USGTF Member News
USGTF MEMBER’S STUDENT SCORES TWO HOLES-IN-ONE…IN ONE DAY!
USGTF professionals certainly take great pride in the accomplishments of their students, and Mike Sidlinger is no exception. Sidlinger reports that Jon Scolari of Las Vegas made two holes-in-one on September 21, scoring an ace on the 9th hole at Oakway Golf Course in Eugene, Oregon, during a golf trip. Later that afternoon Scolari struck again, this time sinking his tee shot on #11 at Tokatee Golf Club.
Scolari comes with impressive playing credentials, having been the number one player on his collegiate team at Brigham Young University- Hawaii and twice being named All-Conference. Sidlinger is a member of the WGTF Top 100 Teachers and is a longtime USGTF member, having worn many hats in the golf business.
Since the odds of two holes-in-one during a single round of golf are 67 million-to-1, it’s a sure thing that Scolari’s feat is in the same rarified air, and something that Sidlinger is sure to enjoy, as well.
Attendees at a recent USGTF Level III foreign language course conducted at Western Hills Golf Club in Chino Hills, California, by USGTF Level IV course examiner Joseph Lee.
USGTF MEMBER SOBCZAK NOT ONE FOR SLOW PLAY
When USGTF member Gary Sobczak plays golf, he’s not one to fool around taking too much time. Sobczak, from Avon, Indiana, placed second last year at the World Speedgolf Championships in his age division (50+) at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.
Scoring in speedgolf is simple: Your total score is the number of strokes you take plus the number of minutes to complete 18 holes… on foot. To win at the national level at the youngest age groups, a golfer needs to play in the low 80s and finish in about an hour. The 50-andover crowd is still very competitive, and Sobczak’s combined score and time equaled 157.10.
This year’s championships will be held once again at Bandon Dunes on October 25.
PEREZ CONTINUES WITH ACTIVE 2014
USGTF Master Teaching Professional Jim Perez, one of the most active and energetic professionals who can be found anywhere, is at it again. Earlier this year, Perez completed the purchase of the Bluff Pointe Golf Course and Learning Center in Fresno, California, and recently became the host of his own one hour radio program on 1680-AM in Fresno, “Golf’s Guiding Light with Jim Perez.” The program airs each Saturday for an hour starting at 3:00 p.m. PDT. You are invited to listen live, and the program can be accessed at www.my1680.com.
WGTF MEMBER GRAY NAMED DIRECTOR OF GOLF AT ST. MICHAELS
Longtime WGTF of Great Britain & Ireland member Douglas Gray has been named the director of golf at St. Michaels Golf Club in Leuchars, Scotland, near St. Andrews. Gray has been at the club for two years, starting as the club’s teaching professional.
Gray’s position is not typical of a director of golf, where his main duties are behind a desk. Instead, he has been charged with retaining the membership, increasing the number of visitors, and making sure exceptional customer service is provided. In addition, his priority is junior golf, and the club is hosting its first junior open golf tournament in two years this month. The club currently has 35 juniors as members.
Gray welcomes all WGTF members for a round of golf. For more information on St. Michaels Golf Club and to book a round, please visit the club’s website at www.StMichaelsGolfClub.com.
WGTF WELCOMES USGTF-TAIWAN
The World Golf Teachers Federation would like to welcome Taiwan to our alliance of international golf teachers. This past July, I traveled to Taipei to conduct a certification course for USGTFTaiwan. My gracious hosts were Roy Hsiao, president of the USGTFTaiwan, and Maarten van Dam, membership director for USGTFTaiwan. They were hosts to an excellent certification course, as well as many fine meals and company during the course of the week.
The course was attended by students with many diverse backgrounds: top Taiwanese playing professionals, teaching professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs from various industries. All the attendees had an evident passion for the game of golf.
The course was held at Taipei Golf Course, which was a perfect facility with 18 holes winding through the mountains and valleys. Along with a challenging golf course, the facility offered a first-class practice range and par-3 golf course.
All of the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and their enthusiasm was contagious. They were avid learners and quickly learned to apply the basics of teaching golf. They were especially eager to learn the “dynamics of impact” and their effect on ball flight.
The amazing thing about the week was the participants’ enthusiasm never waned. Their desire to learn to teach golf was truly inspiring. Their talents before the course ranged from tour-level players and experts in education to military officers and business entrepreneurs. Their talents at the end of the week were golf teachers ready to carry the torch for the new USGTF-Taiwan!
CONGRATULATIONS!
All participants successfully completed the recent Master Certification Course at Foothills Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. USGTF Course Examiner, David Vaught stated, “I really lucked out getting such a great group of people and teachers.” Congratulations to all participants on achieving the nation’s highest level of golf teaching certification.
REGION CHAMPIONS CROWNED
Three USGTF region champions were crowned during the second half of 2014. The Northeast, Southeast, and Central regions all held their annual championships during July and August.
The Northeast Region Championship was held July 19 at Great Bear Country Club in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Martin Noletti shot a 75 to win the title, and was also the 50-59 winner. Ingrid Narken won the women’s division for the third time, while under-50 honors went to Andy Pierson. Ed Williams, the defending overall champion, won the 60-69 division, and region director John Savage captured the 70-and-over crown.
The Southeast Region Championship was held over two days on July 26- 27 at GlenLakes Country Club in Weeki Wachee, Florida. USGTF national course director Mark Harman prevailed for the seventh consecutive year, edging first-round leader Jim Peters by one stroke with scores of 75-73 – 148. Rich Lively was third with a score of 155, and veteran competitor Carlos de Barros took fourth at 156.
Jim Peters erased his disappointment from the Southeast championship by traveling up north the following week to take the Central Region Championship, held August 3 at Quail Meadows golf course in Washington, Illinois. Peters edged out Jong K. Jung by one point in the event, which featured Stableford scoring.
