USGTF The United States Golf Teachers Federation® trains and certifies golf teaching professionals.

Established in 1989, it is the largest national organization of certified golf teaching professionals in the world. Founded in 1989, the United States Golf Teachers Federation began making history by training and certifying golf teaching professionals for the golfing public. By opening the door to those that previously were never given the opportunity to teach golf, the USGTF started a trend that

has led the game through two decades of growth and popularity never seen before. Today, the USGTF is the largest organization of strictly golf teaching professionals in the world with over 30,000 members. The USGTF is a founding member of the World Golf Teachers Federation® and is one of 35 member nations that make up this entity. Both Federations help to establish the world's standard for golf teaching professionals.

To be considered among the best of your peers is quite an honor, and it's that time again to select the next iteration o...
09/02/2026

To be considered among the best of your peers is quite an honor, and it's that time again to select the next iteration of the WGTF Top 50 Teachers. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, September 9, and all materials must be submitted to the WGTF/USGTF National Office by then. Letters of recommendation, teacher biography and participation in WGTF events are all considered; members may also self-nominate.

Please send all relevant materials to [email protected], or by regular mail to WGTF/USGTF, 200 S. Indian River Drive #206, Fort Pierce FL 34950.

Taking care of putting greens is a mix of science, strategy, and patience, and it’s not just about making them fast, it’...
09/01/2026

Taking care of putting greens is a mix of science, strategy, and patience, and it’s not just about making them fast, it’s about keeping them healthy and smooth. Superintendents use careful mowing and lightweight rolling to create consistent surface conditions, with frequent mowing helping control grass growth, increase density, and reduce friction so the ball rolls true. Rolling can also boost green speed while allowing the grass to be cut a bit higher, which actually helps turf health, and it helps with things like sand incorporation and correcting minor surface imperfections. But it’s a balancing act: too low or too often can stress the grass and even damage the turf, so the goal is always to maintain a smooth, reliable putting surface without sacrificing long‑term health.

(Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash)

Whether you're looking to learn the fundamentals online or earn full certification in person, the USGTF offers a certifi...
08/28/2026

Whether you're looking to learn the fundamentals online or earn full certification in person, the USGTF offers a certification path designed to fit your goals.

Start your journey toward becoming a golf teaching professional today.

Learn more and compare certification levels at www.usgtf.com/golf-certification-levels or give our office a call at 772-888-7483.

Golf is one of the few sports where success depends just as much on your mind as it does your swing. While physical skil...
08/25/2026

Golf is one of the few sports where success depends just as much on your mind as it does your swing. While physical skills like mechanics and technique are essential, it’s often the mental side that determines the outcome, especially under pressure. Even a perfectly executed shot can be undone by doubt, distraction, or overthinking in a critical moment, showing how closely thoughts and performance are connected. Developing mental skills like focus, confidence, and the ability to stay present can make the difference between consistency and frustration, helping players recover from mistakes and perform when it matters most.

(Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash)

Rory McIlroy showed great promise as a youngster, appearing on television shows as a wee lad to showcase his abilities b...
08/24/2026

Rory McIlroy showed great promise as a youngster, appearing on television shows as a wee lad to showcase his abilities back then. Today, he is recognized as the greatest golfer to ever come out of Europe, having won six major championships including the career Grand Slam.

McIlroy is universally recognized as one of the best drivers of the ball in the professional game, almost always in the top four in Stokes-Gained Driving and is in first position this year in that stat. His current Strokes-Gained Driving Approach Shots ranking is 29th, and combined Strokes-Gained Tee-to-Green he is ranked third.

McIlroy's strength, therefore, is his ballstriking, but what makes it so special is his power. He is able to use lesser clubs into the greens than most of his fellow competitors, but he is also very technically sound. A recurring bugaboo in his swing is when he re-routes the club coming down in too-shallow of a swing place, resulting in an excessive outside-in swing at times. But he knows this flaw and is always working to eliminate it.

McIlroy's power is a testament to hard work in the gym as he is only 5-foot-9 inches tall, and dedication to the sport. Although he's sometimes a controversial figure as he's not afraid to say what's on his mind, he is well-respected by most of his peers and is a credit to the game.

Rudy Project, a longtime USGTF industry partner, has a full range of prescription solutions designed for athletes who re...
08/21/2026

Rudy Project, a longtime USGTF industry partner, has a full range of prescription solutions designed for athletes who refuse to compromise on vision or performance.

For golfers who need corrective lenses, Rudy Project offers four distinct Rx solutions engineered to deliver razor-sharp clarity inside a performance frame. The Rx Shield integrates your prescription directly into the lens with ghost ocular technology that keeps it virtually invisible from the outside. Direct in Frame puts your prescription into a performance lens with ImpactX® photochromic options that adapt automatically to changing light conditions on the course. The Optical Dock is the go-to for stronger prescriptions, snapping in cleanly and feeling light without sacrificing clarity. And the Optical Insert offers a versatile, flexible entry point compatible across multiple frames.

Popular models include the Rydon, Turbolence, Astral Sphere, and Sydus. Each is available with Rx options and a wide range of lens configurations.

USGTF members receive a personal use discount. To order, please call the National Office at (772) 88-USGTF or (772) 888-7483 to receive the link to the specialized webpage for USGTF members.

(Note: Mason is a student of USGTF member Lou Toscano.)1. How did you get started in golf, and at what age did you begin...
08/19/2026

(Note: Mason is a student of USGTF member Lou Toscano.)

1. How did you get started in golf, and at what age did you begin playing?

I first became interested in golf when my dad took me to the Travelers Championship at age 11 in Cromwell, Connecticut. Watching a live tournament inspired me to start playing, and I began going to the driving range and playing with my dad and brother. With the help of lessons from Coach Lou Toscano, I've continued to improve over the past four years. I now enjoy both the challenge of the game and the time I spend playing with family and friends.

2. What have been some of your biggest struggles in golf, and how have you worked through them?

One of my biggest challenges in golf has been maintaining a positive mindset after a bad shot. I”ve learned to stay composed, refocus, and move on to the next shot without dwelling on mistakes. Golf is a game of constant highs and lows, and I've come to understand that improvement comes from staying disciplined and continuing to work hard through both good and bad rounds.

3. What are some of your biggest accomplishments in golf so far?

One of my biggest accomplishments was making my high school golf team as a freshman at Westerly High School. I've really enjoyed the experience and feel fortunate to play and practice at great local courses like Winnapaug, Weekapaug, Shelter Harbor, and the Misquamicut Club with my teammates. Another highlight was getting my first hole-in-one in 2025 at Elmridge Golf Course, which was a memorable milestone for me. I hope there are more to come!

4. Do you have any goals or aspirations in golf for the future?

My goal is to break into the top six on my high school team and compete in varsity matches. I'm dedicated to putting in the work to keep improving, and I hope to become one of the top players in the state. Most importantly, I want to continue playing and enjoying the game of golf for the rest of my life.

Golf club grooves play a key role in how the ball reacts on every shot. By channeling grass, dirt, and moisture away fro...
08/18/2026

Golf club grooves play a key role in how the ball reacts on every shot. By channeling grass, dirt, and moisture away from the ball at impact, grooves help ensure cleaner contact, which is especially important from tricky lies in the rough. They also create backspin, allowing shots to stop more quickly on the green instead of rolling past the target. Interestingly, in perfect conditions, a smooth clubface can spin the ball more, but it’s the grooves that make real‑world shots reliable. The importance of grooves was even recognized in competitive play, leading to regulations on depth and sharpness to maintain the challenge of the game.

(Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash)

By Glenn MasonIn 1995 I became certified in club fitting and golf club repair at GolfWorks of Newark, Ohio, and applied ...
08/17/2026

By Glenn Mason

In 1995 I became certified in club fitting and golf club repair at GolfWorks of Newark, Ohio, and applied these skills working at Illini Golf in Peoria, Illinois. In 1998 and 1999, I was the golf pro and pro shop manager at Sunset Hills Golf Course, Pekin, Illinois, where I also was tournament director for the largest best-ball tournament of Central Illinois. In 2005 I earned my Certified Golf Teaching Professional status from the USGTF, and from there I elevated even further.

From 2000 to 2012 I taught accredited golf classes at Illinois Central College, also giving private lessons. From 2007 to 2010 I instructed the junior golf program for East Peoria Park District. During this time, I was also the golf teaching professional for Quail Meadows Golf Course. In in 2009 I accepted the assistant golf coach position for Illinois Central College, getting the opportunity to receive CPR and AED certifications for the role. And in 2014 I received my golf psychology certification.

My love for golf kept me persistent in learning, teaching, learning some more so I could teach better and improve myself. Now, the USGTF is the most important to me. It gave me the opportunity to meet so many people and help them improve their golf game so they can improve their game for a lifetime. One of the most satisfying aspects of my teaching golf was when I taught special-needs children through the PGA in my local area. I got to study with Barry Smith and Don Trahan of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Rick Sellers of Bloomington, Illinois, all instructors of PGA and LPGA tour players. And I got to play at phenomenal professional golf tournaments such as the U.S. Golf Teachers Cup and the World Cup. So, be persistent. Keep learning, get certified, teach, and learn some more not to just improve your teaching but to improve yourself and assist others.

If a journeyman like Aaron Rai could win a major championship earlier this year, why couldn't another win The Open? And ...
08/14/2026

If a journeyman like Aaron Rai could win a major championship earlier this year, why couldn't another win The Open? And that's exactly what happened when New Zealand's Ryan Fox birdied the two of the last three holes at Royal Birkdale to overcome the lead of Cameron Young and take possession of the Claret Jug.

Fox has found success relatively late in life, having won his first DP World Tour event at age 32 and his first PGA Tour event at age 38, and now at age 39 he has captured his first major championship. His athleticism was inherited from his father, an All Black rugby player, and his grandfather who played cricket. He becomes the third New Zealander to win a major championship behind Bob Charles (1963 Open) and Michael Campbell (2005 U.S. Open).

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200 S. Indian River Drive, Suite #206
Fort Pierce, FL
34950

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Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
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Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
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+17728887483

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