|
|
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE USGTF NATIONAL OFFICE
|
 As another golf season comes to a close for our northern friends, it is just starting in earnest for some of us in the southern climes. We trust that 2016 brought you success in your personal and professional lives. We sincerely want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah, and certainly a Happy New Year for 2017. As always, your USGTF National Office Staff will be here to serve you. If you have any need to contact us, our number is (888) 346-3290, and Jennifer Russakis or Suzy Johnson in Membership Services will be glad to be of assistance. You may also reach anyone at the USGTF by email through www.USGTF.com/contact.
|
|
|
If you’re a current member in good standing with the USGTF, we want to say “thank you” for being a part of our family of golf teaching professionals. In order to remain a member in good standing for 2017, membership dues must be paid by December 31, 2016, to avoid reinstatement fees. Your USGTF membership provides you with many valuable member benefits, such as discounted merchandise through our industry partners, group liability insurance, continuing education through Golf Teaching Pro magazine and our instructional materials, a monthly e-newsletter to keep you informed, and opportunities to compete and network through our regional and national events, among others.
You may conveniently renew your membership at www.usgtf.com/renew, or by calling the USGTF National Office at (888) 346-3290. Thank you again, and we look forward to continuing to serve you.
|
|
|
The Winter 2017 edition of Golf Teaching Pro magazine, the official publication of the World Golf Teachers Federation, is being finalized and will be in your mailbox this coming month. The magazine features pertinent information for golf teaching professionals, and is the only one of its kind. Prominent teaching professionals, including Bob Toski, have remarked on the quality of the publication.
This issue includes articles from your favorite writers, a complete wrap-up of the United States Golf Teachers Cup, along with instructional articles and other information. Look for it soon!
|
JONES NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR
|
 USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional Bert Jones from Loomis, CA, has been named Delta League Girls Golf Coach of the Year for his accomplishments as the head coach of the St. Francis High School girls team out of Sacramento.
Jones, who was in his first season in the position, led the St. Francis golf team to a tie for a seventh-place finish at the 2016 NCGA/CIF NorCal Championship at The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch in Salinas. It was the first NorCal appearance for the program since 2013.
The Troubies qualified for the CIF NorCal Regional Championships with a third-place finish at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters tournament and won the Delta League title after going undefeated in league play and winning two of the three center matches.
Three Troubadours were named to the All-League team. Jones is also a USGTF examiner and a regular participant in the United States Golf Teachers Cup.
|
CHRISTMAS SAVINGS AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER
|
Golf instruction is the name of the game at the USGTF, and we have many fine instructional publications and DVDs available for our members to engage in continuing education. This month, we have three publications available at a discount to all USGTF members:
MentalRules for Teaching Golf, by Dr. Gregg Steinberg. Dr. Steinberg has 61 mental “rules” to help you play and teach your best.
Golf Drills for Teaching Professionals, by Thomas T Wartelle, director of the WGTF. Wartelle imparts valuable drills you can use in any teaching situation.
One Hundred Tips for Golf Teaching Professionals, by the USGTF Technical Committee, gives you insights and wisdom into the ins and outs of teaching.
These three publications are available at a 25% discount through December 31. To order, please visit the USGTF Pro Shop at www.usgtfproshop.com.
|
“PRO” FILE – TOURING PROFESSIONAL HORTON SMITH
|
 The Masters is the tournament most associated with the late Arnold Palmer, but in the beginning, another man dominated the first three years it took place. Horton Smith won the inaugural event in 1934 and followed that up two years later with another victory, becoming both the first winner and first multiple winner in Masters history. Smith was one of the first prolific winners of the then-nascent professional touring scene in the late 1920s and early 1930s, winning eight of the 22 tournaments he entered in 1929. He wound up winning 32 times in all in the United States, placing him 15th on the all-time list. After his playing career, he became the head professional at Detroit Golf Club in Michigan in 1946, a position he held until his death in 1963 from Hodgkin’s disease. He was voted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1990.
|
EDITORIAL – IT HAS BEEN QUITE A YEAR IN GOLF
|
As the Association of Golf Professionals celebrated 100 years of existence, 2016 saw many firsts, beginning with the major championships all crowning first-time winners. Danny Willett donned the green jacket at Augusta after an epic collapse by the hottest golfer on tour, Jordan Spieth. Dustin Johnson finally broke through for his first major championship at the U.S. Open despite many pundits doubting that he would ever hold up to a major challenge. A classic battle then ensued at the Open Championship with Henrik Stenson’s remarkable putting down the stretch to deny Phil Mickelson a second title. Then, Jimmy Walker surprised everyone at the PGA Championship.
Probably the biggest first was golf back in the Olympics, which turned out to be quite an exciting finish as Justin Rose birdied the final hole and saw the raising of the Union Jack atop the medal ceremony. And although not a first, the Americans recapturing the Ryder Cup was quite a relief to many on this side of the Atlantic.
Yes, it was quite a year, but not entirely without controversy. The USGA continued to bumble its way along. The ban of anchoring the putter went into effect, of which the intent was clearly to eliminate the long putter, but Bernard Langer still used his effectively. The moronic way they handled rulings at the men’s and women’s opens left many exasperated and wondering whether these people have a clue.
Worst of all, in my opinion, was ruling that people playing alone could not post scores for handicap purposes. In a game that is founded on integrity and honor, the so-called protectors of the game don’t trust golfers to play by the rules unless someone is watching them. What kind of message does that send? Maybe these are the people that can’t be trusted with decisions on how we play and enjoy ourselves on the golf course.
By Mike Stevens, USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional, Tampa, Florida
|
|
|
|
|
在线咨询
137-0185-7007