PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
	By Geoff Bryant USGTF President and C.E.O.

EVOLUTION IN TEACHING - I’ve always been intrigued with Winston Churchill’s notable statement that he loved to learn but hated to be taught. In today’s world, however, in regard to golf, I believe he would love to have been taught. The main difference, of course, is that today’s world includes specialists in the field of teaching. Perhaps Britain’s famous prime minister was taught by someone who had to open and close the pro shop, sell merchandise, take tee times, and repair golf carts, etc.

In a way, though, I can understand Mr. Churchill’s dilemma, because personally, if I ever required heart or brain surgery, I certainly would not want a general practitioner doing the job. I’d want the assurance that I would be rewired properly! Like so many other golfers today around the globe, given the choice, I’m sure Winston would have selected a USGTF or WGTF teaching professional: a specialist who could not only ensure that he learned and enjoyed the process, but also advise him on the proper equipment to purchase.

Of course, with regard to equipment, he also commented that “the implements used to play golf were ill-suited for the purpose.” Once again, though, I’m sure he would be pleased with the progress made in this area, as well. Today he would have been custom-fitted with implements well-engineered to match his height, grip size, and swing speed. They would have been the latest in hybrid clubs and graphite shafts, perhaps coupled with hi-tech composite golf balls.

All in all, to the present day, the golf teaching profession has evolved and progressed as it should have. Teaching professionals are more in tune with the needs of their clients, and certainly more privy to the latest in teaching innovations and technological advances. Today’s ultimate teaching professional can not only detect and correct specific swing flaws, but are also trained to address clubfitting needs, provide biomechanical assessments, give online lessons, and are even adept at teaching pertinent mental components of the game.

Examples of USGTF affiliations in all these areas are (a) ongoing, in-depth seminars on clubfitting; (b) our alliance with GetFittoGolf.com, which provides our members the opportunity to step into the biomechanical aspect of teaching; (c) on-line teaching through our affiliation with Golf Around The World, Inc., and (d) seminars covering Mastering The Mental Game with USGTF sport psychologist Dr. Gregg Steinberg. Information on all of the above can be found in this publication.

The USGTF’s sole purpose and reason for existence is to provide education materials and programs like these to its members. Those who continue to build on these offerings, in an ongoing effort to improve their skills and knowledge, certainly increase their value as teaching professionals. The USGTF will continue to take advantage of all opportunities, programs, and certification advancements for teaching pros throughout the world. As a result, not only does the client benefit, but the entire industry, as well.

So, as we take a close look at the history of the game, and continue to move forward into this new century, there have never been more players, more golf courses, and more countries worldwide embracing the sport, and more opportunities for golf teaching professionals. Mr. Churchill would be pleased. Happy teaching!