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HISTORY

The World Golf Teachers Federation (WGTF) was established in 1993. With its unique evolution, it plays a significant role in the history of golf instruction worldwide.

The WGTF came to fruition as a result of the creation of the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) four years earlier in 1989. Individuals from around the world wanting to teach the game traveled to the United States to become certified, would then return home and begin teaching golf.

The USGTF had established a unique program not available anywhere else - - - a six-day certification program with ongoing education thereafter through membership publications, monthly email newsletters and instructional DVD’s. It was unique in that it opened the door to those who had never been given the opportunity to enter into the golf teaching profession. Prior to this, there was only a 4-6 year apprenticeship program initially established by the British PGA in 1901, carbon copied by the Canadian PGA in 1911, the PGA of America in 1916 and subsequently reproduced over the years by every other nation who decided to establish a PGA entity of their own.

For more information on our member nations, please click here.

NEW METHODS OF LEARNING

The problem with this apprenticeship program however, was that the world had changed, technology had advanced, and new methods for learning had evolved. WGTF founder, Geoff Bryant, who had an extensive background in skiing as well as golf, knew this new approach was a much better system for training teachers. According to Mr. Bryant, “North America produces some of the world’s greatest skiers. Their teachers did not require 4-6 year apprenticeship programs. Every great Canadian and American ski coach started their initial training with a one-week program. The key, however, was that they were at least provided the opportunity to enter the industry and move forward in their profession.”

With USGTF members now established in every golfing nation, Mr. Bryant realized that it would be most beneficial to everyone to be trained in their own languages. This prompted the concept of establishing for the first time ever, Master Golf Teaching Professionals and trademarking the name.

Initially, Master Teaching Professionals from the United States traveled to each WGTF member nation to assist in their training and certification process. As time progressed however, and according to plan, nearly all member nations have now established their own examiner training programs and conduct their own training.

As a result of this evolution, it is interesting to note that the World Golf Teachers Federation was the first worldwide membership entity of professional golfers that adapted a standardized method of certification to cross boundaries amongst all golfing nations.

The historical benefits of a cross-fertilization of ideas and culture have had far reaching effects for teaching professionals. Today, there are now over 18,000 WGTF members who act as ambassadors to the game and who share their passion for golf each and every day with their students around the world.

The WGTF has also spawned the growth of the biennial World Golf Teachers Cup®. This event is open to all WGTF members worldwide and is the world’s largest international golf tournament for Certified Golf Teaching Professionals®.

For more information on our member nations, please click here.

WGTFMEMBERS.COM

The world's only global communication network for golf teaching professionals, www.wgtfmembers.com.
This forum offers the opportunity for golf teaching professionals to meet and network with other teaching professionals throughout the world to discuss teaching ideas and concepts.

The board is periodically updated with information from the National Office for members as well. Just a reminder: all who sign up must use their first and last names as display names - no nicknames will be allowed. Log on today and take advantage of this great member benefit.