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1 Feb 2024 admin

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – ALEX KROFL

Alex Krofl from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, started golfing by going to the driving range around 11 years old. He took an interest in golf and would tag along with his dad every chance he got. His dream was to make his high school golf team.

At 13 years of age in the fall of 2022, Alex started his first lessons with Dr. Sharon Barley, an LPGA and USGTF teaching professional. She works out of Injoy Golf Club, an indoor facility in Lancaster; the Manor Golf Club in Sinking Spring, PA; Iron Valley Golf Club in Lebanon, PA, and is a Division II assistant coach for the men’s and women’s golf teams at Millersville University in Millersville, PA.

“When I met Alex, he had a lot of natural talent, but needed to improve his balance, swing plane and impact to improve his ball flight and consistency,” remarked Barley. “Alex worked hard in lessons and in practice through the winter of 2022, and also into the spring and summer of 2023. He showed extraordinary improvement in distance and ball flight and controlling his shots around the green. Alex was a natural putter, having an uncanny gift for reading greens, and a natural sense of distance, too. He made it look easy.”

At the end of the summer 2023, at 14 years old, Alex made his high school golf team as a freshman. He was the only freshman to make the team for his high school, the Lampeter-Strasburg Pioneers. This past summer, Alex and his father also competed together in the Philadelphia U.S. Kids golf tournament. His parents are Bryan and Sonja Krofl. Alex is continuing lessons this spring and looks forward to making an even greater contribution to his team this fall.

THE ULTIMATE LEVEL OF SUCCESS – MASTER GOLF TEACHING PROFESSIONAL®

To be considered a master of one’s craft, as Merriam-Webster puts it, means “to become skilled or proficient in the use of; to gain a thorough understanding of.” USGTF members who have attained the level of Master Golf Teaching Professional® have reached a level that is truly exclusive. And why is that?

Have you noticed the registered trademark symbol after the phrase “Master Golf Teaching Professional”? This is because it is indeed a federally registered trademark, and only those who have successfully completed all requirements of the USGTF’s master-level certification process are legally allowed to use the term.

Many who have reached the level of Master Golf Teaching Professional have said the certification course itself is one of the best learning opportunities available. David Buise said, “Jerry (Ellstrom) was very kind, we had conversations about golf, about life and how I got into golf. He made it very comfortable for me taking the test. His knowledge alone helped me feel more comfortable with a lot of aspects that I can add to my teaching repertoire. I highly recommend the course to all who qualify.” Jason Miller added, “I really liked all the other students in the program, an awesome group of golfers and golf instructors. I want to emphasize how tremendous I think Bill Rice is. He’s delightful and extremely smart, extremely funny and kind, accommodating yet strict, personable. I definitely recommend the course, and if you’re looking to get a golf instruction job, the USGTF Masters certification is the cream of the crop.”

Candidates are required to present a written thesis to the rest of the class, affording a great learning environment for all. In addition, a shotmaking demonstration and passing a written teaching test are required. Those who have been a Certified Golf Teaching Professional® for a minimum of 12 months are eligible to attend the master-level certification class. The next class will be held June 12-14 in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, please visit https://www.usgtf.com/master-golf-teaching-professional.