31 Dec 2025

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER – GARY SOBCZAK



By Gary Sobczak

The USGTF has opened many doors for me and given legitimacy, even in Speedgolf circles which is a real passion. Many ask, why Speedgolf? We are in a sport “with which not too many are familiar,” as it has been said of only a few regular golf players. Speedgolfers at any level can’t help but feel they are in a special sport where only a few “get it.” It must be similar to what elite players of any sport experience.

There are many reasons to play Speedgolf, spread across age, gender, and international borders. Simply, it plays faster, taking about an hour to play 18 holes at a relaxing jog. It feels more free while playing. It’s just you and the environment. It fosters a healthy lifestyle by increasing cardio, muscular and mobility aspects of health conditioning. Mind freeing is also a huge benefit. While jogging along, your mind doesn’t get clogged up with all the how-to’s for striking your golf ball.

Speedgolf has afforded me the opportunity to compete in over 55 tournaments worldwide, coming in first place quite a few times. As for teaching, I enjoy teaching regular golf to beginners, seasoned golfers and juniors. I mostly like to see the quick improvements they begin to experience with their golf game and share their excitement with them. I emphasize what I’ve learned through years of playing regular golf as well as Speedgolf, that less thinking and simplicity are best. Thanks to the USGTF for our organization and its benefit to golfers around the world.
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31 Dec 2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – GRAYSON ISABELLA



By Michael Iannotti

My journey in golf has been nothing less than an incredible time teaching this incredible game. I’ve been fortunate to be the golf professional at Holland Meadows G.C. in Gloversville, New York, for the past 26 years. During that time, I’ve given thousands of lessons and thousands of club fittings. Although that has all been a success, the greatest success has been watching the progress of the younger generation excel in the game. There is no greater joy than to see the progress of one of your students from season to season. With that being said, I’ve worked with one particular student for the past 4-5 seasons and the progress has been phenomenal.

Grayson Isabella is a sophomore at Fonda High School in upstate New York and has been playing golf since he was 4 years old. His grandmother started teaching him golf and bought him his first set of clubs. They still play together now. Grayson is a scholar/athlete who maintains a 95+ average. His accomplishments on the course include qualifying for sectionals this season, shaving nine strokes off his average from last season, and having an 11-2 record against his high school opponents. His future goals and aspirations would be to qualify for the state championship and to share the sport with others so that more people play. Not playing consistently has been his biggest struggle, but he’s trying to correct that by being patient and taking his time while continuing lessons with me.

I could not be any prouder of Grayson and what he has accomplished in the short period of time that we have worked together! He is just simply a winner with a drive to become the best player and person he can be, and for that I could not be any more grateful. I’m looking forward to many more lessons and time spent with Grayson. He is what any instructor would love to have. I hope most instructors have had this experience because it is like no other!
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31 Dec 2025

USGTF INDUSTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT – Insurance Canopy



If you’re an independent contractor golf teaching professional or a sole proprietor, you need liability insurance in case the unthinkable happens. While accidents on the lesson tee are not common, they do happen and the instructor may be liable. Fortunately, a solution exists in Insurance Canopy, a company that offers liability insurance to golf instructors at an affordable rate. They cover third-party claims (such as if your student hits a shot that causes damage or injury) and lifetime coverage. For more information, please visit https://www.insurancecanopy.com/fitness-business-insurance/golf.
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31 Dec 2025

EDITORIAL – MEMBER GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH OUR FEDERATION



When you read our teacher/member and student spotlight features, one common thread is the thanks that our members give to the USGTF for making it possible for them to be where they are in the golf industry. This is because many employers want someone who is qualified to teach their clients and member base, and having professional certification is critical to many of these employers.

In addition to providing opportunities since our inception in 1989, the USGTF has been focused on member growth opportunities through our Golf Teaching Pro magazine, Master Golf Teaching Professional certification program, playing opportunities on a regional and national basis, and educational materials available through the National Office. With the merging of the USGTF and WGTF for 2027, we expect these opportunities for career and personal growth to take on a whole new level of excellence for all members.
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1 Dec 2025

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE USGTF!



As December rolls around, the holiday and celebration season is upon us. It is also a time for reflection over the past year and what portends for the future.

The biggest development was the decision by USGTF president and CEO to fold every nation’s individual federation into one entity, the World Golf Teachers Federation (WGTF). True, the WGTF has been in existence since 1993 but mainly served as a loose collaboration of individual nations. Lee’s vision was to have all members feel they are a part of one larger, worldwide organization, and that development will be fully implemented in 2027.
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1 Dec 2025

ANNUAL MEMBERS MAGAZINE COMING OUT SOON

Golf Teaching Pro, the official publication of the USGTF and WGTF, will be hitting your mailbox soon.  Articles pertinent to every teaching professional are featured, along with some of the organization’s finest teachers being highlighted.  This publication is an important tool in maintaining communication with all members and serves to bring all relevant happenings to members on an annual basis.

In this edition, the 29th annual United States Golf Teachers Cup is recapped, with all the exciting details that emerged out of the tournament in Las Vegas.  There is also an expanded update section about the WGTF federations around the world, highlighting the global nature of our organization.  Finally, articles that will help you improve your teaching and business are featured, something that every USGTF and WGTF member can benefit from.  Again, the magazine will be hitting your mailbox soon so keep a sharp eye out!
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1 Dec 2025

NEWS FROM KOREA



A wide range of member and amateur golfers participated in the 11th edition of the USGTF-Korea Cup Member Golf Tournament, with winners determined in five divisions.  The tournament was held on Monday, November 10, at the Daeyoung Base Country Club in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do. This annual event, hosted by USGTF-Korea, drew a large number of full members and recommended amateur golfers, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere.

The tournament was divided into five divisions: Men’s Open; Men’s Senior; Grand Senior; Women’s Open; Women’s Senior, and Amateur, and was conducted in an 18-hole stroke play format. Regional qualifiers and recommended amateurs competed head-to-head to showcase their skills.

The winners in each division are as follows: In the Men’s Open division, pro Young min Ko claimed victory. In the Men’s Senior division, pro Woong chul Choi took the top spot.  In the Women’s Open division, pro Soo mi Ji won. In the Women’s Senior division, pro Geon hwi Won secured first place, and in the Amateur division, Hyun jun Han emerged victorious.

Notably, among the amateur participants, those who met the age and gender specific passing scores defined by the USGTF Golf Teaching Professional Certification were awarded Practical Test Passing Certificates, adding significance beyond simple competition. Furthermore, all division winners earned automatic entry into the 2026 Korea Cup main event, which served as a strong motivator for many competitors.

A tournament official stated, “This year’s event was more than a competition; it was a meaningful time where all participants encouraged and supported one another.  Further, “We will continue to create opportunities that promote member development and the growth of golf culture.”

USGTF-Korea plans to continue supporting member skill enhancement and nurturing future professional golf instructors through regular tournaments and educational programs.
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1 Dec 2025

REGIONAL TOURNAMENT NEWS



Southeast – The 2026 USGTF Southeast Region Tournament will be held at the finest facility that it’s been held at since World Woods almost a decade ago. Juliette Falls Golf Course in Dunnellon, Florida, will host the annual event on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 24-25. The entry fee of $295 will cover two tournament rounds, range balls prior to play and a prize fund. The field is limited to the first 24 players who enter. To enter, you may Venmo region director Mark Harman at @MarkHarman, PayPal at markharmangolf@aol.com, or by personal check to Mark Harman, 1656 Colony Dr., Ridgeland SC 29936. (Please note the correct spelling is Harman, not Harmon.)

Other region tournament information will be disseminated as soon as it’s available.
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1 Dec 2025

“PRO” FILE – TOURING PROFESSIONAL LOTTIE WOAD



What’s that, you say?  You’ve never heard of Lottie Woad?  Well, get used to the name, because she was a superstar in the women’s amateur game and is a sure-fire bet to be one of the top players for years to come.

Woad matriculated at Florida State University from England, and quickly became a sensation.  She won the prestigious Augusta Women’s Amateur Championship and rose to #1 in the world in the amateur rankings.  She turned professional earlier this year and already has secured her first LPGA Tour victory, the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, a co-sanctioned event with the Ladies European Tour.

In looking at her professional statistics, she is already among the best on the LPGA Tour in terms of ballstriking, with above-average numbers in driving, approach shots and tee-to-green.  Woad is average in pitching, chipping and putting (according to the stats), but with her strong ballstriking, average around the greens will still win her a lot of tournaments.  And she is likely to continue to work on those aspects of her game to make her even more dangerous.

Finally, she is sure to be a thorn in the American side when it comes to the Solheim Cup, but by all indications it’s hard to hold it against her as her peers consider a fine person with outstanding qualities.
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1 Dec 2025

“PRO” FILE – USGTF MEMBER JAVIER CABANELLAS



By Javier Cabanellas

Golf has taken me across borders, through decades, and deep into the minds of players at every level. With more than 40 years in the game, I’ve learned that great golf isn’t just about a repeatable swing; it’s about adaptability, decision-making and mental clarity under pressure.

As a lifelong competitor, I’ve played on elite junior circuits like the AJGA Tour and at the Future Masters in Dothan, Alabama. I earned MVP honors at my high school, (Colegio San Ignacio in Puerto Rico), competed as a Division I athlete at LSU, and became a club champion in two different countries.

But while the trophies and titles shaped my game, the journey itself forged my philosophy. I’ve watched golfers adapt to wind, turf, and terrain in ways that broadened my perspective. The winners? They are merciless with their focus. They don’t just play against the course; they dominate their own emotions, silence their doubt and commit fully to every decision. Other players just have a natural golf talent and are able to adapt quickly. Some hit it low into the breeze, others get “up and down” from lies most wouldn’t touch. But tournament golf exposes every weakness both mentally and physically. Only those who have trained their concentration like a muscle, who have made pressure their playground, are the ones still standing when it matters the most.

As the founder of 3C Golf Experience, I teach players to stay cool, calm and collected, not just in their swing tempo but in their response to challenges. Golf will always test your game, but it’s your mind that decides whether you break or bounce back.

Becoming a certified USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional defined my coaching journey. I’m especially grateful to the front office team at the USGTF, whose professionalism, guidance and encouragement made the certification process both smooth and meaningful. Their support reinforced the standard of excellence the organization is known for. My deepest thanks go to Bob Wyatt Jr., my USGTF instructor, who taught me how to teach golf. Today I also hold a US Kids Certified Coach and a Double-Goal Coach Certificate to expand my teaching methods to students of younger ages. I provide private and group lessons at University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. I’m very passionate about helping others evolve into complete golfers physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am so glad that I can share all my knowledge with others. Therefore, I welcome every player willing to get uncomfortable, sharpen their edge, and build a game that holds up under pressure anywhere in the world.
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