March 2024

1 Mar 2024 admin

GI BILL ALLOWS FOR VETERAN REIMBURSEMENT FOR USGTF CERTIFICATION

In full support of our military veterans, the USGTF Associate Member Online Course and the USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional on-site course are approved by the Veterans Administration, under the GI Bill, for course fee reimbursement. The course fee will be reimbursed by the VA after proof of payment and proof of course completion is submitted by eligible veterans. Eligible veterans need to complete the VA Form 22-0803 (Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test).  

The V.A. Education Call Center is available at 1-888-442-4551 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST) for any questions about GI Bill benefits.

1 Mar 2024 admin

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR MEMBER RENEWALS

If you have not yet paid your 2024 membership fees, the time to do so is now! The scheduled increase in late fees, which was due to take place on March 1, has been extended one week. After March 7, the late fee will be $50. Please visit https://www.usgtf.com/annual-membership-renewal to renew your USGTF membership to remain a member in good standing and continue to be a part of this great organization. With the increasing demand for certified instructors in the industry, it has never been more important to keep your teaching credentials active and remain member in good standing.

USGTF members receive many benefits, including equipment and accessory discounts through our industry partners; continuing education materials; liability insurance, networking opportunities and competing in regional and national events. Questions? Please contact the USGTF National Office at (772) 88-USGTF or into@usgtf.com.

1 Mar 2024 admin

HONG KONG SAR GOLF TEACHERS FEDERATION, USGTF FORM CLOSE TIES

With the reputation of the World Golf Teachers Federation and the United States Golf Teachers Federation continuing to grow in a positive direction worldwide, the Hong Kong SAR Golf Teachers Federation has seen an increased demand for its teaching certification program.

One of the aspects helping the HKGTF gain momentum is the research of Dr. Jackson Wan, who is certified by the HKGTF. Dr. Wan has expertise in anatomy, biomechanics and engineering, and has helped the HKGTF to develop programs that are highly sought-out. A synopsis of Dr. Wan’s work can be found in the latest edition of Golf Teaching Pro magazine on page 61 at https://usgtf.com/winter2024/flipBook.html.

1 Mar 2024 admin

USGTF REGIONAL ACTION; US PRO HICKORY RESULTS

Southeast – Blue skies and warm temperatures greeted 19 participants in the USGTF Southeast Region Championship played February 20-21 at Twisted Oaks Golf Club in Beverly Hills, Florida. Region director Mark Harman from Ridgeland, South Carolina, proved to be an inhospitable host as he captured the tournament with a 1-over-par total of 145 over the two days. Gig Hilton from The Villages, Florida, finished second while Brent Davies from Michigan finished third. Complete scores and statistics can be found at https://www.24seregion.golfgenius.com.

Northeast – The USGTF Northeast Region Championship will be held Thursday, June 20, at Mountain View Golf Course in Ewing, New Jersey. Tee times will begin at 12 noon. The entry fee is $185. For more information and to enter, please contact region director Bob Corbo at simductivegolf@gmail.com.

Central – The USGTF Central Region Championship will be played in July at Walden Ponds Golf Course in Hamilton, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. The exact date will be determined soon. The entry fee is $250. For more information, please contact region director Tony McMullin at tmcmullin72@yahoo.com.

Southwest – The USGTF Southwest Region Championship will be held Friday-Sunday, September 20-22, at Twin Creeks Golf Club in Allen, Texas. The entry fee is $250. For more information and to enter, please contact region director Bruce Sims at bsims@pga.com.

You may also refer to region championship action at https://www.usgtf.com/tournaments-for-golf-teaching-professionals. All USGTF members, regardless of membership level or residence, are eligible to play in any region championship.

1 Mar 2024 admin

“PRO” FILE – THE GENESIS INVITATIONAL WINNER HIDEKI MATSUYAMA

Hideki Matsuyama is the greatest golfer the continent of Asia has produced to date, and his latest victory at the Genesis Invitational served as further testament to his prowess. He fired a final-round tournament record of 62 at Riviera Country Club, an old-style course that is one of the players’ favorite tracks on tour, to erase a six-shot deficit to Patrick Cantlay and win the event by three strokes.  

Matsuyama won five times in a span of a little over three years from 2014 to 2017, but was uncharacteristically out of the winner’s circle until his Masters victory in 2021. That win restarted the victory bandwagon for Matsuyama, as he has won three more PGA Tour events since then. It’s a sure bet that he won’t go another four years without winning, and it would come as no surprise if his prolific winning ways continue for the next several years.

1 Mar 2024 admin

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER DR. CORY L. MORRIS

Dr. Cory Morris from Morrisville, North Carolina, is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® and USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional®. He owns EPIC Chiropractic P.C. in Morrisville, North Carolina, where he serves a wide variety of patients, many of whom are golfers. Combining his knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body, proper movement patterns and common injuries with his background in golf, teaching, and the mechanics of the swing allows him to mesh his two worlds together. With this unique skill set, he is able to help improve someone’s game while they perform and feel their best.

Morris started golfing at the age of 14 to spend more time with one of his favorite cousins. He quickly caught the “golf fever” and has never looked back. During his college years at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, he decided to further his golf knowledge and became USGTF certified. He wanted to pursue this certification so he could help others learn golf and improve their games and to deepen their love and enjoyment for golf. He also utilized much of his teaching knowledge learned from USGTF instructors to further improve his own golf game, which helped him become more consistent in his tournament play. Today, he remains an active golfer playing both recreationally – usually with his favorite playing partner, his dad – and competitively. He mostly competes locally in club-oriented tournament play, where most notably he has won his local club’s club championship seven times.

As you might guess, his style of teaching revolves around body mechanics. He is a big proponent of “swing your own swing within reason.” He focuses on what is most mechanically correct and efficient for each player’s build to improve their golf games while prolonging their pain-free golf years. He likes to incorporate homework for patients and students – all the same – that usually includes some combination of exercise, stretching and functional movement patterns, geared towards making them a better golfer and a healthier person overall.

1 Mar 2024 admin

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – JACK SCIMONE

In the world of junior golf, there are talented players who excel on the course and maintain a stellar academic record. Jack Scimone, a rising star in the golfing community, embodies this rare combination of sporting prowess and scholarly dedication.

Over the past two years, Jack has been a prominent member of my golf academy at the Saints Golf Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and our state-of-the-art indoor golf center in Stuart, Florida. During this time, he has showcased remarkable improvement in his golf game, with his best 18-hole round at the Saints standing at an impressive 74. However, Jack’s journey goes beyond the golf course. As he enters his senior year at Martin County High School, he not only aspires to play college golf, but also harbors dreams of becoming a medical doctor while maintaining a flawless 4.0 GPA.

Jack’s story is one of dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey with us began two years ago, and from the outset, it was clear that he possessed the determination and talent that set him apart from the rest. But what truly sets Jack apart is his unwavering commitment to the game. Golf isn’t just a sport to him; it’s a passion that fuels his desire to improve continually. He spends countless hours fine-tuning his skills, working on his swing and mastering the art of managing his game. His father and grandfather, both avid golfers, have played a pivotal role in nurturing this passion. Their shared moments on the golf course have strengthened their family bonds and imparted valuable lessons to Jack.

Jack understands the importance of balancing academics and athletics and does it with finesse. His meticulous approach to his studies mirrors his approach to golf. It’s all about setting goals, working diligently, and achieving results. Jack’s commitment to golf goes beyond his own game. He is a mentor and role model to younger players in our program. His dedication to improvement and his exemplary sportsmanship inspire those around him. Jack understands that the future of golf lies in the hands of the next generation, and he takes seriously his role as a positive influence in the golf community

1 Mar 2024 admin

USGTF INDUSTRY PARTNER – BRIDGESTONE GOLF

Long an innovator of golf ball technology, Bridgestone Golf boasts perhaps the greatest golfer of all time in Tiger Woods as someone who trusts Bridgestone at the highest level of competition. Woods has said that the Bridgestone B X and B XS balls are the best he’s ever played in his career.

Bridgestone is a pioneer in matching golf balls to swing speeds, manifested best in its B series. Those with swing speeds of 105 mph and over will benefit most from the BX and BXS models, while those under 105 can rely on the B RX and B RXS balls to optimize their results. For those who are seeking maximum distance and more control in a “non-tour” ball can find a myriad of other choices.

USGTF members enjoy a personal use discount on Bridgestone balls. Please call the USGTF National Office at (772) 88-USGTF or (772) 595-6490 for more information.

1 Mar 2024 admin

EDITORIAL – MAJOR GOLF ENTITIES LIKE PGA OF AMERICA, GOLF DIGEST, ETC. TAKE NOTE OF USGTF’S SUCCESS.

During its annual membership meeting in 1992, the PGA of America was concerned about a new entity that had come on board in 1989 – that entity, of course, being the USGTF. The PGA’s then-president stated to the membership, “If we aren’t careful, this won’t be our industry anymore.” The PGA was so concerned that starting in 1994, for the first time ever, it required prospective Class A members to learn about teaching golf where before it had only been optional.

Here we are, 32 years later, and the PGA has recognized the staying power of the USGTF and no longer views us as competition. Recently, a representative of the PGA of America visited the USGTF National Office in a spirit of cooperation in potentially forming a partnership, the likes of which will be determined at a future date.

The sport’s most prominent publication, Golf Digest, has also taken note. It now offers its own certification program online, somewhat modeled after the USGTF’s. In fact, Golf Digest has approached the USGTF about a mutually beneficial arrangement that is still being studied by USGTF president and CEO Brandon Lee.

In its 35th year of operation, the USGTF is no longer the new kid on the block, but is instead a recognized stakeholder in the game of golf. This is thanks to the hard work of founder and president Geoff Bryant, which is now being continued by Lee and the rest of the USGTF staff, and is also a testament to the quality of membership that the USGTF possesses.