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

USGTF INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT – COBRA DARKSPEED ADAPT DRIVER

Cobra Golf has taken adjustability to a new level with its Darkspeed Adapt series. Each model has 33 possible settings to fine tune and adjust ball flight to a degree never before possible. The four models are the LS driver for low spin and workability; the X driver which should fit most golfers; the Max-driver for maximum forgiveness, and the Max-D driver, with heel-biased weighting to fight slices in a lightweight head.

Each driver comes in a sleek modern look to inspire confidence, and with a choice from multiple shaft options, every golfer is sure to find their proper fit in order to hit fairways with incredible distance. USGTF members are eligible to receive a personal use discount and should call the National Office at (772) 88-USGTF for information.
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30 Jun 2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – ZANDER ZAFAR

Zander Zafar from Texas is a junior golfer under the tutelage of USGTF member Kurt Graves, and is making waves as one of the state’s best junior players. Zander has shot in the 60s multiple times, placed 2nd overall in the district tournament, 2nd place in the regionals and placed 22nd in the state tournament his sophomore year. He attends a small 2A school but plays against players from 5A and 6A schools, consistently finishing in the top 10. He recently joined the Texas Junior Golf Tour to play against more advanced competition.

“Zander is great to work with, he will take in the information, process it and then put it to use in his swing,” said Graves. “He has come a long way from when he first started. I am proud of the way he has progressed in his golf game and his mental game. I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in college golf.”

Zander said, “I got started in golf due to a loss of interest in baseball. My dad pushed for me to learn the game of golf at the age of 13. My biggest struggles would be how to keep composed and focused through the ups and downs on an 18-hole round or a 36- to 72-hole tournament. This is something I just have to work on round by round and remind myself to stay focused and worry about the next shot. I would love to compete at golf on the next level in college.” You can visit his social media on Instagram @zander.zafargolf.
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30 Jun 2025

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER ARI RIEGER

By Ari Rieger

Growing up as a multi-sport athlete in Mill Valley, California, I didn’t take up golf until I was 14 years old, going into high school. Despite the late start, I instantly fell in love with the game and quickly improved. By my junior year, I was named team captain of my high school golf team. I made all-league teams three consecutive years and won the league championship individual title in my senior year.

I continued my competitive playing career at Occidental College, where I was also named team captain as a junior. Through my roles as captain of my high school and college teams, I discovered my passion for coaching. Leading, assisting and encouraging my teammates brought me immense satisfaction. I realized that for me, the true joy of golf is not just in playing but in sharing the love for the game and watching others grow and succeed.

In 2019, I pursued my goal of becoming a golf teaching professional. By 2020, I earned my USGTF certification and began teaching full-time. Additionally, I am a PGA Associate, American Development Model (ADM)-certified, PGA HOPE instructor and certified club fitter. As a coach, I believe in an individualized and holistic approach. I am passionate about helping players of all ages and skill levels achieve their best. My teaching philosophy includes incorporating modern technology, such as video and 3D analysis, with old-school fundamentals, course management and mental game coaching. I enjoy working with everyone from new players to experienced golfers, always striving to help them play better and have more fun.

The greatest reward in coaching for me comes from witnessing the progress and joy of my students. My career is driven by a deep love for the game and a commitment to helping my students find greater enjoyment, confidence, and success.

Currently, I serve as the head golf professional at Willowick Golf Course in Santa Ana, California, and am the director of the all-new Willowick Golf Academy, established in December 2023. Most days I can be found giving a lesson or instructing a class on the driving range and practice green, or on the golf course with my students. If I’m not teaching, you’ll probably find me practicing or out playing golf. When I’m not at the golf course, I enjoy spending time at home by the beach in San Clemente with my wife Jayne, my cat Ollie, and my friends.
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30 Jun 2025

“PRO” FILE – US OPEN CHAMPIONS J.J. SPAUN AND MAJA STARK



Ed Furgol. Jack Fleck. Steve Jones. Michael Campbell. Wyndham Clark. You can now add the name J.J. Spaun to that list of unlikely U.S. Open winners when he outlasted a stellar field to win the 125th championship at Oakmont Country Club. Spaun finished in style, birdieing the final two holes to clinch a two-shot victory.

With Robert McIntyre in the clubhouse at +1 and everyone else at +1 or better still on the course, it was looking good for McIntyre, but Spaun closed in style to finish the deal. Spaun is the prototypical journeyman, having played on the PGA Tour since 2017 with one prior victory to his credit. But in 2025 he has played very well, including a playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at The Players. This almost certainly will turn out to be the biggest victory in his career and should be a mainstay on the professional scene for quite some time.

Like Spaun, Stark is somewhat of a journeywoman, although she is quite young and only turned professional in 2021, she is an accomplished professional. Maja Stark is the first Swedish woman to win the U.S. Women’s Open since Annika Sorenstam accomplished the feat in 2006. She had one previous LPGA Tour title, like Spaun did on the PGA Tour, before winning the Open Championship, having won six times on the Ladies European Tour. Her other close call with a major championship was in 2024 at the Chevron Championship when she finished second. She has also represented Europe in the Solheim Cup competition and will likely be a stalwart on that team in years to come.
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30 Jun 2025

Region Update



Central – If Ron Cox wins any more USGTF region championships, we may have to name a trophy after him. Cox, from Nashville, Tennessee, did it again when he won this year’s Central Region Championship, held at Walden Ponds Golf Course outside Cincinnati, Ohio. He defeated Central Region director Tony McMullin in a one-hole playoff to secure the title.

This victory goes along with Cox’s Southeast Championship crown from earlier this year, along with numerous other region and U.S. Cup division titles. Cox, who is in his 70s, continues to impress with his fine play and has proven the adage that golf is, indeed, a game for a lifetime.

Northeast – Stephen Winn from Middle Island, New York, won the USGTF Northeast Region Championship when he outlasted the field with a 76. Gerald Ecker, also from New York, finished second with a 79. Play was contested in three divisions, and Peter Palmisano won the 70+ division. The tournament was held at Mercer Oaks Golf Course in Princeton Junction, New Jersey.
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30 Jun 2025

US CUP ONLY TWO MONTHS AWAY!

This year’s United States Golf Teachers Cup is being played in September for the first time, and it will be held the 22nd and 23rd at Stallion Mountain Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stallion Mountain is a fine public facility in great shape and will provide a great test of golf.


As in the past few years, a concurrent pro-am format will be utilized where USGTF members may bring an amateur partner. Please note that all amateurs must have a current USGA handicap index or its equivalent. Play in the individual portion will be contested in three divisions: Open, Senior and Super Senior, with female participants receiving a yardage break against their male competitors.


To register, please visit http://www.usgtf.com/uscup

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30 Jun 2025

NEWS FROM GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND

By Peter Hudson, President, WGTF of GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND


It seems just a short while since I was freezing cold in Orlando at the golf show, but now at last, the good weather is with us here in the U.K. and Ireland, and with it the joy of 18 hours of daylight to play endless rounds of golf.


I recently visited Hampton Court Golf Club overlooking the Palace. Arriving early to avoid the London traffic, the coach was on the range teaching at 5:30 a.m. and was still there when I left at 2:00 p.m. – what an industry to be serving!


The task of the WGTF is clear: Train and certify golfers to incredibly high standards so they can service the current demands. But what do we have to do differently to make sure every lesson is a success, and all our coaches succeed in achieving their goals:


  • Educate golfers to work on process and good practice.
  • Educate golfers to become better learners.
  • Educate golfers on how to maximize their performance on the course through better playing strategies, decision making and state management.
  • Offer golfers programs that are affordable and encourage long-term growth of their game and our relationship with them.


To achieve the above, our coaches must possess superior communication skills, understand the golf swing, how and what to teach and when, how techniques can be learned instinctively and manage the project from start to a new goal! Finally, they must know how to market themselves to attract a great clientele.


We have successfully secured the presence of Joe Daniels, owner of The Golfing Machine, in November to deliver Levels 1 and 2, and we will invite all WGTF members across Europe to attend. Please note that if any WGTF member from around the world intends to visit the U.K. and Ireland, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me so we can improve your experience. Wishing all members of the WGTF the very best and a delightful summer season. Our email address is info@wgtf.org.uk

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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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30 Jun 2025

HANNAH GREEN

Australia’s Hannah Green is one of those professional golfers who fly under the radar, but at her competitors’ peril. While stars like Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda get most of the press – and rightfully so – Green has proven herself to be not only a solid competitor, but also a major threat every time she tees it up.

She has won six times on the LPGA Tour, with her biggest victory coming at the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, her first victory, in fact. She has gone on to win five more times and has gotten off to a great start this year, with a 4th place and a 7th place finish to her credit in three tournaments. She also represented Australia in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, finishing just out of medal contention in fifth place.

Green just turned 28 years old and is now in the prime of her career. The next few years should bring equal, if not greater, success than she’s already had. The strength of her game is hitting greens in regulation, where she finished 13th on that list in 2024. And when her putter heats up, hitting greens and making putts is definitely the formula for low scores.
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