Page 60 - Demo

GOLF TEACHING PRO%u00ae 58 WINTER 2O26In March of this past year, WGTF-Netherlands organized the Third Month Seminar %u2013 one of the cornerstones of our vision for continuous education and quality improvement. The seminar was fully booked weeks in advance, a clear sign that our members place great value on professional development and knowledge sharing. We were proud to welcome two of the most renowned Dutch golf instructors, Tammo Murris and John Boerdonk. Their workshops went far beyond swing technique: they explored teaching styles, mental coaching, talent development, and %u2013 most importantly %u2013 the translation into practice.Participants were not only introduced to new insights but were also challenged to immediately test new methods themselves. The energy in the room was palpable, with lively discussions and feedback moments. Many attendees expressed that they left with practical tools they could apply in their lessons the very next day.Three Free Seminars per YearAt WGTF-Netherlands, continuing education is not a luxury %u2013 it is a right and necessity for every golf professional. That is why we organize three major seminars each year that are entirely free of charge for our members.These events serve as gathering points where knowledge, experience and inspiration converge. By consistently investing in the development of our instructors, we not only foster their personal growth, but also raise the overall quality of golf instruction in the Netherlands. Ultimately, thousands of golfers benefit from this, receiving lessons that are more modern, professional and effective.Innovation: Online Learning PlatformAlongside our live seminars, we are developing an innovative online learning platform. The platform will feature interactive modules with videos, presentations, assignments and testing moments. Members will be able to work at their own pace, track their progress, and use the system to ask questions or exchange ideas with colleagues.Looking ahead, we aim to integrate AI-powered feedback and interactive quizzes, making the platform not just a library but a dynamic, evolving learning environment. This project marks a major step towards blended learning, the optimal combination of online study and practical training.WGTF Netherlands continues to build a future in which golf education is more innovative, sustainable and international than ever before. By investing in knowledge, technology, societal recognition and personal growth, we are shaping a new generation of golf professionals prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.NEWS FROM THE NETHERLANDSBy Bjorn Beekman, Director, WGTF NetherlandsSTORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD NETHERLANDSFuture: Training Center The HagueAnother project we are particularly proud of is the creation of the WGTF Training Center in The Hague. The facility will include eight advanced launch monitor systems and a spacious classroom for theory and group coaching.Sustainability plays a central role. The building will feature a green roof, solar panels and energy-efficient systems, while using as many circular and natural materials as possible. This will make the Training Center not just a hub for talent development, but also a model of responsible and future-oriented building.Our ambition is for this facility to grow into an international knowledge and training hub, where golf professionals from the Netherlands and abroad come together to learn, train, and inspire.Education and Social RecognitionWGTF-Netherlands is also actively engaged in education and societal recognition. Together with MBO Rijnland, we introduced golf as an elective subject, training 12 students as assistant golf instructors. For many of them, it was their very first introduction to the sport %u2013 and a gateway to future careers.Another highlight was our collaboration with the TIO Business School in Amsterdam. In the auditorium, we built a fully functional indoor golf center, where more than 250 students were introduced to the sport in a single day. Both an English-speaking and a Dutch-speaking group participated in an intensive workshop combining theory, practice and experience. For many students, it was a revelation: golf proved not only to be a sport, but also a tool for developing new skills, self-confidence, and teamwork.Investing in StudentsOur mission does not end with training instructors. We also actively invest in the students themselves. Golf is a sport that demands discipline, focus, and character %u2013 qualities that are just as valuable in life as on the course.One striking example is a student who, after completing the MBO Rijnland assistant instructor program, has already secured a position at a prestigious golf club. His story illustrates how our programs open doors, not only to athletic development but also to professional opportunities.