosophy when it comes to teaching golf.
            “I think it should be scientific to teach golf,” says Kim.  “At first, I check the student's merits and demerits and then decide upon the proper teaching program. Then, I teach golf for the student after I explain the plan of action.”
            He also has a good amount of teaching experience.
            “Managing a golf driving range for many years, I have also been teaching many students.  I have taught many students who are also famous. I have a lot of teaching know-how, which both amateur and professional golfers admire.”
            Despite his success, Kim continues to work hard at his craft.
            “I think that persistent lessons and training by a good teacher is very important for enhancing the growth of the game,” says Kim. “I study harder than others and read many books on golf.  I like to feel I have active and progressive ideas.  Also, I pride myself on making the game of golf fun for the students while providing excellent instruction.  I believe this is also because of the active and progressive ideas I bring to my teaching.”
            Kim keeps up a very busy schedule.  When he is not teaching, he also serves as the director of Samson Hi-Tech Co, LTD.

            When it comes to experience, few in Korea can match the history of Yong-Ho Kim.  Kim has been the manager of the Hadong Golf Driving Range for 20 years, but that's not all.  He also serves as the dean of the golf department and is a head professor at Stamford University, Thailand.  Kim is a Level IV Master Teaching Professional, and is the general director for USGTF-Asia.
            Kim has used his experience as a university professor to enhance his golf teaching.  It only makes sense that if one is skilled in teaching different subjects, then the overall ability of the teacher is that much greater.
            “My teaching philosophy is to help students learn golf as easily as possible,” says Kim, “although the teaching itself for the teacher is not always easy and simple.”
            Kim's expert teaching ability is evident to his students.
            “Because I teach easy and simply, my students are satisfied,” he says. “They also look forward to their next lesson.”
            Kim thinks it's important that teachers take an interest in growing the game.
            “All problems are solved if we emphasize the foundation of the game,” says Kim.
            With philosophies such as these, it’s easy to see why Kim has had such great success, and likely will for years to come.

            Hak-Oh Lee brings an impressive resume as a WGTF Top Teaching Professional.  For many years, he was the vice-president of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information.  In addition, he served on the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology as an advisor for the information division.  He was also an advisor for the intellectual properties division for the US-Korea/Korea-US business councils.
            Lee is currently the education director for USGTF-Korea.  As a Level IV Master Teaching Professional, Lee is also an editing advisor for the monthly golf magazine PARGOLF. 
            Lee teaches golf utilizing a very effective philosophy.
            “My teaching philosophy is to help my students enjoy the game of golf,” says Lee. “Confucius said there is pleasure to progress at any field.  The teacher has to make students progress.  I accomplish this by first establishing goals and identifying the student's primary needs.  Second, I try to change the student's attitude and perception on his task.  Third, I teach the principles of the golf swing.  I incorporate the principles with practice lists.  Finally, I discuss practicing methods to improve the skills learned and follow up on the student's progress.”
            That sounds like a winning game plan that any teacher would appreciate.

            “I knew from the moment I first picked up a golf club that I would one day be a professional.  My love for the game drove me to hitting over 500 balls a day for nearly two decades.  Through this time, I studied all the great players and teachers of the past and currently have an extensive library of golf-related books.
            “I had the good fortune of playing on the golf team for the University of Louisiana.  I spent many long afternoons on the driving range with Mr. Lionel Hebert, who won the 1957 PGA Championship.  Mr. Lionel loved to recount stories of the old players and I was overly willing to listen to them.
            “After college I turned pro.  My first experience was in Europe.  During these years, I played competitive golf all over the world, and I feel I developed into a strong player and teacher.
            “My teaching philosophy is that each individual has one perfect swing model.  The key is to unlock that model for each person.  I am a believer in fundamentals.  In my opinion, the only thing that matters is having a square clubface at impact.  Certainly, a straight line is the most efficient way to achieve this, but not every person is capable of making this line.  Therefore, I try to find the most efficient swing for each student.”
            As director of the World Golf Teachers Federation, Tom holds the distinct record of training and certifying more teaching professionals in various countries world-wide than anyone in the history of golf.  Tom recently placed second in the United States Golf Teachers Cup held at The Quarry Golf Club in San Antonio, Texas.

            David Reid has been involved in the golf teaching industry for 17 years.  Currently, he serves as National Course Director and examiner for the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation and as the Tournament Director for the Canadian Golf Teachers Cup since 2001.
            David was certified by the CGTF in 1995, and in 1997 he obtained his Level IV Master Teaching Professional certification in Port St. Lucie, Florida.  He has been an active member in both the CGTF and USGTF since his initial involvement in the organizations.  He has authored several articles for the publications produced by the organizations, and has attended several World Golf Teachers Cup tournaments.
            For the past 17 years, he has also served as the director of the Golf Development Program in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  One of the most successful programs he initiated was the Junior Golf Camp program, which has introduced more than 5,000 children between the ages of 8 and 16 to golf in the Thunder Bay region.
            David’s approach to teaching is based in fundamental elements of grip, alignment, stance, posture, and ball position as outlined in a booklet he provides to each student.  He stresses balance, natural tempo, and a tension-free motion.
            As a successful entrepreneur, Dave was selected to create a video titled Marketing Yourself As A Golf Teaching Professional.  This is one in a series of eight educational videos called Concepts for Better Teaching produced by the USGTF.

            Lee Tadeo holds a Masters degree in Architecture in the Philippines.  He teaches architecture and building technology design at the University of Santo Thomas, the oldest Catholic university in Asia.  Lee is also a USGTF master teaching professionals having completed his Level IV certification course in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
            The Philippines is a country that consists of over 7,000 islands. There are approximately 100 golf courses mixed between public and private facilities. Many of the Philippines neighboring countries choose the Philippines as their golfing destination because of the favorable weather, hospitality of its people and excellent dollar value. In fact, many Asian tourists realize that in many cases it is less expensive to play golf for an entire week in the Philippines than to play only one day in the countries of Korea or Japan.
            Lee is the primary golf consultant at the Aguilnaldo Golf Course in the capitol city of Manila. In this capacity, he advises the teaching staff, oversees the Philippines First National Golf School program and teaches many top Philippines top dignitaries.
            As president of the Filipino Golf Teachers Federation, Tadeo also spends much of his time introducing the game to inner-city youth. He has arranged a program with Aguilnaldo Golf Course to provide complimentary green fees, golf clubs and playing privileges at the facility. According to Lee, “Although golf in the Philippines is still in its infancy, the potential for growth is rapidly becoming apparent.”

Sammy Oh was born in the post-Korean War era during a time of scarce resources and hard times, in Pusan, South Korea, and modestly raised in Incheon. Sammy possessed a strong will to survive since his earlier days.

Sammy’s first encounter with golf 27 years ago can best be described as “love at first sight.” A friend taught him the basics of golf and helped him hone his skills. Within six months, Sammy not only surpassed his friend’s abilities, but also boasted a single-digit handicap. From there, Sammy never looked back as golf continued to be a steadily growing part of his life.

After operating small businesses for over 30 years while enjoying his passion for golf, Sammy obtained his USGTF certification in 1995. Entertaining thoughts of offering this license in his native country, he worked out guidelines with USGTF president Geoff Bryant, and USGTF-Korea was launched in 1996. After a slow start, word spread and today USGTF-Korea has over 5,000 members.

Sammy, a Level IV Master Teaching Professional, spends much of his time residing in his home near the course he owns, Horse Thief Country Club, in Tehachapi, California, along with his wife Sue. They have four children, and together remain close and are instrumentally involved in many of Sammy’s business ventures.

            “I began my career in the golf industry by working as an assistant golf professional for the Links O’ Tay Golf Club in Perth, Ontario.  After moving to Kingston, Ontario, where I studied business at St. Lawrence College, I started working for Pro Golf Discount, becoming manager of the store within one year. The following year I decided to join the CGTF, which to this day was the best decision I’ve ever made.  It was as part of this organization that I was able to develop my ability to teach, and share my enthusiasm for this wonderful game we all love so much.
            “My current position is owner and operator of Canada’s Favorite Golf Schools at the Garrison Golf Club and Westbrook Golf Club, both located in Kingston, Ontario, where I employ fellow members of the CGTF.  As in the past, I now focus my efforts on expanding the game of golf, focusing on beginners, ladies and juniors.  In doing so, I have developed week-long junior camps running for eight straight weeks all summer long and involving over 100 kids; ladies clinics held twice a week all summer long; and beginner clinics throughout the summer. 
            “My philosophy has always been to teach the basics first.  In doing so, I never change a student’s entire swing; their swing is unique to them, and defines that person as a golfer.  Instead, by focusing on basic fundamentals, setting achievable goals, and most importantly maintaining a positive and fun attitude, the student is put at ease, helping their overall enjoyment of the game that will last a lifetime.”

            Ryan Parfett lives in Rayleigh, Essex, about 20 miles outside London, and teaches golf there at Hanover Golf and Country Club.  Ryan first picked up a club at age eight and soon joined a local golf club, Ballards Gore.  The professional there was a man named Mark Pierce, whose simple teaching techniques and understandable language still ring in Ryan’s ears today.
            Now certified as a teaching professional himself, Ryan has experience in all aspects of coaching.  These include teaching junior golfers, clubfitting, biomechanics, swing/technique adaptation for permanent injuries, golf psychology, and having knowledge of various swing models. 
            Prior to becoming a professional coach, Ryan played at the county level for 11 years and gained a huge amount of knowledge about the game of golf.  He was able to work with some of the best players and coaches in the world, and this allowed him to live in and travel to over 20 different countries.
            Ryan spends his winters at The National Golf Club in Belak, Turkey, working with both locals and those on vacation.
            “My philosophy on teaching centers around creating the perfect balance of wants and needs which can be very different for each student,” says Ryan.  “Teaching golf has given me true happiness, and I have to say, the best office in the world.”
            Ryan is a Level IV Master Teaching Professional and currently serves as an examiner for the World Golf Teachers Federation of Great Britain and Ireland.

            Peter lives in North London in a small village called Nazeing. He presently teaches at the Beadlow Manor Golf and Country Club as well as the North Weald Golf Learning Center.
            His coaching career began when he initiated his own indoor golf school located in a warehouse on an industrial site.  Within five years, he had a database of over 1,500 students, worked with the English National Amateur Team, and took a European Tour player to his first-ever senior tour victory (Dennis Durnian won the Welsh Open and went on to win two more events).
            Peter’s knowledge and understanding of the golf swing was already at a high level when he studied under great coaches like Mac O’Grady, Denis Pugh, and Denis Durnian (who holds the record for the lowest nine-hole score in any major). 
            Peter’s massive library of golf and performance-related books, tapes, and videos is testament to his dedication to the game and his thirst for knowledge.
            Peter believes that the ability of a golf teaching professional to work effectively with students is improved when the teacher can understand the students’ perceived needs. He also believes that learning is more inclined to take place when the student has developed a certain comfort and respect for the teaching professional.
            Peter is the president of the World Golf Teachers Federation of Great Britain and Ireland, and under his direction the organization has grown tremendously over the years

                        Mike has a remarkable story of perseverance.  Originally from Havana, Cuba, he served time as a political prisoner under Fidel Castro’s reign, merely for being a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Mike eventually made his way to Miami, where he worked in the restaurant business until he relocated to the Chicago area.  He joined the USGTF in 1995, becoming a Level IV Master Teaching Professional in 1999.  Mike is also a frequent competitor in USGTF and WGTF events, as well as local professional events. 
            “Although I enjoy teaching people of all ages and abilities, teaching children is especially close to my heart,” says Mike.  “I believe in teaching the individual person rather than any particular method or technique.  I emphasize the importance of fundamentals with an emphasis oh having fun and simply enjoying the game.”
            Mike conducts all the junior golf clinics at Renwood Golf Course in his hometown of Round Lake Beach, Illinois.  He also conducts clinics for several area high schools, Boy Scouts snd Girl Scouts, YMCA First Tee Program, and Spanish foreign exchange students, among other.
            In between all the clinics that Mike conducts, his private lesson schedule is completely booked from May through September.

            “I work for Taiwan Sugar Corporation, which was established in 1946. It is the largest manufacturer of sugar in Taiwan.  In recent years, the corporation started development in different fields such as agriculture, bio-technology and leisure.  As a part of the leisure business, I was posted as the manager of Taiwan Sugar golf driving range in Chia-Yi.  Chia-Yi is located in the southern part of Taiwan, with a population of 560,000.  The average temperature is about 23 Celsius, so it is a perfect atmosphere to play golf all year long.
            “Besides serving as the driving range manager, I am currently working as the golf instructor in the National Taiwan College of Physical Education. I truly enjoy working with kids and attending junior tournaments with them. It is pleasant to see them enjoying the game as much as I do.  I also volunteered to join the committee of Chia-Yi golf association. In this association, my main job is to organize golf competitions. I appreciate the opportunity to meet new faces and to be involved in the events.
            “As I am teaching, I am constantly motivated by the students.  Not only have I taught them, there are many things I have learned from the students in return.  I believe that in order to become a successful instructor, you have to never stop learning, never stop trying, and never stop improving!”

            Julius Richardson was born a coal miner’s son in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1921.  He was always adventurous.  His nature led him to leave high school and join the famous 10th Calvary unit of the U.S. Army in 1940.  Despite the disappointment to his parents in the long run his military experience would prove very beneficial.
            Julius landed at Omaha Beach shortly after D-Day and was in the Battle of the Bulge.  After the War, a serious car accident shocked him into finishing high school and planning his future.  He also started going to night school.  It was around then that a Pittsburgh buddy took him golfing and teased him about his lack of skill on the golf course.
            Julius responded to the challenge by taking golfing lessons.  As luck would have it, Richard Grout, the brother of Jack Grout who trained Jack Nicklaus, was one of the instructors at Scott Air Force Base where Julius was stationed at this time.  That was the turning point for Julius.  Within two years he was able to beat his Pittsburgh buddy.
            After putting all of his daughters through college, which he regards as his greatest accomplishment, Julius moved to Chicago to help daughter Julieanne start a business.  With more free time on his hands he began to play seriously at Naval Station Great Lakes.  He was so successful that, within a short time, he was asked to become the pro there.  Julius then began to travel south to teach and eventually began working with the Ben Hogan Tour.  After five years of teaching he joined the United States Golf Teachers Federation and became credentialed.  When Golf Magazine voted him one of the top 100 golf teachers and the United States Golf Teachers Federation named him the “Teacher of the Century,” it was a fitting tribute to a life that placed people, not golf, first.

            “After being introduced to golf by my father at the age of ten, I rapidly grew to love the game, and spent every spare minute working out how to be good at it.  At age 15 I won the Ballarat District Open Championship and represented the state of Victoria playing in representative matches, and was playing from a three handicap.
            “Years later, Drummond Golf, a large retail golf chain, offered a manager’s position at their Ballarat store, and I was lucky enough to gain the position due to my strong retail background and golf skill.  From there I learned the basics of teaching golf, and it gave me the desire one day to find a way to do it professionally.
            “I first saw the Australian Golf Teachers Federation course offered in 2001, and I knew that it was what I had been waiting for all of those years when I was out of the golf industry.  I completed the course and have never looked back!
            “From teaching privately at golf clubs and driving ranges very successfully, I received an opportunity to run a certification course by the president of the AGTF, Gary Cooney.  The certification course I ran was a tremendous success, and I knew that I had found an area that was extremely fulfilling and that I was particularly good at.  I now act as a chief examiner at the various certification courses held throughout Austrailia.”

            Marc Gelbke began his golf career in the maintenance department at World Woods Golf Club in Brooksville, Florida.  Six months later, he became one of the assistant professionals.  He later transferred to the sister course, Southern Woods, and learned all facets of golf operations.
            He earned his USGTF certification in 1994 and taught extensively afterwards.  In 2002 Marc became the general manager of the St. James Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a position he currently holds.  Since taking over as GM, Marc has developed a strong teaching program and a very successful annual Junior Golf Camp.
            Marc has had quite a few prominent teachers working for him, which says something about Marc’s abilities.  Marc believes each student comes for a lesson with one thing in mind – to improve his or her golf game and scoring ability. 
            He says there is no “one” way to swing a golf club, but there are several actions within the golf swing that have to happen, with several ways to get there.  Each student has different characteristics and personalities, and therefore each student must be treated in a way to match their abilities.
            Marc continues to work hard and keeps a balanced professional career between teaching the game of golf and running a successful golf course operation. Marc knows that the only way you can do this is by surrounding yourself with excellent staff and assistant golf professionals that can not only play the game but also have sound teaching philosophies and the ability to pass them on to their students.
             “The USGTF has been a huge part of my professional career and opened opportunities to get me where I am today. I would like to thank the USGTF and its knowledgeable golf teaching professional staff for all the training and education it has provided me over the years”.

            “I have held the title of head teaching professional at the le Club de Golf Royal Laurentian in St-Faustin, Quebec, for the past four years.
            “I have been a full member of Canadian Golf Teachers Federation for the last seven years, and teaching golf full time during summer for the past 15 years. This represents more than 7,500 hours of lessons and more than 1,500 students of all levels, including competitive golfers and handicapped golfers. This year I will have a record season of more than 800 hours of golf lessons.
            “In the past 15 years, I worked with the Quebec Professional Golf Association (QPGA) doing marketing for the players, and also putting together training programs to improve their abilities. I also worked with various high school programs to develop young golfers. I also owned a driving range for many years and ran a golf school at that facility.
            “I have a university formation in biomechanics, sport physiology and sport psychology. I’ve been coaching nationally and internationally in various sports such as freestyle skiing, sailing, car racing and snowboarding. Some of the athletes I coached in those sports represented Canada in major world sports events and won a gold medal at Lillehammer winter Olympics.
            “Parallel to teaching golf, I am also a writer of golf chronicles for local newspapers, and I have done many television golf shows.”

            “Currently, I am an examiner for the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation and have been teaching certification schools for the past three years.  I operate a golf instruction business of golf schools and private/group lessons in Penticton, British Columbia.
            “Before coming to Penticton, I taught junior golf for 10 years.  I also worked in other facets of the golf industry:  the pro shop, course marshalling, tournament coordinator, and rules committee.  Through all the different experiences in the golf field, it is the teaching profession that is my passion.
            “I believe in being realistic in achieving student goals and making golf a game everyone can play, from three years to 90+ years young.  Physical limitations are no barrier.  Those with wheelchairs, fused vertebrae, missing limbs, hip and knee replacements, and very minimal range of motion can all enjoy golf  As one of the only female instructor in the entire Okanagan area,  I am working extensively with one of the fastest growing groups in golf – women. Getting ladies “golf course ready” with skills, course management, rules/etiquette and comfort zone is a big part of my program.
            “Since I believe that golf is a lifetime sport for everyone, it is important to keep it simple with an enjoyable and relaxed learning environment. Teaching golf involves communicating to golfers at any level and any age. Tapping into the student’s way of learning is the key to making it real and successful.  I believe in creating learning experiences charged with positive emotion.”

            Bill Bath has had a long and distinguished teaching career.  Since 1998, he has served as the Director of Instruction at the Clarington Driving Range in Bowmanville, Ontario.  And, since 2001, he has been involved with the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation as an examiner and course director, with over 40 courses taught.
            “My role in advancing the game and its growth has been primarily in certifying hundreds of teaching professionals across Canada,” says Bill. “I have done countless hours of research and passed my knowledge on to others who, with a part of me, will improve the enjoyment of the game to others.”
            Not only does Bill do a great job teaching others how to teach, but he also finds much success in teaching others how to play, with a deep understanding of the fundamentals of the game.
            “The grip is extremely vital to have success in the swing I teach,” says Bill. “A neutral grip is most desired but not 100 percent necessary.  I teach to swing the club through weight transfer.  Active hands will not let this action repeat.  Light grip pressure is a main focus.”
            Bill is a gifted speaker and always keeps his audience entertained on all aspects of golf, including the full swing, the short game, golf psychology, rules of the game, marketing oneself as a teaching professional, and clubfitting.

            Shoji Ohta keeps himself very busy when it comes to teaching golf.  He owns the largest golf teaching school in central Japan, the Apex Golfers Club, where he personally teaches seven days a week.  Shoji created a whole new concept in marketing golf to brand new beginners and has over 500 students.  
            Shoji also writes articles for a golf lesson series titled “Practical Golf Lessons by Shoji Ohta” in the monthly golf magazine, Golf Masters.  He is currently in the process of writing a golf instruction book that will be published soon.  In addition, he manages five golf schools that are currently staffed by USGTF personnel.
            Not many WGTF members have a finer learning pedigree than Shoji.  He graduated from International Pacific College in Brisbane, Austrailia, majoring in Sports Management.  As to golf training, he has received personal coaching from Peter Senior, a prominent Australian player, and Ian Triggs, Karrie Webb’s coach.  Ken Berndt and Tom Berndt also contributed to Shoji’s golf education.
            According to many of Shoji’s peers, Shoji’s greatest attribute is his incredible smile and friendly disposition.  It relaxes his students, puts them at ease and as a result, improvement always takes place.
            “I hire only USGTF-Japan teaching professionals simply because they are not only specialists in the field of teaching, but they also have experience in life.  They share these life experiences with their students to build skills and self-image.”

            “As a student, I received a scholarship that allowed me to engage in teaching technical improvements of students of colleges in both Japan and Australia.  Currently, I manage a golf school and coach several Japan Tour professionals, club professionals, amateurs and junior golfers.  The following subjects I have studied are being applied in my teaching:  coaching philosophy, coaching skills, coaching administration, sport science, golf techniques, recreation event physiology, and career development in sport.
            “I understand the prime purpose of giving golf lessons is to have students enjoy themselves and feel the joy of accomplishing their individual goals.  Students often come to lessons with concerns and problems other than golf, such as social pressures.   Since the game of golf is affected by mental elements, I try to make students happy and get them to smile at the driving range and golf course.
            “Analyzing golf swings by video and computer is a method commonly used in the golf industry.  However, some golfers experience disappointments because of this. It can be a two-edged sword.  I try to keep from hurting a student’s self-esteem when working on correcting mistakes.
            “I currently teach at Gotemba Country Club, about one hour from Tokyo, and help USGTF-Japan president Shuichi Yaginuma at various certification courses throughout the country.”

            Hideki Kokufu has been actively involved in teaching golf on a number of fronts.  Since 1995 he has taught the two-year curriculum of Golf History, Golf Swing Theory, Mechanics of Golf Clubs, and Golf Sociology at Osaka Resort & Sports Academy. 
            Since 2003 he has also owned and managed The Royal Golf Academy, and in 2005 he began writing articles on golf club repair in the Sport Nippon daily newspaper.  Hideki is also a member of Japan Golf Sciences.
            “I have been teaching golf for almost 28 years,” says Hideki.  “My prime goal has been to make students happy and have fun at the golf course and driving range, using various training aids, tools, and videos.  After I joined USGTF, I strictly follow the basic concepts of this great organization.
            “Regarding swing theory, I believe the most important thing we should consider is to eliminate burdens and stress to the body of the student, based on flexibility, durability and strength of the individual student,” Hideki continues, “and then, to find the best way to increase swing speed with less coiling of the body by shifting weight between the hip joints.
            “I am very proud to be a member of the USGTF-Japan.  It is evident to me that we have a clarity in our purpose and direction and are keeping abreast of the dynamic evolution of the sport.”

            If bringing up and mentoring a son who later becomes a prominent champion qualifies one as a great teacher, certainly Toshio Izawa fits the bill.  Toshio’s son, Toshi Izawa, is a very prominent player in Japan, having won numerous tournaments on the Japan Golf Tour and the 2002 WGC Team Championship, and is also a former US PGA Tour player.
            Toshio himself is a qualified Japan Senior Tour player.  Currently, he teaches about 40 junior golfers from 5-18 years old.  Among them, there are three all-Japan champions in three different age categories.  In addition to his son, Toshio has taught numerous Japanese touring professionals, including Tetsu Nishikawa, Mamoru Osanai, Nozomi Kawahara, and Mitsuhiro Tateyama. 
            There is no one in Japan compared to Toshio in terms of mentoring so many tour professionals. For this reason, he has a huge following of clients that come to him from around the country. His basic teaching concept is based on more demonstration as opposed to too much explanation. He also believes that beginners should be taught initially with shorter clubs such as a 9-iron or pitching wedge. In fact, he recommends this for the first three months at his golf school.
            According to Toshio, “Shorter, lofted clubs are easier to use, so in the beginning, students see some progress as opposed to becoming discouraged.
            “In the final analysis, the quality and motives of the teaching professional will determine the level of success of the student.”

            It is not by accident that Dave Hill has become one of the most sought-after teachers in the Montreal area. Aside from the experience he has gained from over 16,000 lessons, his ability to adapt, diagnose, communicate, motivate and get results are second to none.
            Dave began to understand and master his trade while spending many years in the United States and taking this opportunity to observe such teaching greats as David Leadbetter, Butch Harmon, and Jim McLean.  Through time, he developed his teaching philosophy and methodology, allowing him to offers his students a foolproof roadmap to success.
            Dave is also a vibrant and entertaining speaker, and, as Director of Instruction for The Golfologist in Montreal, he has spoken at countless corporate events covering a wide array of topics related to golf, business, and the workplace.  He also is a Level IV Master Teaching Professional who has served as an examiner at many USGTF and CGTF certification courses.
            During the winter months, Dave can be found in the Dominican Republic at the Guavaberry Resort and Country Club.  He is the director of instruction at this facility, which is nestled between Santo Domingo and La Romana.
            As a player, Dave has been affectionately nicknamed “The Magic Man,” for his innate ability to frequently escape from the most dire of circumstances.  Needless to say, he is a very popular and respected individual not only among his many students, but among his peers as well.

            Murray St. Onge is currently in his fourth year as the head teaching professional at the Tangle Creek Golf Club in Thornton, Ontario, and in the winter is the head teaching professional at the Barrie Sports Dome in Barrie, Ontario.  Murray’s teaching philosophy is similar to that taught at WGTF certification schools.
            “Over 90 percent of all swing errors are caused by an improper set-up,” says Murray.  “Without the proper grip, stance, ball position, posture, and especially your aim and alignment, you will have a difficult time squaring your clubface at the impact position.
            “I am a big fan of having fun teaching and making a golf session with me an enjoyable experience,” he continues.  “I try to make teaching simple and not too complicated, especially with juniors and people attending my clinics.”
            The mechanics of teaching aren’t all Murray focuses on.
            “People always come first,” he says.  “In other words, treat people like you would like to be treated – a friendly handshake, look them in the eye with a warm smile, and get to know your students.  When teaching, it’s necessary to be positive and always pick something that they are doing well, and encourage them to stay positive.”
            Murray’s style of teaching ties his customers to him.  He finds if you have the ability to get your students to laugh, you both then experience a much better day.

                             “My initial years in Malawi, South Africa, from 1991 to 1998 formed the foundation of my business expertise and knowledge. This I used to create my own company, Aldrin Trading, in 1996.
                             “My wife and I moved to Taiwan in early 1999.  During this period, TransAsia Airways approached me to teach their pilots and flight attendants English.  Over the ensuing three years, I taught 10-50 students at any one time from, beginners through the upper-intermediate level.  The greatest pleasure and self-satisfaction that I derived from this teaching was observing my students pass their English ability tests (TOEFL and TOEIC), and move on to higher positions within the airline.
                             “In early 2000, with the airline experiencing economic problems and foreigners’ positions no longer assured, I decided to follow my lifelong desire to tutor golf.  I had enjoyed my English teaching to such an extent that I wanted to carry this discipline through into my golf.  I spent three months honing my game, and in mid-2002 I spent a month in Scotland at the Forthview Golf Academy in Falkirk.  Here I successfully acquired the first of my professional golf teaching certificates.
                             “On arrival in Vietnam in late 2001, I marketed myself by designing my brochure and promoting my golf teaching ability and skills to hotels, high-end expatriate housing, and driving ranges.  My student base has fluctuated between 30 and 60, with continued new interest being shown.  I have taught over 3,000 lessons in nearly three years to all ranges of ages and abilities.”

            Gordon Dale has been a member of the USGTF since 1993, although he currently lives and works in Canada.  He owns and operates Canada’s Best Golf Academy in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, where he has taught over 3,000 lessons.  His students come from all over Canada, the United States, Asia, Europe, and Africa.
            Prior to this, Gordon began his teaching career in Alberta.  He then opened the Fire Park Golf Centre in Calgary, which was his own indoor range and clubmaking and repair shop.  He then moved to Valemount, British Columbia, where he was the teaching professional at Melsview Golf Club and at the Valemount Golf Course.  He then went on to Chinook Cove Golf Club in Barrie, BC, and Eagle Point Golf & Country Club in Kamloops, BC, before opening Canada’s Best Golf Academy.
            Gordon has also authored a book titled The Basics of Golf for the Amateur, which he distributes to his students. “I believe my publication reinforces and enhances their learning process,” says Gordon.  “This is achieved by sticking with the basics, explaining all the procedures as simply and to-the-point as possible.
            “In my humble opinion, too much of society seems to have a trend toward passive observation. If each one of us could convince one person each day of the rewards of taking up the game of golf, just imagine the incredible impact it would have.”  

            After early retirement from the army, Brig. Gole worked for some years as C.E.O. of a company in Pune, India.  Finally, the lure of the corporate lounge was overtaken by the desire to pursue his passion for the game of golf, and he has devoted time to the study and practice of golf teaching as a profession.
            He was certified by the Indian Golf Teachers Federation in 2001, and shortly thereafter was invited by the IGTF to become vice president and ambassador of the IGTF.
            He is now a professional at the Poona Club Golf Course, the RSI Golf Course, and at the National Defence Academy, Pune.  The latter has been a special experience, because the pupils are the young cadets undergoing training to become officers, are in peak physical condition, and can develop a good swing.
            “I believe anyone can learn to play this game.  All golf swings have their own unique qualities,” says Brig. Gole.
            Brig. Gole has also been conducting clinics at various courses throughout India, and has also taken to course designing and helping to reshape courses.  He says teaching golf has been a wonderful experience, and as the Indian Golf Teachers Federation continues to grow, golf instruction in India will be in excellent hands.  This, in turn, will lhelp golf in India grow, providing more opportunities for IGTF members for years to come.

            Jen Wilkinson, from Surrey, England, is passionate about golf and is an outstanding member of the British Golf Teachers Federation. Although only 26 years of age, she has ten years experience in the industry.
            Jen started playing golf at age 13, encouraged by her dad, and was instantly hooked. Once she was old enough, she took a job at the local golf learning center and quickly knew this was the environment where she intended to build a career. By 18 she was manager of the busy facility but was always envious of the professionals on the range teaching. Determined to improve her own game, Jen spent a winter season working at a Florida golf club and practicing daily.
            In taking her teaching certification, she took quickly to the teaching theories and concepts and passed with flying colors. Subsequently, she began her teaching career at Rusper Golf Club in Surrey, where she built up a successful junior academy.
            Jen recently joined the team at The Butfoy Golf Academy at Hoebridge, one of the busiest facilities in England. Jen especially enjoys introducing beginners to the game. “I get real satisfaction from seeing the pleasure that learning golf can bring to people,” she says.  “I recall one of my clients was so nervous that she could barely hold the club. As with all my pupils, my priority was to get her to relax, enjoy herself and inject her with a little self-confidence. Needless to say she is now a regular client, plays golf every week, is totally addicted and you can see the difference it has made in her life.”
            Jen has recently taken up the position as club professional at The River Club, an exclusive facility in London.

            “When my family moved to a new town when I was 12, we moved to a house next to a golf course.  To help overcome the pain of losing all my former friends and surroundings, I immersed myself into the game every day that I could.
            “My dream was always to play professionally, but the game came hard for me - so much so that, by the time I graduated from college, I was still not averaging under 80.  I took a regular job and became an average working stiff for a couple of years, until I decided that I wanted to follow my true passion, golf.  In April of 1991 I came aboard the USGTF as an examiner, and the rest, as they say, is history.
            “I gradually kept improving my game to the point that I have been very fortunate to win the United States Golf Teachers Cup five times, the World Golf Teachers Cup twice, and five other professional events…not bad for a guy who did virtually nothing in the amateur ranks.  Just as I wanted to become the best player I could be, I also wanted to be the best teacher that my abilities would allow.
            “I like to think I bring the same tenacity to improving my teaching that I used to improve my game.  Particularly, I believe it is important to learn factual information about the game and its techniques instead of automatically following common convention.
            “There are too many people to thank for guiding me in my playing and teaching ventures, but they know who they are.  I am sincerely grateful that each and every one of them has been a part of my life, not only professionally, but, more importantly, personally.”

            “My introduction to golf was as a caddy at Beverly Country Club, a pristine Donald Ross gem which hosted the 1963 Western Open in Chicago.  That year, I caddied for Tommy Jacobs, who finished 10th as I recall.  Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Julius Boros tied after 72 holes, with Palmer winning the Monday 18-hole playoff.  I played golf that day, missing a thrilling Palmer victory.
            “Playing on the golf team at University of Illinois and then at DePaul University further fueled my love of the game.  I began teaching golf at Midwest CC in Oakbrook, Illinois, and continued at Woodmont CC and Colony West CC in Tamarac, Florida.  As head golf professional at Sabal Palm GC for six years, I often taught under the lights till 10 P.M.  For the past 16 years, it has been my extreme pleasure to teach for America’s Favorite Golf Schools and also examine for the USGTF at its certification courses.
            “To have had the opportunity to enhance the growth of the game is in part due to my good fortune in meeting, working for, playing with and taking lessons from some of the world's greatest teaching, playing and club professionals such as Charley Penna, Beverly CC; coach Dick Rader, University of Illinois; John Elliot Jr. and Peter Kostis of the Golf Digest Schools; Bruce Fleisher and Lee Trevino, touring professionals; and Geoff Bryant, Bob Wyatt, Jr., Mark Harman and Mike Levine of the USGTF staff.
            “I listened very closely to what these professionals had to say and was profoundly inspired by them all. The common thread through them all is their complete knowledge of and passion for the game and an unlimited generosity of sharing. Thank you all.”

            “I live in the suburb of Maraval, which is located about five miles north of Port of Spain, which is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago.
            “I have been instrumental in the development of the golf game in my country for the past 35 years, and my aim and objective is not only to produce great golfers but also to help produce good human beings.
            “There are eight golf courses in Trinidad & Tobago. I am affiliated with the following clubs:

• Saint Andrews Golf Club, of which I am the head professional. My affiliation with this golf club extends to most of my life.
• Petrotrin Pointe-a-Pierre Golf Club, where I am the head coach of their junior program, and I have been there for about 20 years.

            “I give approximately 10 lessons per week on an individual basis, and I also conduct all junior programs at both golf clubs, which include approximately 80 juniors. I have taken the Trinidad & Tobago Junior Golf Team to two Caribbean Golf Championships, and also the four-person junior team to the Junior World Cup event in Japan.
            “Most of my clients who visit our country come from all parts of the world – USA, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Scotland, France and Italy, just to name a few.
            “My philosophy on teaching golf is to first create an atmosphere of fun and then an understanding of what the game is all about.”

            “I would like to thank the USGTF for selecting me for this honor.  It’s been a long time since I began my relationship with the USGTF and hope it lasts a lot longer.
            “When I turned 16 years old, instead of getting a car, I got a set of golf clubs from my parents.  To tell you the truth, I wished I had the car more, but, nonetheless, that’s where my life truly began. So, before I go any further, I would like to thank my mom and dad, who passed away two years ago 23 days apart. Without them I wouldn’t have a story to tell.
            “I played golf with my parents, then took some lessons, and about two years after my 16th birthday, went to the USGTF to get my certification.  Yes, I know my story is kind of unusual; however, if it weren’t for the USGTF, I don’t think I would have had the courage to enter this profession.
            “At first, I tried playing competitive golf on the Futures Tour, and didn’t do too badly.  I had five top-ten finishes in my first two years, but then - silly me - I fell in church and fractured my back. That’s when I decided to really look into the teaching aspect of this business. I went back to the materials I learned at the USGTF and I have been working ever since.
            “I think the one thing I love the most about teaching golf is the satisfaction that you get when your student comes to you and tells you that they got their first par, or broke 90 for the first time. That’s when I look back and think to myself, “Hey, I had something to do with that person’s happiness in this game.”  Or, “I may not be a doctor saving lives, or a lawyer defending the innocent, but I’m a golf professional helping to make people’s leisure time more enjoyable, and that makes them happy.” 
            “So, to all of you golf professionals or those aspiring to be, this is a profession that creates happiness.  Give it your best shot and know that you make a difference.  Thanks USGTF for getting me started on this journey.”

            Bob Toski hails from Haydenville, Mass., and has been involved in golf since the age of 5. There were four Toski boys playing competitive golf, one of the largest golfing families at that time. His brothers Jack, Ben and Tom were responsible for instilling the love of golf in their young brother. During his years in the Army, he won the C.B.I. Army Golf Tournament in Calcutta, India, in 1945 and joined the PGA Tour in 1948, winning his first tournament, The Insurance City Open in Hartford in 1953. In 1954 he won four tournaments, and as a result of winning the World’s Championship at Tam O’Shanter in Chicago with first prize of $50,000, he was the leading money winner for that year. Bob retired from the tour in 1956, and concentrated on teaching golf. In 1960 he became a member of the Golf Digest Teaching Panel. In 1971 he started the Golf Digest Schools which became successful worldwide. He retired from the Golf Digest Schools in 1992.
            He played in the first Legends of Golf Tournament in Austin, which was responsible for the success of the Champions Tour today. He won five Super Senior events at Key Biscayne, Tampa, Albuquerque, and the Legendary Division (Legends) in Austin, ’90 & ’92. In December 1992, he won the second World Champions of Golf at the Wigwam Resort in Arizona.
            Bob has authored several books, the most popular being The Complete Golfer, Golf for a Lifetime, and How to Feel the Real Golf Swing. His famous students include Judy Rankin, Jane Blalock, Tom Kite and Tom Shaw.
            In January 1999, Bob was inducted into the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame sponsored by Golf Magazine. He continues to play a few select senior tournaments, and in July 2000 shot 66 on the Tony Jacklin Senior Tour. This is possibly the lowest competitive score for a 73-year-old in competition.
            Bob lives in Boca Raton, Fla., with his wife, Lynn. They have four wonderful children, Robert, Bruce, Scot and Karin. He continues to teach almost every day at the Toski-Battersby Learning Center located on campus of Broward Community College. He likes to play in many charity events and gives freely of his time to many young professionals. Bob has been a USGT F member for the past 15 years.

            “My first recollection of golf was when my father took my brother and me to a driving range. In fact, I remember striking the ball properly for the first time and the feeling that it gave me.
            “Today I am a Level IV member and examiner with the USGTF, and my career as a teaching professional has been a wonderful journey. I am currently director of America’s Favorite Golf Schools at the Las Vegas Golf Club and the Legacy Golf Club here in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this capacity, I’ve had the privilege of tutoring thousands of students from all walks of life and from all over the world. I find it is important to be confident in your teaching ability, as well as being a good listener, so that you can address your students’ concerns and frustrations about the game.
            “I also teach with the First Tee Program of Southern Nevada and the Danny Gans Youth Camps. I find it very gratifying to start kids off in the right direction and to put smiles on their faces. If feels me with pride to hear from many of them later on when they finally get to break 90, 80, par or receive a college scholarship with help from my instruction.
            “As there are many colleagues that I have had the privilege of spending time in the field of instruction, I must give special thanks to Bill Picca, Jim Perez, David Vaught, Dave Shaver, Kenny Butler, Mark Harman, and Leslie Duke.
            “I have retired from US Airways after a 35 year career and am very excited to become even more involved with the USGTF and the golf teaching community.”

            “My resultant research has brought me to the conclusion that all the best teachers teach the same basics such as grip, stance, posture, ball position and alignment. From here it gets quite confusing as to how one should swing a golf club. I am sure there are as many methods as there are days in a month.
            “I have chosen a path to simplicity.  I teach the basics of grip, stance, posture and ball position and then how to take the club back with a one piece takeaway.  If a student sets up properly and gets him/herself into the proper swing plane at the start of the swing, then he or she cannot help but continue into a position of being behind the ball, with most of his/her weight on the back foot.  From here, assuming that they have gotten into the correct position at the top of the swing (wrists are hinged and club is parallel to the aim line), it is a simple move to the front foot, letting the club drop from the top of the swing and letting the arms do what they do naturally:  getting the club through impact position and into a full finish position (weight all on the front foot, back foot onto the toes with heel straight up).
            “I would like to also include that I have come to the realization that, without teaching the mental part of the game - even to beginners - the game escapes most people.  Therefore, I teach Neuro-Linguistic Programming to my students, with the assistance of Jim Dixon, a specialist in this field.
            “I work everyday at Angus Glen Golf Club, where some of the best teachers are located.  Some of them have earned prestigious teaching honors and have been on The Golf Channel expounding on their wisdom.  I learn from these folks everyday, and to me that is the beauty of this profession.”

            “As a golf teaching professional, I feel that I am fortunate to live here in South Africa. Golf in this nation has always been an integral part of our countries sporting history.
            “I was introduced to golf during my service with the South African Air Force. When my service was over I became certified and took up the position as teaching professional at Akasia Country Club in the town of Pretoria. After two years I became the head professional at this facility and continue to occupy that position.
            “I have been a member of the South African Golf Teachers Federation since 2001 and have also served as examiner at several SAGTF certification courses.
            “Most of my days are spent on the lesson tee, six days a week and in fact at the end of 2005, I had the honor of celebrating 6,500 hours of instruction. I also must say that I continue to learn something new about teaching every day.
            “I take pride in the fact that many of my students have achieved substantial success. Several have won club championships, done well in provincial championships and one in particular is preparing to qualify for the Asian tour. 
            “I have a unique teaching philosophy that transcends more than just expounding the mechanics of the golf swing. I deliver all the necessary ingredients while teaching.  However, during the course of my duties, I simply try to make people feel good about themselves.
            “If teaching golf is your passion, you’ve got to chase it.  It doesn’t matter if you’re new at it or a little apprehensive; just being the process.”

            “I am one of those lucky examples where golf has completely transformed my life from being ordinary into absolute joy. To say “Thank you” to this unique sport is my daily endeavor, and for me personally, it will stay that way for the rest of my life.
            “In the year 2000 I became a certified golf teaching professional in the country of England. While I was there I finished fourth in the Irish Open for teaching professionals. Upon returning to my home country of South Africa, I initiated the Links Golf Academy, which catered mostly to junior golfers, and had 85 children enrolled in our three-year program.
            “I wrote the curriculum for the South African Golf Teachers Federation in 2001, and my father Ben and I initiated the SAGTF in Pretoria. I have been the examiner at all of our certification courses with the assistance of one of our nation’s most brilliant teachers, Deon Schlunz.
            “After logging thousands of hours of teaching all aspects of the game to both genders of all ages, I have found my specialty, which is teaching advanced and professional players. Here are some of my personal thoughts on teaching golf:

• There is no secret or shortcut to learning the game as many people claim.
• If someone isn’t learning, then someone isn’t teaching.
• The quality of your lessons is directly proportionate to your preparation for the       lesson.
• A complete golf teaching professional knows how to teach, what to teach, when to teach what and why to teach what.
• Your personality definitely dictates your success as a teaching professional.
• Good teaching is knowing what to overlook.
• Demonstration, I believe is the best form of teaching a motor skill like golf.
• It’s not a right to be WGTF member, but a privilege.”

            Shirley Barrow is the golf teaching professional at Tierra del Sol Country club in the country of Aruba. Shirley is the first female professional hired by Tierra del Sol, and certainly the busiest teaching professional in the Caribbean.
            Shirley runs her own golf school at the club featuring personal and group tuition for local players and tourists, corporate and convention outings and junior programs. Shirley’s teaching philosophy involves the following points:
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-    You are there to make your client’s day.

• Teaching golf must remain simple.
• Teaching golf has to be fun.
• As an ambassador to golf, your appearance is imperative.

            Shirley conducts golf lessons in many languages. Fluency in Papiamento, English, Dutch, German, French and Spanish has often been a great ice breaker and comfort to her many pupils.
            As a teaching professional, her greatest joy has been the opportunity to introduce so many local Arabians to the game.
            “I believe that as teaching professionals, as opposed to just relaying the mechanics of the golf swing, one of our main goals is to improve the confidence of beginners and high-handicap golfers,” says Shirley.  “All of my lessons include a good dose of encouragement, because this is the critical stage in the development of a golfer.  By being sensitive and responsive to emotions, I believe I have personally saved hundreds of individuals from giving up the game.  After all, we want them as life participants.”

            Sandy Cameron lives and works where many golfers dream about – the home of golf.  Sandy knows he is lucky to do so, and fully appreciates it.
            “I am fortunate to live here in St. Andrews, Scotland – a place where golfing pilgrims throughout the world call their Mecca.  In this uniquely golf-orientated town, one can almost face social exclusion as a non-golfer. Needless to say, for this particular reason my appointment book is always full.
            “Living and teaching here throughout the years, I have steeped myself in golf and golfing lore. I have partnered with Ryder Cup captain Eric Brown; played with Bing Crosby; taken advice from fellow left-hander Bob Charles; swapped golf stories with Sean Connery; and discussed coming down the stretch with John Daly.
            “In my former life I was a schoolteacher, an educational psychologist, and now, as a golf teaching professional, I offer a whole range of skills such as preparing and presenting lessons, knowledge of the learning curve, awareness of individual variables, familiarity with the problems of motivation, confidence and communication skills, interpersonal skills, etc.
            “I believe that the best way to learn a subject is to teach it and I also know that becoming a really good teacher takes a lifetime of experience.  There is no question that my former teaching career has helped me in my capacity to teach golf.”

            “Teaching the game of golf has given me more joy than I could ever imagine.
            “I am the co-founder of East River Golf School here in New York. We have three locations that include Randall’s Island Golf Center, Velocity Sports Performance on 58th Street in Manhattan, and Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville, New York.
            “In this melting pot of a city that I call home, I currently teach over 1,000 students per year to 24 different nationalities. Talk about an international sport!
            “I also work closely with the Executive Women’s’ Golf Association, The First Tee program, and New York University. Furthermore, I do a lot of volunteer work with inner-city troubled teens. I appreciate this one aspect of my profession – it gives me a lot of satisfaction.
            “I try to share a little of myself as a person in the golf lessons that I give.  I find that this makes the golf learning experience more compelling and enjoyable for the student.
            “My efforts to help people get involved in golf and enjoy this game keep me going seven days a week. It is, however, a labor of love. To be recognized by my peers for my efforts would is one of the highlights of my life and golf teaching career.”

            “I truly believe that anyone who wants to play can learn to play golf, be relatively good at it and have a great time on the course with family and friends.  The key ingredients are realistic expectations, dedication to proven fundamentals, purposeful practice, the satisfaction that comes with improvement, and having fun with golf at all times, through good and not so good.
            “Having taught the game for over 25 years, I have studied and experimented with just about every popular swing theory, most of which have fallen out of favor.  In my mind, only two viable methods survive.  I primarily teach what we have inherited from Byron Nelson and successors; namely, a classic two-plane swing.  Less often, for the highly athletic student who comes to me with a natural one-plane swing, I will coach them in the method descended from Ben Hogan.
            “This extensive background in golf swing education enables me to provide my students, who are all different in temperament, build and athletic ability, with the tools that will enable them to understand what makes a golf ball fly long and straight, plus give them a prescription for purposeful practice in order to continuously teach themselves the game.
            “Recognizing that a lot of popular advice is applied indiscriminately, regardless of the swing style used by the student, I try to give the student an education about getting and taking advice so that they are equipped to weed out what doesn’t apply to them.  I strive to teach only proven fundamental principles as taught by the best teachers and the USGTF, keeping “what works for me” to a bare minimum.
            “I have also initiated a golf learning program for juvenile offenders at a correction facility. The positives of golf like responsibility for ones actions, honesty, sportsmanship, courtesy and development of a skill are values they can take with them on the outside. The fact that the staff cared enough about these young people to run this program is thought to be a factor in their development of good citizenship. Presently, I am the teaching professional at Oak Knolls Golf Club, a 36-hole facility in Kent, Ohio.”

            Don Cole is a USGTF Level IV Member and Examiner and resides in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bloomburg University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Lehigh University.
            Don is the head golf coach at Keystone College, a four-year NCAA Division III school. In 2004, his college team won the US Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship held in Grand Rapids, MI. This was the first national championship ever won by an athletic team in the history of Keystone College, which was founded in 1868. Subsequently, he was named golf coach of the year by the US Collegiate Athletic Association.
            Don has had many other honors bestowed upon him, including golf coach of the year on three separate occasions by the sports staff of the Times-Tribune of Scranton.  Furthermore, he has coached seven individual PIAA District II champions. Recently, Don was selected by Sport for Understanding to travel to Australia and New Zealand as head coach of 26 Junior American golfers, for the purpose of competing against their peers from those two nations.
            According to Don, “I place a lot of emphasis on the mental aspect of the game; I have stats on every player as well as the players I think we might face in the playoffs. We make up imaginary scorecards and play matches against them. Besides playing the league and exhibition matches, we’ve played a team three or four times before we meet them.”
            Don also provides individual and group lessons in his home town at the Stone Hedge Golf Club.

            John is a USGTF Level IV member and course Examiner and resides in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
            Over the years he has developed a substantial client base that he feels privileged to teach. Approximately 98% of all John’s students return every year for swing reviews and updates. John has contributed much of his time to the Amputee Golf Association, The Blind Golfers Association and Nike Golf Camps. Furthermore, he has won league championships as coach of both Abington Friends High School and Holy Ghost Prep High School. He also gives free clinics at his home teaching facility once a month to help promote the ethics, integrity, courtesy and proper fundamentals of the game.
            John is a regular contributing writer to our international member publication, Golf Teaching Pro magazine. He enjoys sharing his insights with a variety of articles covering all aspects of teaching the game.
            Just as the student should enjoy the process of learning, John feels that there is a responsibility as a teaching professional to remain open to new knowledge and to continue the process of improving at our profession. He also feels that the main objective of a teaching professional is to be fully focused on the skill you are teaching, for the duration of the lesson.
            John says, “Where your focus goes, everything else follows. By guiding your focus in positive ways, you control the intensity, direction, quality of learning, and progress of the lesson. The intensity of your focus effects every teaching situation you encounter. Train your mind to connect fully with your focus. Trust your connection and free yourself from the outside distractions of the practice range. You will then be able to perform closer to your capacity as a teacher, and your lessons will be more valuable to your students.”

            “After a minor league hockey experience in Canada, I returned to coaching university hockey and became a golf pro in Canada and the United States.  I was able to play in some of the beginning stages of the Canadian Tour tournaments with two third place finishes.  I was also a hockey and golf coach at Dalhousie University. 
            “I left Dalhousie to work on my doctorate.  While finishing my doctorate I was able to teach golf at Hillcrest Golf Course and coach the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and golf teams.  After completing my doctorate, I spent many years at Holiday Valley resort in western New York doing adult golf schools, junior schools and clinics.
            “One of the big advantages of having my doctorate is that I was able to teach courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, psychology of sport, and courses in how to teach.  Although I am semi-retired, these courses have formed a valuable basis for teaching, lecturing, video making and writing for golf.  My son and I have published eight books on hockey, teaching golf, and many articles in national magazines in Canada and the United States.  All of my writings, lectures, lessons, clinics, video and films are based on science and research.”
            Dr. Walford has also recently completed a video produced by the USGTF designed specifically for golf teaching professionals, titled The Science of Teaching Golf.

            “I was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1944.  Throughout my life I have played many different sports and games, from hunting, football, and softball as a youth to archery, chess, and bass fishing as an adult. 
            “When I was young in the Deep South, golf was a sport that only the well-to-do or privileged had a chance to enjoy.  Fortunately, this one aspect of golf has changed somewhat.  I believe, however, as teaching professionals that we can all do our part in helping to ensure that the game is introduced to those less fortunate than us.  Personally, that gives me great satisfaction.
            “I have had the privilege to teach over 1,200 Natural Golf Schools, with more than 4,000 students.  I was fortunate enough to be chosen over 165 teaching professionals through out the world as the inaugural Natural Golf Teacher of the Year for 2001. I have had the privilege to be a part of the Natural Golf Education Committee, and I am now a sitting member of the Natural Golf Advisory Board.  I am now teaching Natural Golf in five different locations in northern Florida.
            “Golf is the only game you’ll play where you’re virtually on your own.  Once you address the ball, the swing, the game, it’s all you. You get all the credit for the good shots, and all the blame for the bad ones.  There isn’t any better feeling than a good round of golf, or a worse feeling than a bad one.
            “I’ve been married to my beautiful bride Penny for 40 years, raised our four children and taught them all to play golf, and now I have 13 grandchildren to teach as well!”