Editorial – Golf Club Sales Strength Portends Good Things For Teachers
By: Mark Harman, Director of Education
It has been well established by now that the COVID-19 pandemic which started in early 2020 resulted in a boon for the golf industry. Golf was considered a safe and healthy activity, and not only did many people discover the game, but many who had stopped playing returned in droves.
With this influx of people came the need for golf equipment. In the United States, the PGA Tour Superstore chain experienced record sales and continues to do so. According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), “Despite supply chain constraints, shipments from golf equipment manufacturers in 2022 have remained strong, matching last year’s impressive growth. Through June, golf club dollar shipments are up 10.2%, while golf balls are up 12.1%.” Globenewswire.com reports, “With the substantial growth of the golf tourism industry, the market is anticipated to have a positive outlook in the coming years…At present, more than 200 golf courses are under construction, and over 350 golf courses are in the planning stages, globally.”
All this is good news from the golf industry for a variety of reasons. Golf club manufacturers are overcoming the supply chain issues that plagued them in 2020 and through most of 2021. People are going to be able to find the equipment they need, which will keep them in the game. And of course, with the increase in the number of courses and people playing comes a greater demand for golf teaching professionals.
This is a good time…no, a great time…to be in the golf industry. USGTF members who exhibit a spark of creativity and initiative should benefit exponentially, and for years to come.
When USGTF member Anthony Netto was paralyzed from an automobile accident in the 1990s, he desired to remain active in the game. He helped innovate and pioneer the ParaGolfer, a mobile unit that allows paralyzed golfers to play golf from a standing position.
One of those whose life changed through the ParaGolfer is James “Tip” Tipton from Panama City, Florida. Tipton was introduced to Netto’s foundation, Stand Up And Play, and was soon in a ParaGolfer. Tipton told MyPanhandle.com, “To be honest with you it truly saved my life. I was in a dark place for five or six years hooked on opioids, benzos, alcohol, and suicidal ideations, and when I was introduced by the Stand Up And Play Foundation to this cart, it was a game-changer for me, literally not just the game of golf but the game of life.”
Tipton is the director of the Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance which, in partnership with the 
Cobra Golf has a long history of shaking up the game in a positive way, and with ambassadors such has Lexi Thompson, Rickie Fowler and Bryson DeChambeau, the brand appeals to a younger market, as well.
USGTF members in good standing can receive 20% off wholesale pricing for Cobra equipment. To take advantage of this benefit, please reach out to the USGTF National Office at (772) 88-USGTF or email 
George Claffey of Berlin, Connecticut, has had nothing short of spectacular career in teaching golf. Claffey became a USGTF member in 2008 and hasn’t slowed down since. He currently holds five positions: 17 years as the resident teaching professional at Miner Hills Family Golf Course; teaching professional at Torza’s Golf Range; lead teacher for The First Tee of Connecticut; director of golf operations for the Connecticut city of Middletown, and conductor of “Berlin Proud” U.S. Kids junior golf clinics at Timberlin Golf Course. In addition, Claffey has taken his teaching talents internationally to the Philippines.
His two-decade background as a school principal has been valuable in his golf career. “I have discovered ways to use my educational background to become a most reputable golf instructor with guidance from the USGTF,” said Claffey. In addition, Claffey is a published author of a golf book and as a supporter of the men’s and women’s golf programs at West Virginia Wesleyan College, he has a facility named after him.
Claffey remarked, “My golf career has blossomed since becoming a member of the USGTF and I am most grateful for the opportunity to teach internationally, primarily in the Philippines, while using my WGTF affiliation.”
