27 Feb 2026

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – ANDERSON TRIPLETS



Middletown, Connecticut, a city of nearly 50,000 between New Haven and Hartford, has just one golf course. Miner Hills is an executive course where many in the central area of the state learn to play golf. The city recognized the need to hold classes to accommodate the population’s desire to learn to play our sport 12 years ago.

These sessions have been met with great enthusiasm and are always filled to capacity. George E Claffey III, USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional and WGTF Top 50 instructor, has been pro at Miner Hills for the past 20 years and designed and teaches the four-week sessions. All aspects of the game are covered and skills are brought to life as players receive an on-course experience.

This past fall’s class was most unique because a set of triplets had taken advantage of this opportunity. The Andersons are freshmen at three different secondary schools. Nevin is enrolled at Mercy High School for Girls, while Blake goes to Middletown High School and Egan goes to Vinal Technical High School. All have aspirations of playing varsity golf for their respective schools. Although the triplets are alike in many ways, they have different goals for their individual games.

Together, the Andersons had their introduction to the links with The First Tee Connecticut at TPC River Highlands, home of the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship. They agree that this program instilled their enthusiasm for golf that has remained to this day.

They differ on their greatest playing challenges. Nevin believes that putting is very difficult and is crucial in competition. Egan thinks that pitching is hard to master and Blake desires to hit more consistent drives. They all know that the key to overcoming these shortcomings is hard work and practice. As for their aspirations, Nevin would like to make her high school varsity team as a freshman; Egan would like to shoot par, and Blake wants to be a two-sport varsity athlete as he also runs cross country.

Coach Claffey is most impressed with these individuals’ focus and determination. He admires their improvement in such a short period of time. Said Claffey, “The Anderson triplets are wonderful young adults who grasp our concepts easily. Teaching triplets has been a great experience while observing their similarities and recognizing their differences.”
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27 Feb 2026

USGTF INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT – Callaway



Callaway Golf was the first industry partner to sign on with the USGTF when founder Ely Callaway recognized the USGTF’s value to the golf industry. As a leader in driver technology, Callaway has done it again with their Quantum Max driver for 2026.

According to Callaway, “For the first time ever, our Tri-Force Face features ultra-thin, high-strength Titanium, reinforced with Poly Mesh™ and Carbon. There are five models in the lineup: Quantum Max, Quantum D, Quantum Triple Diamond, Quantum Triple Diamond Max and Quantum Max Fast, and every golfer will be able to find the perfect driver with such offerings. The Quantum Max is the standard offering, while the Triple Diamond lineup is designed for better players who seek workability. And unlike other companies that offer only one low-spin option, the Quantum Triple Diamond Max also offers extra forgiveness, unique to the industry. The Quantum Max Fast is for slower swingers seeking more distance, and the Quantum D is for golfers who struggle with a slice.”

USGTF members are eligible for personal use discounts through Callaway Golf’s VIP program. For more information, please contact the National Office at (772) 88-USGTF.
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27 Feb 2026

EDITORIAL – TGL TO INTRODUCE WOMEN’S COMPETITION NEXT WINNER



TGL Golf, the indoor league featuring prominent PGA Tour players, will expand next year to include the women of the LPGA Tour, bringing greater visibility to that circuit. Entering its second year for the men’s league, TGL has provided popular programming early in the week for ESPN.

TGL draws approximately 500,000 viewers each week, and reaches an audience that may not be regular viewers of PGA Tour events. Much like Topgolf appeals to non-golfers, TGL is also appealing to such individuals, and demographic studies show that the audience for TGL is also younger than that for PGA Tour events.

With the ladies coming on board next year, it is sure to bring greater interest to the product itself, as LPGA players overall are quite a bit younger than PGA Tour players. This should have a noticeable impact on driving players to the game and should also be good for the golf teaching industry. Even if such players never gravitate towards real courses, indoor simulator golf and Topgolf (and its competitors) are drawing many new people to the game, and it’s natural to want to improve. Most people recognize lessons are the best way of doing so, which should bode well for USGTF members in the future.
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30 Jan 2026

ONE-YEAR GRACE PERIOD FOR USGTF LOGO ANNOUNCED



Beginning in 2027, an exciting new chapter in the history of the USGTF will be unfolding, as the organization will officially be fully a part of the World Golf Teachers Federation, to be known as WGTF-USA. This is to give WGTF members around the world one federation to belong to, as opposed to the current situation of many different federations.

However, to help current USGTF members transition into the new name and logo, a grace period for 2026 has been announced by president and CEO Brandon Lee to give members time to make necessary adjustments to their promotional and identification materials. If anyone needs assistance in making these changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the National Office.
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30 Jan 2026

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER



Sometimes in the excitement of the holiday season we forget things, and if you haven’t renewed your USGTF/WGTF membership for 2026, don’t worry! Membership comes with a host of benefits that are among the best in the golf industry, including equipment and accessory discounts, discounted liability insurance, ongoing member education, regional and national golf championships, etc. Please visit https://www.usgtf.com/annual-membership-renewal to remain a member in good standing for 2026.
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30 Jan 2026

WGTF-GERMANY REBUILDING STRONGER THAN EVER



By Bjorn Beekman

Over the past years, WGTF-Germany has developed into a mature and forward-thinking organization within European golf. Its growth is not driven by volume or visibility, but by a clear focus on quality, structure, and long-term impact from education to elite performance.

WGTF-Germany has already delivered in 2025 multiple Level III education programs, designed around modern coaching principles such as long-term athlete development, skill acquisition, and constraints-led learning. The central goal of these programs is simple: to ensure coaches can translate knowledge into effective practice.

A defining strength of the German pathway has been the close cooperation with the Dutch WGTF expertise, creating an international framework while remaining sensitive to the specific demands of the German golf environment. This international collaboration is intentional. It fosters knowledge exchange, shared standards, and a common WGTF coaching language at a master level.

Education within WGTF-Germany is closely connected to the club environment. To date, 46 golf courses across Germany have entered into formal WGTF partnerships. These clubs function as development platforms where education, player pathways, and coaching standards come together. Together with WGTF-Germany departments and certified instructors, structured WGTF courses are now being delivered directly at partner clubs. These programs are taught by German WGTF instructors working in cooperation with Dutch colleagues, ensuring continuity, quality, and international alignment.

An important element of WGTF-Germany’s development is the constructive and ongoing dialogue with the German Golf Federation. This alignment positions WGTF education as a complementary pathway within the broader German golf structure, supporting shared goals such as coach quality, player development, and long-term sustainability.

With a strong education pathway, an expanding club network, a dedicated high-performance education center, and proven impact at the elite level, WGTF-Germany is entering a new phase. The focus moving forward is clear: deepen quality, strengthen international cooperation, and continue connecting education, technology, and performance in a coherent and sustainable system. WGTF-Germany is not simply developing coaches. It is demonstrating how modern coach education can shape the future of the game.
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30 Jan 2026

REGION EVENT NEWS



Southeast – Tournament this month! The 2026 USGTF Southeast Region Championship will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, February 24-25 at Juliette Falls Golf Course in Dunnellon, Florida, one of the state’s most acclaimed public courses. New for 2026, the tournament is open to all past and present WGTF members and all may bring one guest who is employed a minimum of 20+ hours a week in the golf industry. Tee assignments will be based on age and gender. The entry fee of $295 covers two rounds of tournament golf, range balls prior to play and a prize fund. The entry deadline is Friday, February 13, and you may enter by Venmo @MarkHarman, PayPal markharmangolf@aol.com (please note the spelling is “Harman” and not “Harmon”), or by regular mail Mark Harman, 1656 Colony Dr., Ridgeland SC 29936.
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30 Jan 2026

AMERICAN EXPRESS CHAMPION



If you’re tired of hearing the name Scottie Scheffler, it’s time to get “untired.” That’s because Scheffler picked up right where he left off, winning his first start of the 2026 season at the American Express Championship (oldtimers might remember it as the Bob Hope Desert Classic).

Scheffler became only the third golfer in men’s golf history – along with Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods – to win 20 PGA Tour events and 4 major championships by the age of 30. Comparisons to Woods have been made in the past, and now they are full-blown accurate. The only difference between what Woods did in his prime and Scheffler is now doing is Woods did it for a much longer period of time. To be fair to Scheffler, he is still just getting started in terms of that timeline. Not since Woods has there been a player so complete.

Scheffler has a chance to do this year what Rory McIlroy did last year, and that is to complete the career Grand Slam. The U.S. Open is the only major championship that has so far eluded Scheffler, and this year’s event at Shinnecock Hills in New York is sure to draw extra interest based on that possibility alone.
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30 Jan 2026

“PRO” FILE – TEACHER SPOTLIGHT – DREW FREEMAN



By Drew Freeman

My journey in sports began on the baseball field. Growing up, baseball was my main sport. I was fortunate to earn a college scholarship as a pitcher, but two years into my collegiate career, an injury abruptly ended that dream. It was a tough moment, but it led me to something just as meaningful, golf.

After stepping away from baseball, I found golf to be both a new challenge and a healing outlet. It gave me the focus I needed and allowed me to rediscover my competitive spirit. I eventually transferred to the University of Pikeville in Kentucky, where I joined the golf team and continued to develop my game. At the same time, I began working at a local golf course. What started as a job quickly turned into a passion. I enjoyed the environment, the people, and the game itself so much that I stayed on even after graduation.

In 2016, I earned my teaching professional certification through the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF). This opened the door for me to be the course teaching pro, something I found deeply rewarding. I also began coaching a local school team, which allowed me to share my knowledge and love for the game with young athletes.

Life eventually pulled me in a different direction, and for a time, I stepped away from coaching and teaching. But in the past year, I found my way back to the game that helped shape who I am. I’ve returned to coaching, and it’s been a joy to once again help kids discover and fall in love with golf.

The USGTF and World Golf Teachers Federation (WGTF) have had a profound impact on my journey. Their certification programs not only gave me the credentials to teach but also connected me to a community of professionals who are passionate about growing the game. Golf has taught me patience, resilience, and the value of lifelong learning, lessons I try to pass on to every student I coach.
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30 Jan 2026

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – KEVIN OLLIE



(Note: If the name Kevin Ollie is familiar, it is because he played basketball for the University of Connecticut, coached them, and played and coached in the NBA. His golf coach is USGTF member Deron Owens, who conducted the following Q and A.)

1. How did you get started in golf, and at what age did you begin playing?

I was introduced to the game of golf by my former college teammate at UConn, Donny Marshall. He encouraged me to give golf a try, and I officially picked up a set of clubs at the age of 33. Although I started later than many golfers, I was immediately drawn to the challenge, strategy, and discipline the game demands, which closely mirrors the competitive mindset I developed through basketball.

2. What have been some of your biggest struggles in golf, and how have you worked through them?

My biggest struggle in golf has been trying to be too perfect. Like many athletes, I initially approached golf with unrealistic expectations, wanting flawless execution on every shot. Over time, I’ve learned to manage that mindset by allowing myself margins for error and embracing the concept of “good misses.” Understanding that golf is a difficult game—and that even the best players miss shots—has helped me stay patient, relaxed, and more consistent.

3. What are some of your most significant accomplishments in golf so far?

One of my most significant accomplishments in golf has been lowering my handicap to under 10. This milestone represents not just improved ball striking and scoring, but also a better understanding of course management, mental discipline, and decision-making. It reflects the work I’ve put into learning the game and continuing to improve despite starting later in life.

4. Do you have any goals or aspirations in golf for the future?

My primary goal in golf is to continue enjoying the game and appreciating everything it offers. Beyond performance, I value golf as a platform to build meaningful relationships, connect with others, and spend quality time on the course. Long term, I want golf to remain a positive, enjoyable part of my lifestyle rather than a source of pressure.

5. Do you have any social media handles you’d like to share with us?

Yes, you can follow me on Instagram at @coachkevinollie, where I share insights, experiences, and moments from both golf and life.
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