All Posts - United States Golf Teachers Federation

29 Jun 2026 admin

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER – JIM CULLOM

By Jim Cullom

I grew up in the small town of Mulberry, Indiana, and have called it home my entire life. My fascination with golf began at age 10, and for over 50 years it’s been a constant joy in my life. The core lessons I learned early on — have fun, be patient, play the course, and enjoy playing with others — have stayed with me.

Fifteen years ago, I had the immense pleasure of becoming the boys’ golf coach at my old high school, where I’d also played for four years. It’s been incredibly rewarding to instill those same four principles in these young men, and I have no plans of stopping anytime soon.

My desire to further my coaching skills led me to seek certification. I discovered the USGTF website, which offered exactly what I was looking for. I told my wife, who is my biggest supporter, and she said you should go. Without hesitation, I signed up for training, which was at the time was coming up soon and was only a three-hour drive south. My instructor, Michael Wolf, was exceptional; I thoroughly enjoyed his sessions and benefited greatly from his knowledge and expertise.

Being a USGTF member has opened up numerous opportunities, allowing me to build a clientele from ages 5 to 75. My students appreciate working with a professional whose primary goal is to make their learning experience fun and enjoyable. It brings me immense joy to see the smile on a student’s face when they hit a good shot and experience that “aha!” moment during a lesson. There is no other profession where we build relationships that can last a lifetime, all while teaching them a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime.

I want to personally thank the USGTF and WGTF for their unwavering support of members, not only in the U.S. but worldwide. I am proud to be a member and highly recommend that anyone, regardless of age, consider taking their golf career to the next level by contacting them. They offer a wealth of opportunities to choose from.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – KOBY LOWE

By Dr. Hunhui Oh, USGTF Member

The journey of a golfer is often unpredictable, full of challenges, breakthroughs, and personal growth. For 14-year-old Koby Lowe, that journey began just six months ago when he casually picked up his dad’s old golf club. What started as a mere curiosity quickly turned into a passion, and now, in a remarkable turn of events, Koby has been recruited by his school’s golf team coach. His transformation from a novice golfer to a team player has been nothing short of inspiring.

From the outset, Koby faced numerous challenges, much like the harsh winter weather we endured during our training sessions in northwestern Washington. His commitment never wavered. Through rain, cold winds and challenging course conditions, he showed up, ready to learn, ready to improve. His resilience was evident as he faced setbacks and frustrations, yet always returned with an eagerness to refine his game.

My coaching philosophy is rooted in empowerment. I emphasize not only the technical aspects of golf but also the deeper connection between the game and personal well-being. With Koby, the focus has been on improving his ball-striking ability and fostering a mindset that embraces golf as a source of joy, discipline, and renewal. Golf is more than just a sport — it is an opportunity to release toxic thoughts, find tranquility in nature, and channel positive energy into every swing.

Koby’s progress extends beyond the golf course. His dedication to improvement has spilled over into other areas of his life, reinforcing his commitment to schoolwork and personal growth. His journey thus far is just the beginning, but his passion and perseverance indicate a bright future ahead. As he prepares to embark on this new chapter with his school’s golf team, I have no doubt that he will continue to push himself, inspire his peers, and embrace the beautiful, unpredictable adventure that golf—and life—has to offer.

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