Blog

31 Jul 2025 admin

USGTF INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT – RUDY PROJECT

Rudy Project, a longtime industry partner with the USGTF, has two products that are of interest to USGTF members. The first is the Turbolence, which is an all-sport sunglass that is ideal for those who love to push their limits, whether on the road, trails, or in the water. Equipped with photochromic, polarized or mirrored lenses, it adapts to any light condition, offering optimal vision clarity and total UV and atmospheric protection.

The second is the Astral Sphere, designed to deliver impeccable vision and superior protection. Its spherical lens, available in photochromic or polarized versions, ensures a wide, distortion-free field of view, quickly adapting to changing light conditions and reducing glare. The wraparound design enhances aerodynamics and stability, ensuring a secure fit in the most extreme conditions.

USGTF members receive a personal use discount. To order, please call the National Office at (772) 88-USGTF or (772) 888-7483 to receive the link to the new specialized webpage for USGTF members!

31 Jul 2025 admin

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – KOSEI IMAI

By Matt Smith

I want to introduce two current students of mine that are doing great things in 2025. Kosei and Kengo Imai and I have been working together now for two years. They are the hardest working junior golfers I have ever met.

Kengo is 12 years old and competes nationally on the junior golf circuit. He was player of the year on the local U.S. Kids Golf Tour in Columbus, Ohio. He has shot three different rounds of 66 this spring and has taken his game to an elite level. His younger brother Kosei is 9 years old and he also competes on the U.S. Kids Tour locally and nationally. This spring, Kosei made the finals of Drive, Chip and Putt at Augusta National Golf Club. The local NBC television channel did an interview on us right before the Masters. He asked me to be his caddie and we finished 3rd place in his division on Golf Channel! What an exciting day for Ko and myself.

That Thursday, I was also at the Masters and had the pleasure of watching Jack Nicklaus hit the inaugural tee shot. Jack was a legend where I grew up in Columbus. I won his golf scholarship in 1994 and he presented it to me at The Memorial Tournament! What an emotional, awesome week for myself to see my life come full-circle!

I currently work with both of them about twice a month all year round in Ohio. We may switch between my academy indoors and outside playing lessons at Cumberland Trail Golf Club. I am blessed to be able to teach such great young men!

31 Jul 2025 admin

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER ASTRID HUSSENJIAN

By Astrid Hussenjian

I am originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. My first golf lesson was with Angel Franco, brother of the famous professional golfer Carlos Franco, I was 11 at the time. From the ages of 11-21, I was at the top of the Argentine Golf Ranking, which gave me the opportunity to travel around the world representing Argentina as well as South America. I won the First Argentinian Open as an amateur and played many international tournaments such as the Junior World in La Jolla, California; Orange Bowl in Coral Gables, Florida; U.S. Junior Open; U.S. Amateur, and World Cup in Malaysia.

At the age of 21, I got married and moved to Los Angeles, California. I got my bachelor’s degree in political science and now have three children. Although I no longer compete, I have a newfound passion in teaching. I got my license through the USGTF and quickly began training kids. Golf coaching has given me the opportunity to have a flexible schedule to take care of my kids and still be able to continue to share all my background experience.

My goal as a teacher is to have my students enjoy the game. When they take a lesson, I am 100 percent focused on finding the root of the swing problem, but at the same time I try to give them confidence with their swing. My style of teaching is in the outdoor environment. At the golf range, we work mainly on technique, and on the golf course, we work on golf strategy and club distance, but most importantly on visualization. Some of my private students have also accomplished at the highest levels in golf, and after 10 years of following their journeys, I get to watch them succeed at various levels.

Thank you to the USGTF for giving me the opportunity to give me the tools to teach and to excel in my golf teaching career.

31 Jul 2025 admin

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER

It is not premature to say that Scottie Scheffler now ranks among the historical greats in golf. He did it yet again, winning The Open (or British Open) to mark his fourth major championship victory along with completing three legs of the Grand Slam.

Five players prior to Scheffler have won three legs of the Grand Slam prior to the age of 30, and two of them (Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods) went on to win all four. It’s hard to imagine that Scheffler will never win the U.S. Open, but stranger things have happened in golf. Sam Snead never won it, and Phil Mickelson has six runner-up finishes, so you never know for sure.

What we can say for sure is that comparisons of Scheffler to Tiger Woods are not off-base. Since winning his first PGA Tour event in 2022, Scheffler has amassed 17 PGA Tour victories in his last 76 starts for a 22.4% winning percentage, which is virtually identical to Woods’ record. In addition, an off-week for Scheffler means a finish somewhere around 10th place, which is also what Woods did during his prime. It was thought before Scheffler’s dominance that no golfer would become that dominant again due to the high quality of modern-day equipment and the depth of the fields, but obviously that is not the case. The only difference right now between Scheffler and Woods is that Woods remained dominant for over a decade while Scheffler is just getting started.

31 Jul 2025 admin

REGION UPDATE

United States Golf Teachers Cup – The 29th annual championship will be held Monday and Tuesday, September 22-23, at Stallion Mountain Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration can be found at http://www.usgtf.com/uscup/

Southwest – One region championship remains to be played this year, and that is the USGTF Southwest Region Championship, to be held Saturday and Sunday, September 6-7, at The Golf Club at Twin Creeks in Allen, Texas, just north of Dallas. There will be a practice round on Friday, September 5, with a meet and greet later that evening at 6:00 p.m. The entry fee is $250 with an optional $20 skins game each day. As a reminder, all USGTF members in good standing are eligible to play regardless of residence. For more information and to enter, please contact region director Bruce Sims at bsims@pga.com.

31 Jul 2025 admin

NEWS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

By Ruald Strydom, SAGTF Member

Golf in South Africa embodies a blend of tradition, diversity, and natural beauty. The sport is deeply ingrained in the fabric of South African society, appealing to a broad spectrum of players from various backgrounds.

South Africa’s golfing landscape is as diverse as its people and landscapes. From the lush green fairways of the Garden Route to the arid beauty of the Karoo, golf courses are scattered across the country, offering players not just a game but an immersive experience in different environments. The Western Cape, with its wine country and coastal vistas, contrasts with the rugged terrains of Mpumalanga and the scenic wonders of KwaZulu-Natal.

Local clubs often serve as hubs for social interaction, charity events, and grassroots development programs. These clubs, nestled in urban centers and rural communities alike, contribute to the sport’s accessibility and popularity throughout the nation.

This unique blend of golf and wildlife sets South Africa apart as a destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an adventure beyond the fairways. It’s a testament to the country’s ability to offer a multifaceted experience, where the sport of golf seamlessly integrates with the natural wonders that make South Africa a truly exceptional destination.