“PRO” File – Touring Professional Cameron Smith
We called it! In our April e-newsletter, Cameron Smith was the featured pro, and we wrote these prescient words: “…it would surprise no one if he were to win a major championship sometime soon.” Smith wasted no time in winning his first major championship just three short months later when he won The Open at St. Andrews in Scotland.
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Most of the pre-tourney hype was all about Rory McIlroy and how a victory would have been fitting, and through three rounds it looked as if the Northern Irishman was all set to claim the Claret Jug. He and Viktor Hovland held a four-stroke lead over Smith, and after nine holes McIlroy’s margin was still three. McIlroy even birdied the 10th hole to briefly command a four-stroke lead, but Smith ripped off five consecutive birdies to start the back nine to capture the lead. McIlroy could do nothing but make pars the rest of the way in, with Smith scoring a final birdie at the 18th.,
There has been some discussion whether McIlroy “lost” The Open or Smith “won” it. Make no mistake – Smith needed a 31 on the back nine to win, and he responded with a 30. Now that he has his maiden major victory, and given his incredible putting skill, Smith is likely only getting started.,
By Rafael Conde, Director, USGTF-Mexico
During 2022, the golf business in Mexico is slowly getting back to its usual activity as COVID-19 is more under control. With this situation, some requests for certification courses and teaching lessons are also gaining interest.
The USGTF golf teaching method is highly appreciated by golfers in the country, since it is recognized as a reliable method for improving players’ golfing skills and their understanding of the game. As recommended by the USGTF, we, as teaching professionals, must understand our clients.
It has been also very helpful to pursue our certification courses for caddies, since it is of vital importance for them to have a clear understanding of what is considered excellent caddying work. It is vital that they have the correct information. Since this population has been neglected for many years in Mexico, we have been actively promoting with golf club managers the importance of having properly trained and certified caddies. Here, the club managers are contributing with half of the cost of the course and the other half is covered by the caddie. During this year, we have conducted two certification courses for caddies, one with 50 people and other with 45. These courses are conducted during two consecutive days.
For the balance of this year, we expect to conduct one Level 3 certification course. Now that the COVID-19 crisis is possibly under control, we expect to have a better 2023.
