GOLF TEACHING PRO MAGAZINE^®

Honored Master
Member Profiles
By Bob Wyatt
National Coordinator

In recognition of years of service to the golf teaching industry and the golfing community, the USGTF salutes Mr. Richard Eaton, Level IV Master Teaching Professional and examiner. He began his golfing career in the summer of 1955 at his home in Olean, New York.

“A friend suggested that I try golf and I was hooked after my initial swing,” stated Eaton. During this time, however, he was on a full football scholarship at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Golf had to take a back seat to football until the spring of 1956.

In that year, he met a fellow student and golf enthusiast by the name of Dick Thomas. The two of them found a way to play and practice on a regular basis until they felt ready to try out for the university golf team. By 1957, Richard was elected co-caption of the football team and became the number two player on the golf team.

In Richard’s own words:
“After finishing college, my golf was reduced to once a week due to my appointment as regional manager with General Tire and Rubber Company. I was eventually fortunate enough to have my own General Tire and Rubber Company business.

“By the mid 1980’s the golf bug had bitten hard once again, so I decided to make a new career in the golf industry. I took a job in the golf shop at Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, New York. After one year I was named summer programs manager and director of golf, which was the beginning of fulfilling my childhood dream.

“I was introduced to the USGTF in 1989 when Holiday Valley hosted some of the earliest certification courses. I was able to see first-hand the growth and value of this great organization. I become certified through the USGTF in 1990 at the Lehigh Acres Resort near Fort Myers, Florida. In 1995, I completed the Masters Level IV in Naples, Florida.

“Teaching golf had become very important to me, and through the years I have had the pleasure of working with thousands of students. Since my retirement in 2001, I have been doing more teaching than ever. Between conducting two to three certification courses per year for the USGTF and teaching many old and new students, I have little time to rest. My association with the USGTF has been one of great pleasure. Throughout the years, the friendships I have made will last forever.”

Footnote: Richard was the national Super Senior champion in Orlando, Florida, at the World Golf Teachers Cup held in 2003, with a two-round total of 150.

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