Editorial – Golf Club Sales Strength Portends Good Things For Teachers

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.

Student Spotlight – James “Tip” Tipton

Student Spotlight – James “Tip” Tipton

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 Stand Up And Play foundation, focuses on helping first responders and children with physical and emotional challenges. Tipton wants to eventually spread his and his alliance’s reach throughout the entire North Florida region, from Mobile, Alabama, to Jacksonville, Florida.
Cobra Golf – Industry Partner

Cobra Golf – Industry Partner

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 member_services@usgtf.com.

Kelly Cops Canadian Cup

Kelly Cops Canadian Cup

Ken Kelly won the Canadian Golf Teachers Cup played August 24 at the Tyandaga Golf Club in Burlington, Ontario. It was Kelly’s first time playing in the event. The weather cooperated and a good time was had by all. Jeff Howe remarked, “Great day today with the CGTF members! Great weather, great group of friends and colleagues! Thanks to Marc Ray (CGTF president) for organizing, and Brad Weake for hosting such a wonderful afternoon! Thanks to everyone who came out!”

It is clear Canadian golf is back in full swing. We hope to see a strong contingent this October at the United States Golf Teachers Cup in Florida.

“PRO” File – Teaching Professional George Claffey

“PRO” File – Teaching Professional George Claffey

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.”

“PRO” File – Touring Professional Wil Zalatoris

“PRO” File – Touring Professional Wil Zalatoris

Two short years ago, most golf fans never heard the name Will Zalatoris. That has changed drastically as once Zalatoris was able to play in some PGA Tour events, he quickly made himself at home on the leaderboards. He scored a top-10 finish at the 2020 U.S. Open and almost won the 2021 Masters. Justin Thomas just edged him out earlier this year in a playoff at the PGA Championship, and observers knew it was only a matter of time before Zalatoris would win.

That prediction finally came true when he won the first playoff event in 2022, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, defeating Sepp Straka on the third playoff hole. Unfortunately, Zalatoris’ year came to an end when back problems flared up, and he won’t be able to play in this year’s Presidents Cup.

The good news is that much like Scottie Scheffler and David Duval, both of whom won prolifically once they won their first, Zalatoris is likely to lift quite a few more trophies in the next several years.

Cox Wins Central Region Title

Cox Wins Central Region Title

Ron Cox from Nashville, Tennessee, crossed the Mason-Dixon line to capture the USGTF Central Region Championship held July 31-August 1 at The Grizzly Course in Mason, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati. Cox fired 69-67 – 136 to edge another Southerner, Mark Harman from Ridgeland, South Carolina, by two strokes. Both golfers were tied at -5 heading into the 36th hole when Cox made birdie to Harman’s bogey.

Tony McMullin, Central Region director, set the pace with an opening 66 for the tournament’s low round and finished in 3rd. Jose Estevez was the fourth player under par and finished 4th. Matt Smith aced the 16th hole the second day to continue the fireworks. Region championship play has now been concluded for the season.

To learn more about these and other USGTF member events, visit www.USGTF.com and look under the Stay Informed section for Tournaments.

US Golf Teachers Cup Registration Still Open

US Golf Teachers Cup Registration Still Open

Registration for the 26th annual United States Golf Teachers Cup is open at https://www.usgtf.com/uscup, or you may call the USGTF National Office at (772) 88-USGTF or (772) 888-7483.

The tournament will be played Monday and Tuesday, October 24-25, at Plantation Preserve Golf Club in Plantation, Florida, just west of Fort Lauderdale. This year’s tournament features a pro-am format, although bringing an amateur partner is not required. Age divisions are Open (open to all), Senior (age 50+), and Super Senior (age 68+).

WGTF Top 50 Nominations Deadline This Month

WGTF Top 50 Nominations Deadline This Month

The deadline to submit nominations for the World Golf Teachers Federation Top 50 Teachers is Friday, September 9. Nominations should include information pertinent to the nominee, such as teacher and student accomplishments, how long he or she has been teaching, philosophy, and any letters of recommendation. Materials can be submitted through regular mail to the USGTF National Office at 200 S. Indian River Drive, Suite 206, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, or through email at member_servcies@usgtf.com. All members who are Certified or Master Golf Teaching Professionals are eligible for consideration.