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Can't be a PGA Professional? Hang out and get USGTF certified!
Tuesday May 31, 2005 | 05:07:37 508 words, 3131 views
Can’t become a PGA Professional? Get USGTF certification! What happens if you’re not smart enough to be accepted by a university? Want to have the “ultimate” career, giving golfers lessons, making up to And that’s why thousands of golfers patronize their local PGA Professionals.These people had to pass a fairly rigorous and time-consuming procedure to obtain PGA certification. These guys (and women) have to do more than just swing a good stick. They have to go through loads of classes and pass coursework to obtain their certification. Passing the requirements is not enough for the PGA of America. PGA Professionals have to maintain their points each year by attending classes on rules, teaching and even classes pertaining to business. PGA Professionals lose their certifications for failing to stay up to date with what the PGA wants. Like certified public accountants, classes are an ongoing fact of life. And by the way, the title is PGA Professional, not “golf pro” or “club pro!” They’ve earned it, so use it. And, yes, these folks have to demonstrate they can play some golf. Hey! Want to teach duffers, make a few bucks and bypass this mess and time There are many, many great golf teachers in this world who are not And that guy who couldn’t hack it with the PGA probably is sending his son Rebel 
Comments:
Comment from: Scott Spears [Visitor]
Ouch. Pretty nasty view of the USGTF. Just to be the devil's advocate, Schoolcraft College, a community college in Michigan, is famous for its culinary courses...
The PGA road would be the way to go for real certification. The thing I wonder, though, is what if you are 60, retired, and just looking to have some kind of acredidation? How about springboarding from comm college into university? Just to be clear, the USGTF does appear to have testing for certification, beyond the playing ability test. Still, how does it look? Is the money worth it? Surely there is a USGTF member reading this who can answer. 
05/31/05 @ 10:29
Comment from: Sandy Kirk [Visitor]
>"Is the money worth it? Surely there is a USGTF member reading this who can answer."
===================== And, gee, Scott, how do you reckon this USGTF guy is going to answer?
05/31/05 @ 10:57
Comment from: Rebel Blogger [Member]
If you are going to pay your hard-earned money to get instruction, why not go to to someone who is serious? Finding a PGA pro is not going to cost much if any more money. Get someone serious and be serious about your game.
Rebel
05/31/05 @ 13:06
Comment from: Golf Pro [Visitor]
Ladies,
Join the Ladies Professional Golf Association Teaching and Club Professional and get the instructions and accredidation you need to become a teaching golf professional. This also, takes time, talent but it's worth it. There is more to teaching than a one week course.
06/01/05 @ 08:57
Comment from: PGA Pro [Visitor]
I sent an email to the USGTF five years ago stating almost the same thing! There is no way to effectively learn to teach the game in a week, month or year for that matter. I've been teaching for 15 years, and only now feel that I help everyone I teach.
Another question for the USGTF: where do your people plan to do their teaching? Certainly not at a PGA staffed facility.
Finally, the worst thing the PGA can do is ignore the threat to their leadership the USGTF poses.
06/01/05 @ 10:02
Comment from: Rebel Blogger [Member]
Hey Golf Pro,
I am all for anyone who is qualified to teach golf. Hell, the best golf lessons I have ever received have come from people who were not sanctioned by anyone. That being said, The Ladies Professional Golf Association Teaching and Club Professional that you tout is on the same caliber as the USGTF. Rather than settle for a second line golf pro, golfers should use a PGA certified professional. If you are serious about your game, be serious about who teaches you. Rebel
06/01/05 @ 12:28
Comment from: Rebel Blogger [Member]
Golf Pro,
I am all for The PGA receiving legitimate competition. The United States Golf Teachers Federation just isn't it. There are indeed good USGTF professionals out there. But why should golfers settle for generic when they can have the name brand? Rebel
06/01/05 @ 12:40
Comment from: Ray Lamb [Visitor] · http://hotgolfinc.com
Who ever prepared this article has no clue what they are talking about. I am a PGA professional and have one of the most successful teaching programs in the nation. I learned absolutely nothing about teaching from the PGA. Anyone with a pocket book can become a PGA professional. It requires no skill and little intelligence. The USGTA is probably just as good as the PGA. If you want to get better by taking lessons you should do a little more research an choose an instructor using criteria other than simply PGA or USGTA.
06/02/05 @ 00:18
Comment from: Rebel Blogger [Member]
Ah hell.......why not just spend your bucks on some pud
down the street? Why should any certification matter? Rebel
06/02/05 @ 01:07
Comment from: Scott Spears [Visitor]
Commitment is the biggest thing, it seems. Pleanty of worthless PGA pros, and enough good teachers around not "certified" by anyone.
What I'd really love to know is what employers think. Naturally, if a PGA pro and a USGTF guy walk in, almost everyone will go for the PGA dude. Do USGTF people just get laughed out the door?
06/02/05 @ 09:13
Comment from: Rebel Blogger [Member]
Scott,
This is a great point. Well, imagine you are going in for a job and you have an associates degree from a community college. Then imagine a guy coming in behind you who has a university education from a name university. Who gets the job? I have never met a teaching pro at a golf course, hired by the course, who is USGTF. One of the best reasons USGTF people do not get hired is the person making the hiring decisions is PGA himself. Cronies hire cronies. Rebel
06/02/05 @ 11:48
Comment from: Tom [Visitor]
Who needs them? PGA, USGTF, LPGAT or TGIF. It's all an incredible ruse. True enough, if you are willing to spend the time and money on lessons, have an unlimited desire to improve, and can walk and chew gum at the same time. Then you will probably shave a stroke or two off you game. But mostly, golf instructors are like dermatologists; Their patients never die, nor are they ever cured.
The best way to learn is by watching the good players. How do you suppose the old timers learned the game. No television, no video, no instructors. Most were caddies, and they studied the swings of the better players.
06/02/05 @ 19:12
Comment from: C. Scarff [Visitor] · http://www.hitdowndammit.com
I am a former PGA Professional. I attained Level III certification by... showing up to 3 seminars. They weren't cheap, but there were no tests, no on-range classes. Just seminars. I actually "learned" the golf swing by attending an intensive classroom/on-range golf school with the famous Jimmy Ballard (who by the way, is not certified by anyone).
06/04/05 @ 23:39
Comment from: Mark Nessmith [Visitor] · http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/mark.nessmith
Hey, C. Scarff: Based on what I read on your web site, you're a former CANADIAN PGA Professional. Thanks for chiming in, but that's not what the Reb is writing about. He's writing about the PGA of America (www.pga.com).
Reb: Given what C. Scarff writes, maybe you better look into what those CPGA folks are doing up there! Sounds pretty USGTF-ish if you ask me!
06/05/05 @ 17:16
Comment from: Glen Erickson [Visitor]
Always interesting to read opinions from anonymous contributors. At least guys like Nessmith have the balls to identify themselves when they offer an opinion.
The Internet is full of clowns who like to mouth off behind this goofy shroud of secrecy. Just make up a nickname and beak off. Save your crap unless your ready to sign your name to your opinion. On the other hand, perhaps anonymity breeds courage...
06/08/05 @ 09:23
Comment from: Robert Cote [Visitor] · http://signature golf academy.com
Rebel, I've always respected your site for honest and unpopular OPINIONS but let's look at some FACTS;(yes I'm USGTF certified and proud of it)1) the PGA's of the world, USA, Europe no matter where have been in "charge" of supposedly teaching golf for what, 60, 70 yrs or more. Certainly over the past 20/25 at least. In that same period, the ave. hdcp as measured by the USGA has remained the same AND if you included in the calculation the "correct i.e as per the rules scores" of everyone who played 18 holes it would be much much higher than that. 2) in the same period equipment, courses etc have never been better, easier to use,more friendly etc etc. SO why haven't players became better? 3) the number of people playing has stagnated or declined in the past few years, the number quitting equalling those starting many of whom complain they can't learn!!!
NOW over this same period who has been "officially" in charge of teaching the game? You guessed it the PGA !! That sir is fact not opinion. And how does one get to be a PGA pro, by "PLAYING YOUR WAY IN" (THEIR WORDS NOT MINE) and serving an apprenticeship in a golf shop under a PGA pro earning slave wages, booking tee times, selling socks, and washing carts. How does that prepare you for teaching golf?? I have many students who "suffered" under the existing system who I was able to help for one reason; I CAN TEACH as can many others some of whom are acrredited by organizations other than the PGA. As a matter of fact I'd be happy to send you a copy of a letter from one of my students who attended several large famous PGA accredited schools and claimed she was far better taught at mine!! Send me your snail mail address and I'll forward a copy. I'll even go further, find 10 people who have a GENUINE interest in learning the game, randomly split them in 2 groups give 5 to a randomly selected PGA pro and 5 to me and over the course of ONE day, well see which group ends up better!!! NOW that would make a contribution to the game.signed Robert Cote USGTF
06/14/05 @ 10:33
Comment from: Robert Cote [Visitor] · http://email siggolfacademy@yahoo.com
above web site under development. use email Thanks
06/14/05 @ 10:35
Comment from: Vici Pate [Visitor] · http://methodist.edu/pgm/index.htm
There are many facets to teaching golf other than the aspects of mechanics and people skills. I teach at the top Professional Golf Management Program in the United States. It is accredited by the PGA of America, so if a student completes all of their requirements, when they graduate they not only receive a degree in business, they gain membership into the PGA of America as well. I will be the first to say that it does not take a degree, nor does it take a three year course in the PGA of America to become a good teacher. However, by succeeding in this program, a person learns not only how to teach, but how to run his/her business. You learn how people develop physically and mentally so you might better understand how to teach them. You explore different ways of how to teach groups, outings, juniors, seniors, women, people with disabilities, low handicap golfers, golf course management, how health related issues might impact your students' games, etc. Most importantly, I have a base of 20,000 plus PGA Professionals to share and explore ideas with. I am perpetually updating my information through continuing education sponsored by the PGA of America.
The LPGA T&CD might be all right for some women, but if you want to cover the full spectrum of the golf business and not be limited to just women, the PGA is where it's at!
06/15/05 @ 10:10
Comment from: Matt Gullo [Visitor]
Wow. PGA guys are so prejudice. Some people do not want to waste their lives sitting in a pro shop selling shirts and making terrible wages. Therefore, taking the USGTF course is the best way to go if you want to make a career teaching golf. Feel free to email me anytime to set up a game and I will destroy you on the course if you are not to busy cleaning golf carts.
06/15/05 @ 12:23
Comment from: Glen Erickson [Visitor]
How would all you USGTF types feel if a PGA member was given a "Level III Certification" without ever attending and completing the same certification requirements that you have paid your hard-earned money for?
Just curious...
06/15/05 @ 22:45
Comment from: Vici Pate [Visitor] · http://methodist.edu/pgm/index.htm
Dear Matt,
First, I am not a "guy". Second, I have been paid a lot of money to teach people of all levels, even great golfers like yourself. Now one of my jobs is to instruct people on how to teach golf, and all I am saying is there are MANY aspects of teaching and the PGA provides that instruction.
06/16/05 @ 08:39
Comment from: Del Camp [Visitor] · http://www.campappraisal.com
As a lifelong golfer with an index of about 24 in 1980 and curently about 12, I finally started to improve after working with a non PGA teacher. Over the past twenty five years, I generally noticed that PGA professionals who could play golf pretty well, knew the jargon (over the top, inside out, release, pronate etc.) but didn't have a clue as to how to communicate better technique, which is what teaching is, is it not? And at almost any course or teaching facility, I still note PGA certified teachers working for poor wages, standing by while telling prospective golfers to swing from the inside out, pronate, release and all of the other technical jargon of the PGA. What I seldom see is a student who develops a better understanding his or her golf swing, and a real chance of using information given at the lesson to practice and actually improve. What I do see is a major percentage of new golfers get excited about lessons, then become very frustrated with the language and poor teaching and never come back. Come on guys and gals of the PGA, just because you can pass the PAT doesn't mean you are a teacher! Learn your craft. Maybe have courses for instructors like the USGTA does. Who knows what you might learn,.
06/19/05 @ 07:43
Comment from: Dave Spira [Visitor]
Rebel - Funny, with a name like rebel, one would think you would be an enemy of the big powerful establishment types but obviously you have been conned by the pga just like the rest of the world. I have played against and beaten many pga certified instructors. They do not all play well. In fact many don't play more than once or twice a month. They can't shoot par anywhere. Most good single digit amateurs can beat most pga driving range instructors. They all teach by the book and apply a rigid set of bullshit cookie cutter swing rules to people who need customized intuitive instruction. In short, you have no clue at all. The best teachers are older, experienced competitors who can give insight and personal advise. Email me for rates and reviews if you really want to learn how to play better.
06/22/05 @ 19:44
Comment from: Ken Arias [Visitor] · http://visitor
Teachers are just what they are teachers,and any amount of education and or experience doesn't equate to being a good or great teacher. Having the stipulation as PGA is very respectable but saying that they are better or worst than any other accredited "teacher" is bogus, sure they might not hire you at a PGA course or position but I've been involved in golf over 40 years and seen some pretty lousy PGA teachers,and in the same instance seen some great so called scrub teachers so as in life it's your choice to make, PGA or Dildo Pro, just get off your computer and go play some GOLF! Life is to short, live and let live and play hard!
06/27/05 @ 16:50
Comment from: Todd D Miles USGTF Teaching Professional [Visitor]
Please understand communication is the best way to help students learn the proper fundamentals of golf.Whether your USGTF PGA or LPGA if a teacher can't speak on a understanding level the student will never be able to improve. I've worked under PGA Professionals-- I'm happy to be USGTF.
06/29/05 @ 23:44
Comment from: Steve Eisenberg [Visitor] · http://www.fgcu.edu
Agree with Vicki Pate regarding requirements, agree with rebel regarding finding a quality PGA professional. The PGA now requires a 2 to 6 year training program, which has three different courses dealing specifically with teaching the game, including communication, swing theory, and presenting an individualized approach. Not that there cannot be fine teachers without such certification, but you are certainly hedging your bet by asking about the reputation of a PGA professional, with students who have improved. Most often you will find that is due to the individualized approach taken by the teacher to overcome swing flaws through physics and laws of ball flight. Anyone who cannot articulate your problems and craft a solution to is readily understandable is not an instructor of choice.
07/17/05 @ 23:57
Comment from: muhuff44 [Visitor] · http://usgtf
i am not a pga or usgtf member but i have been golfing for a while now i have had lessons from 4 different instructors before 3 were pga members and where HORRIBLE teacher great managers and business men but HORRIBLE teacher , the other instructor was independent but a GREAT teacher , the pga program prepares you for other aspects of golf the usgtf prepares you to TEACH if your serious about your game get lessons from someone who would be dedicated to teach you... pga member or not!!!!!!!
07/26/05 @ 16:30
Comment from: muhuff44 [Visitor] · http://usgtf
i am not a pga or usgtf member but i have been golfing for a while now, i have had lessons from 4 different instructors before,anb 3 were pga members and where HORRIBLE teachers, great managers, and business men but HORRIBLE teachers , the other instructor was independent, but was a GREAT teacher , the pga program prepares you for other aspects of golf and dont get me wrong is very prestigous ,but the usgtf prepares you to TEACH if your serious about your game get lessons from someone who would be dedicated to teach you... pga member or not!!!!!!!
07/26/05 @ 16:36
Comment from: Les [Visitor]
Rebel,
The notion that a University grad is a better choice over a community college grad is very questionable. I believe a degree is a "foot in the door" for interviews. Once your facing the employer answering questions as to why we should hire you, thats when character is revealed. The same would be true of a golf teacher. If the teacher does a good job for his or her students, referrals will come regardless of the shingle. I do not think Butch Harmon is a PGA teaching professional?
08/11/05 @ 09:13
Comment from: Kevin Litz [Visitor]
The best short game instructer as far as knowledge and instruction goes is Dave Pelz. He is neither PGA or USGTF certified. You can either teach or you can't.
I am retiring from thrU.S.Army soon and do not have the time left in life to become an apprentice for three years. Wouldn't an organization like the USGTF be a viable answer for someone who just wants to teach golf? How much time do PGA instructers actually spend learning to teach the golf swing? I can't seem to find an answer to that.
12/18/05 @ 18:15
Comment from: Dave Donlon [Visitor]
Just thought you would like to read these exceptional highlights about Julius Richardson a "USGTF" Teaching Professional:
Julius Richardson, Member of United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) Instructor at Pine Meadow since 2000 Teacher of the Century, USGTF. Golf Magazine top 100 instructors. Has appeared on The Golf Channel. Winner of over 40 tournaments. Instructing golf since 1957. Author of golf instructional book, “Better Golf, A Skill Building Approach.” I did not see PGA mentioned here did I? This man can teach and has been recognized for that. Not because he is a PGA Professional, because he can teach.
02/16/06 @ 20:22
Comment from: Matt USGTF / PGA APRENTICE [Visitor]
Dear All,
I think that the USGTF is a worth wile cause. It is one of those programs that can help you get your foot in the door. I did it because I did not have the means to go off to college. It also helped me decide if I did want to persue a career in the golf industry or not. It is one of those things where you get out of it what you put into it. I used it as a stepping stone to get into a apprentice position with a class A PGA professional. I would like to put the USGTF in check about one thing. The PAT that I had to take was to easy. The time spent on instruction was not enough. Also the course is to short. This program has given many a member a "license to steal." DEFENDING THE USGTF... I have been in the industry for 5 years now and I have met and seen a lot of pros PGA and non PGA. That PGA and or USGTF certification does not mean you are a good teacher and or a good player. You can either teach or not.You can either play well, or not play. I have taken lessons from PGA and USGTF pros. Some of them could not teach their way out of a wet paper bag, Then some were great. Thats just the way it is in every profession. God Cops, bad Cops, good Doctors, bad Doctors....you get my point. By the way many of the top instructors in the world are not a member of either!!!! PS..I think the PGA is a little tough on theier members. you guys know what I am talking about. But I am very happy to be a part of both.
02/26/06 @ 16:04
Comment from: Matt USGTF / PGA APRENTICE [Visitor]
sorry about spelling error..oops
02/26/06 @ 16:13
Comment from: Dave Donlon [Visitor]
Matt,
Have you taken and passed your PGA PAT yet?
03/21/06 @ 15:46
Comment from: Chad T. [Visitor]
I am a Physical Education teacher and coach. I have a single digit handicap. I don't want to give up my job as an educator to be able to teach the game of golf. I'd like to start teaching the game over the summer. The USGTF seems to make this possible for me while the PGA won't. My only question is how I'll be able to get on a course to teach lessons if i'm not with the PGA?
The USGTF seems to be the only option for a person like myself. Am I wrong? The PGA would not allow me to keep my full time job.
04/07/06 @ 11:39
Comment from: maryan bakker [Visitor]
In Holland to qualify as a pga professional you only have to play under 80 three times in two years in any competion pretty much the same as the usgtf.The pga members i know are generally arrogant and full of b.shit,the pga should market like the usgtf and open up there doors and develop teachers and not block them,rebel sorry to say you are also brainwashed open your mind.
04/29/06 @ 14:19
Comment from: james h. [Visitor]
This page contains full of interesting opinions. I like it. I got my Ph.D degree from a well known university in the United States. I also am an avid golfer who wants to improve the game. Because of my degree (yes, I am partially agree with Rebel's opinion on the relationship between the degree and job opportunity), I have a decent job with a decent salary. I got some golf clinics from class A PGA professionals. My game? It took more time than I expected. I read more than 30 golf instructional books including the ones by David Pelz, Butch Harmon, and David Leadbetter. I vediotaped swings of mine and my pals'. Analyzed them. Try to find clues to fix the faults. Applied many different approaches to fix the problems. I studied very preliminary stage of anatomy of human body. Set up a schedule to build muscles over the winter. Well, my golf games are improved a lot this spring. I spent too much time to study golf. I would appreciate if I could met a good professional who knows my problems (not a general problems) and applies approaches exactly fit to me.
There are many golfers in my area who are not born Americans. They need instructor(s) who can teach golf with good personal understanding in their native language. If there is a PGA certified professional who can communicate with languages other than English, it will be better I think. Otherwise, I think other certificate works as good as PGA one. I seriously consider to take a USGTF program this summer not because to change my career but because to teach golf for the special need. Think about what Vici wrote. There are many facets in golf teaching. I think discussion on which one is better for teaching (PGA or USGTF) is not so important. How to approach to cure the problems with deeper understanding on the students' need is more important in golf teaching.
05/12/06 @ 12:25
Comment from: Brad Shaw [Visitor]
· http://Brad Shaw
Well there is only one test to prove who is right or wrong? The customer, if you can teach you will make money, if you are shit, guess what no one will continue to seek your advice. If you can coach, rugby, soccer, tennis or any sport you do not have to complete a 3 year traineeship. I have been teaching golf for 4 years and never has anyone asked for my credentials, as I believe they come back becuase I am bloody good at what I do. end of story. Brad Shaw, Australian Golf Teachers Federation
03/07/07 @ 02:12
Comment from: Jim Evans [Visitor]
I'm a single and do sometimes watch teachers on the range, most milk it to get the next series of lessons, pays the rent. A "teacher" should be one who concentrates on teaching and not sales data, golf outings, starting times ect...
I am sure Butch Harmon ( non pga ) every sold a golf shirt.
Before you take a lesson ask the teacher to hit some shots for you, never buy a car without a test drive.
And if he looks more like a golfer then hits like one....keep looking.
07/23/07 @ 21:53
Comment from: Mike Fredrickson [Visitor]
Rebel,
You are a typical over-bloated, egotistical pga professional. People like yourself are not professional nor are you an ambassador of golf. There are many courses staffed by pga professionals that also employ USGTF Professionals. I know plenty of people that have spent money for pga instruction and were not impressed by the label of pga pro. So let the air out of your bubble head before it explodes with envy. Most of the top teachers aren't pga professionals! You can either teach or you can't and certification doesn't mean squat. If you ever want a lesson in humility, come and see me. Until then try and be a golf professional!
12/19/07 @ 01:23
Comment from: Greg Sampson [Visitor]
· http://www.S4TourPros.com
It is interesting to read some of these responses. PGA or USGTF ? I say they both do the same thing. They certify you to teach the game of golf to other people through books and classroom time. You must pass a PAT that is a complete joke and you are a golf professional. To me if you cant shoot professional quality scores....at least even par IN TOURNAMENTS....than you shouldnt be allowed to teach someone to play when you cant play yourself. PGA professionals and USGTF professionals can teach you all the mechanics you want (that they learned in their books) but only a tour quality golf professional can teach you how to score your ball and that is why we play. I am a mini tour player who has played at some of the highest levels of professional golf and I am very qualified to teach people to play. I know the rules, the swing, course management, how to run a tournament, yet in the eyes of the governing body of golf I am just a golf bum following a dream. I think the term professional golfer is very misused both from the teaching and touring sides of the game. I think the PAT should be the start of it all. If you cant play at the professional level than you shouldnt be able to call yourself a professional golfer. But what does the PGA stand for? Professional Golf Association !!! Do I agree with certification yes, but I feel that qualification is more important. For example I played Division I college golf at Old Dominion University and graduated with a degree in sports management. I have been to QSchool twice and made it through first stage once. I am not the only "Professional Golfer," in this situation. Does this make sense? I am not against the PGA they have done great things for the game of golf, but it used to be for the good of the game and I feel it is now for the good for their pockets. To pass the PAT you have to shoot a pair of 77's from the white tees. HA HA a real "Professional Golfer" could do that in highschool. You want to learn how to play or score your ball better, take a lesson from a mini tour professional. Most of them are college graduates, can shoot under par, and know more about golf than your average PGA Pro ever will. Most PGA Pros are professional golf managers not professional golfers, they can not improve your golf game by telling you to keep your head down or roll your wrists. I say knowledge and experiance is everything in golf and certification should be left for the business side of golf. Any comments considering I probably just angered more than one person? I live in it and I know how it is out there. I can tell you one thing something needs to change !
04/05/08 @ 17:30 Leave a comment: |
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