August 2019

1 Aug 2019 admin

Editorial: Courses, Let Kids Play For Free

In 1974, my dad moved our family to a house adjacent to a golf course. As I recall, the cost of the family membership was $300 for the entire year. The course was easily walkable, and my dad, two brothers and I would play many rounds every year. It probably came out to less than a dollar per round.

Today in 2019, there are too many areas in the United States where golf is too expensive, although I can understand the course owners’ dilemma: It costs a certain amount of money to maintain, so they have to charge a certain amount or else the course will close. I get that. And the good news is that the number of rounds played continues to increase annually, which is good for our business. But too many people don’t take up the game until they’re adults, and this is the result of too many courses thinking short-term instead of long-term.

Why not let kids play for free? It is a rare course that has 100% of their tee times taken up the entire day, and most have ample times available on multiple days. Every public course should let kids play for free with a paying adult, and every public course that is easily walkable should let kids play unaccompanied if they’re capable of doing so. It costs the course nothing to do this, and imagine the benefits several years down the road: more players. It’s a win-win for everyone, and it’s time to do this nationwide.

By Mark Harman, USGTF National Course Director

1 Aug 2019 admin

USGTF Briefcase – $25.00

USGTF logoed briefcase is on sale through the month of August for $25.00.

This black canvas bag with leather corners and straps is 16x13x4 and features a fully opening zipper on the main compartment. It is a deluxe organizer for your phone, business accessories and files and comes with a detachable shoulder strap.

To order, please contact the USGTF office at 1-888-346-3290.

1 Aug 2019 admin

“PRO” File – Touring Professional Shane Lowry

He first made waves winning the Irish Open on the European Tour as an amateur, and he won a World Golf Championship event a few years ago, but Ireland’s Shane Lowry didn’t receive full recognition for his abilities until he won The Open this past July at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The victory marked Lowry’s fifth worldwide win in his career.

He was an accomplished amateur, having won the Irish Amateur Close Championship, before winning the 2009 Irish Open. The win at the latter event spurred him to turn professional, which meant he was going to miss that year’s Walker Cup, the amateur team competition between the United States and Great Britain & Ireland. He forged a solid career, with a win at the 2015 Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, being his previous career highlight.

Lowry has never been mentioned as having the ability to be one of the game’s greats, and 10 years into his professional career, it appears he may never reach those heights. But for one week in July, he was on top of the golf world, something very few can say.

1 Aug 2019 admin

Central Region Championship Coming Up

The final region championship of 2019, the USGTF Central Region Championship, a 36-hole stroke play event, will be held Sunday and Monday, August 4-5, at Pheasant Run Golf Course in Canton, Michigan. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.mogtt.com/central-championship/. Questions can be referred to region director Brent Davies at btkadavies@comcast.net or (248) 701-6843. The Michigan/Ontario Golf Teachers Tour also boasts a complete summer schedule. Please visit http://www.mogtt.com for more information.

1 Aug 2019 admin

U.S. CUP Entries Are Coming In

Entries for the 24th annual United States Golf Teachers Cup and the 3rd annual United States Senior Golf Teachers Cup to be held October 7-8 at Oakcreek Country Club in Sedona, Arizona, are coming in at a faster pace than in past years. With this year’s events including a concurrent Pro-Am for the first time, interest is extremely high. As the field is limited to the first 100 paid participants, including amateurs, interested members are encouraged to get their entries in as soon as possible. In addition, Sedona is a very popular tourist destination, and accommodations – while abundant at present – are sure to become more scarce as October draws near. Please visit www.UnitedStatesGolfTeachersCup.com for more information and to register. You can also call the USGTF National Office at (888) 346-3290.

1 Aug 2019 admin

Harvey Penick Trophy Nominations Due In September

Nominations for the 7th annual Harvey Penick Trophy for Excellence in Golf Teaching are now being accepted. Harvey Penick was one of America’s earliest great teachers, and his influence lives today.

The award is based on teaching accomplishments, service to the golf community and to the game in general. All USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professionals and Master Golf Teaching Professionals, except past winners, are eligible. Nominations (including self-nominations) may be made through email at info@usgtf.com or through regular mail to the USGTF National Office at 200 S. Indian River Drive, #206, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. The deadline for nominations is Friday, September 6, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.