30 Jan 2026

EDITORIAL – IS THE PATH TO THE PGA TOUR BECOMING  TOO RESTRICTED?



At a time when all major sports in the United States have expanded, the PGA Tour is thinking about…contracting? As hard as it seems to believe, this is a real possibility. New commissioner Brian Rolapp comes from a background in the NFL, where he says that “less is better” and this creates demand. He also has a desire to see the best players in the world teeing it up with each other more frequently.

We believe Rolapp is missing the boat on several things. First, the PGA Tour is not the NFL. There are currently over 40 PGA Tour events every year and no shortage of sponsors willing to pony up the money to fund the purses. Telling a dozen or more that the Tour no longer wants their money seems nonsensical. Second, the PGA Tour coming to town is one of the, if not the biggest, events coming to town annually, and to cut out a whole bunch of cities from hosting events makes little sense.

But perhaps most disturbing is the fact that field size is also going to be contracted, meaning fewer players on the PGA Tour. In an age where the talent pool is the deepest it’s ever been, Rolapp wants to eliminate opportunities. This means that, while the upper-echelon players benefit, those outside the top 50 will be scrambling to make a living in professional golf. One thing he might want to consider is players have multiple friends, fans, and acquaintances where they live or went to school, and this promotes widespread interest in the Tour. Fewer players equal lesser interest by definition.

If Rolapp’s vision comes to pass – and it looks like it will – hopefully the Tour can find a meaningful way to provide players who are not superstars with a way of competing that keeps the fans engaged. Only time will tell.
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31 Dec 2025

EDITORIAL – MEMBER GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH OUR FEDERATION



When you read our teacher/member and student spotlight features, one common thread is the thanks that our members give to the USGTF for making it possible for them to be where they are in the golf industry. This is because many employers want someone who is qualified to teach their clients and member base, and having professional certification is critical to many of these employers.

In addition to providing opportunities since our inception in 1989, the USGTF has been focused on member growth opportunities through our Golf Teaching Pro magazine, Master Golf Teaching Professional certification program, playing opportunities on a regional and national basis, and educational materials available through the National Office. With the merging of the USGTF and WGTF for 2027, we expect these opportunities for career and personal growth to take on a whole new level of excellence for all members.
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1 Dec 2025

EDITORAL – CHANGES AND INNOVATIONS IN GOLF CLUBS NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE



It seems that each year, we are promised the latest and greatest in golf club technology, and there is a running joke among many that they should be hitting the ball 700 yards by now.

Well, the joke’s on them as indeed, golf club improvements over the years have made our difficult game easier to play than ever. Although the maximum coefficient of restitution (i.e., the amount of “spring-like” club face technology) in drivers was reached two decades ago, the reality is that today’s drivers far outplay those of 2006. Manufacturers found ways to increase the spring-like effect from then while still being legal to play, and learned how to positon the weight in the clubhead for maximum performance. Irons, too, now feature spring-like face technology, and companies have found ways to use it in irons that are designed for better players.

All of this means that, just when it seems golf clubs cannot get any better, they do. No, they won’t guarantee 700-yard drives or iron shots that finish inside 10 feet every time, but there are now clubs that fit every style of golfer, whereas years ago players had to fit themselves to the clubs they used. It’s a world of difference and it is incumbent among us instructors to make sure our students have clubs that are the best for them.
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31 Oct 2025

EDITORAL – PGA OF AMERICA TAKES STANCE ON 2028 GOLF BALL CHANGE



Since the R&A and USGA announced a couple of years ago that they plan to implement new regulations in 2028 (for “elite” competitions) to shorten the distance the golf ball travels, hardly anyone outside these two organizations approves of this change. The PGA of America has been especially vocal, saying that they are “vehemently opposed.” If you look up the definition of the word “vehement,” it reads, “marked by forceful energy; intensely emotional.”

That’s strong language, but the PGA felt that it was necessary in order to best preserve the game as it is for the vast, vast majority of players who are not on a professional tour. The PGA Tour has also expressed its disapproval, as did most of its players. So the question must be asked: If the PGA of America and the PGA Tour both are that firm in their disapproval, will they both decide to ignore the new golf ball regulations and write their own? That’s a distinct possibility that so far, both the R&A and USGA insist will not happen, but good poker players keep their cards close to their vest, so that’s likely what the PGA of America and PGA Tour will do in terms of what they decide when the time comes.
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1 Oct 2025

EDITORAL – SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER – THE NEW TIGER WOODS?



A lot of people are saying the comparisons are too early to make. But are they? We’re talking about the performance comparisons the last four seasons of Scottie Scheffler to Tiger Woods. Let’s take a dive into whether the comparisons are valid.

Since Scheffler won his first PGA Tour event in 2022, he has won 19 out of the last 79 tour events he has played in for a winning percentage of 24.1%. Woods’ career win percentage is 22.8%. One box checked. Next, Scheffler currently has 21 Official World Golf Rankings rating points while world #2 Rory McIlroy has 11. At his best, Woods had 22 points while the golfer in second place had 10. A second box is checked.

Finally, Scheffler has won four majors the past four years, a winning percentage in the majors of 25%. From his first major victory in the 1997 Masters to his last in 2019, also at the Masters, Woods won 15 of the 75 events he played in for a winning percentage of 20%. A third box is checked.

There is no doubt that Scheffler is as dominant the past four years as Woods was his entire career. But that’s the key difference- Woods kept up his performance for two decades while Scheffler is only four years into his dominance. Granted, it’s highly unlikely Scheffler will continue this for another decade, but until he shows signs of slowing down, the next Tiger Woods is most definitely here.
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29 Aug 2025

EDITORAL – EXPERTISE A COACH MUST POSSESS AND THE ROLES NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS OF A HIGH SCHOOL GOLF TEAM



Many of us played high school golf, and some of us even went on to play at the collegiate level. Even fewer have teed it up as a professional player, but at all levels there is a skill to coaching individuals so they can play their best.

At the high school level, we are often dealing with players new to the game or very inexperienced, so it is imperative that we are able to teach the basic fundamentals of the game without the players getting too bogged down in technical theory. It is also imperative that a high school coach is familiar with the main rules and etiquette of the game and not to be shy in giving out this information. Teaching etiquette, in particular, can be intimidating to new golfers, so a gentle approach is best.

There is nothing more frustrating to a member of a golf team than for a coach to play his or her favorites in the starting lineup instead of the best players. You would think that this doesn’t happen as you would think coaches would want to win above all else, but think again. Playing favorites does happen and it isn’t a good idea.

Above all, a coach needs to be a role model for the team. He or she must be patient but firm, and every team member must feel comfortable in addressing any matter, including non-golf matters, with the coach. Most people will forever remember their high school golf experience, so it’s best the coach makes it a great memory by following these simple but effective principles.
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There's a rise in female golfers! 3 golf ladies centered on the graph. One ready to swing a club, a lady in the middle tossing a golf ball, and on the right a lady with hair blowing around and a club on her shoulder. 7.9 m by an increasing arrow.
31 Jul 2025

EDITORAL – GOLF PROGRAMS NEEDED SPECIFICALLY FOR GROWING FEMALE DEMOGRAPHIC

There's a rise in female golfers! 3 golf ladies centered on the graph. One ready to swing a club, a lady in the middle tossing a golf ball, and on the right a lady with hair blowing around and a club on her shoulder. 7.9 m by an increasing arrow.

One of the things that female golfers or would-be golfers have said over the years is that many prefer golf programs specifically with them in mind. Teaching professionals who hold women-only clinics often have quite a few in attendance, as the game can be intimidating, especially for beginners. Learning in an environment geared solely towards them can help ease the intimidation factor that can be present.

As women also become more prominent in the business world, it helps to be able to play a competent game of golf, as high-powered business executives are famous for sealing deals during or after a round of golf. With more women breaking the glass ceiling, they will need the skills to be able to navigate the course. If you are a USGTF professional and you do not have any programs dedicated to women, you are likely missing the boat. You can start with a low-cost program consisting of 3-4 weeks that should be well attended, but the most important aspect is that you are introducing the game to a demographic that is willing and eager to learn.
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30 Jun 2025

EVERY HOUR, SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD, GOLF LESSONS ARE BEING CONDUCTED BY WGTF MEMBERS



One of the deep philosophical nuggets from the book Golf in the Kingdom was the fact that at any second on Earth, a golf ball is in the air somewhere. That’s how pervasive the game has become worldwide.

A corollary to that is the fact that at any given moment around the world, a World Golf Teachers Federation member is giving a lesson somewhere. This shows the incredible reach that the WGTF has made in just 32 short years of its existence. And this is in large part why every member nation in 2026 will adapt the WGTF name and become one global golf teachers’ organization.

All of this would not be possible if not for the fact that WGTF members take their craft seriously and diligently strive to give the best lessons and coaching possible, continually learning, and refining their craft. As we continue into the 21st century, bigger and better things are coming to fruition for the worldwide organization that is the WGTF.
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30 Jun 2025

– BECOME ONE WITH ALL GOLF TEACHING PROFFESSIONALS AROUND THE WORLD THROUGH ONE WGTF LOGO –



As noted above in this e-newsletter, all member nations of the World Golf Teachers Federation will become known in 2026 as WGTF-(country name). This will give all WGTF member nations one recognizable brand name that will be familiar to golfers worldwide.

Yes, for those of you who are living in the United States, this means that the organization name that you have been familiar with since 1989, the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) will be no more, but fear not! Market research by the National Office shows more promise for greater name recognition with the new name, and it should only enhance the organization and its future programs going forward.

Please also know this was done by careful consideration and extensive market research led by newly named marketing director Jerry Ellstrom, along with WGTF CEO and president Brandon Lee’s considerable business experience and acumen. So, beginning in 2026, look for your membership card to have a new look and a new organization name, marking a new future in the golf teaching industry.
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1 May 2025

– PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING FACTORS MORES SIMPLY IN PLAYING BETTER GOLF –



It goes without saying that no two golfers – indeed, no two people – learn the same way. And when it comes to golf, that is no exception. Although most golfers on the PGA Tour appear to swing the same way, undoubtedly for every golfer there is a different feel for how the swing and approach to the game are perceived. In other words, what Scottie Scheffler feels isn’t the same thing that Rory McIlroy feels, or Xander Schauffele, etc.

As golf teachers, the best approach is to communicate in a manner so that students understand the factors necessary to play better golf. While it is traditionally thought that each individual has a preferred learning style, the fact is that all instruction eventually needs to be translated into feel for every player. The two main approaches are technically-oriented and feel-oriented. The technically-oriented approach focuses on positions in the golf swing while feel-oriented instruction may involve drills and descriptions of feel. The latter is tricky because as noted earlier, no two people will feel the same thing in the exact same manner, but it can be helpful to describe what a player needs to be attempting to feel in order to effect the change.

Nick Faldo was often criticized for being to “mechanical,” but that perfectly suited his mindset, whereas Phil Mickelson eschewed this approach, focusing more on feel. Since both won six major championships, both approaches are valid in understanding what it takes to play the best golf possible.
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