Blast from the Past
The following picture was taken in Petaluma, California, in September 1994 at Adobe Creek Golf Club during a USGTF certifi cation course. Both the certification staff and members of the professional staff at Adobe Creek posed for the picture. Unfortunately, the identities of two Adobe Creek staff members have been lost through the passage of time. Front row, from left to right: Dana Banke, Adobe Creek head professional; Mark Harman,...
The Importance of Participating in USGTF Events
One of the great member benefits of the USGTF is our growing number of tournaments. The United States Golf Teachers Cup has been held annually since 1996 in all parts of the country, and the United States Match Play Championship was inaugurated 2012. The World Golf Teachers Cup has been held since 1997, and draws participants from around the world. In addition, USGTF Region championships have long been held in the Southeast,...
Teaching Golf in Cuba by Greg Salazar
I visited the Melia Las Americas hotel in Veradero, Cuba, a few years ago on the advice of another USGTF member, Bill Bath. Veradero is on the north coast of Cuba, about 140 km (87 miles) east of Havana. Bill said it was a great place to visit, and the golf was pretty good, as well. Bill had been to this location and was invited to teach there while on a working vacation, so to speak. With both of us being Canadians, we have no travel...
The Complete Teaching Professional
(Editor’s note: The following was first printed in the Fall 1997 edition of American Golf Pro, which is now Golf Teaching Pro magazine. This article is fitting, given that the USGTF’s annual teaching award is named the Harvey Penick Trophy for Excellence in Golf Teaching.) Harvey Penick gained the adoration of millions through the instructional tips and genial philosophy he imparted in his golf lessons over a lifetime, and most...
Masters 2014: Trip of a Lifetime by Arlen Bento
This story was written by USGTF member Arlen Bento from Jensen Beach, Florida. Bento is also a member of the USGTF’s newly formed coaches division, the World Golf Coaches Alliance. Bento is the head golf coach at the Pine High School in Stuart and the team recently won their district championship. He also coaches Shannon Aubert, Florida state high school girls champion. For their accomplishments, the entire team was presented with...
Sweet Swinging Gene Littler Was My Inspiration
Many of my friends often compliment me on my rhythmic golf swing. When I won the 2004 USGTF Senior championship at the United States Golf Teachers Cup, Mark Harman said to our fellow members, “He swings so easy and the ball goes so far,” as he presented me the trophy. My swing is no accident. In 1961, two years into my golf career at age 11, I was watching the U.S. Open. Gene Littler, the eventual winner, caught my eye. I was...
US Match Play Championship®
The 3rd annual United States Match Play Championship® will be held Monday-Friday, December 1-5, 2014, at Indian Hills Golf Course in Fort Pierce, Florida. Guaranteed $10,000 first-place prize! The event is open to all golfers, both professional and amateur. Scott Newton, from Port. St. Lucie, Florida, is the defending champion. The field is limited to the first 64 golfers who register. The entry deadline is Friday, November 21...
This Happened In Vegas…But It Didn’t Stay There
Does anyone recognize these young guys? This picture was taken at the awards banquet in November 2002 for the 2003 United States Golf Teachers Cup (yes, that is not a typo…see below). All of these gentlemen, 12 years later, are still regular participants in the US Cup. From left: Jerry Moore, Ron Longoria, Mark Harman, Dave Belling, Mike Stevens, and Jim Perez. If you’re wondering why the 2003 US Cup was played in 2002, the...
USGTF Hall of Fame is Organization’s Top Honor
There is no greater honor in sports than to be inducted into a hall of fame. The USGTF Hall of Fame was established in 2004 to recognize individuals whose commitment to the game, achievements, and service to the USGTF were at a level deemed worthy of recognition. The first class was named in 2004, and in recent years several more USGTF members have been added to the ranks. The USGTF Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held during the...
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