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.

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).

Central - In a putting performance that will live in USGTF lore for eternity, Central Region director Tony McMullin hole...
08/12/2026

Central - In a putting performance that will live in USGTF lore for eternity, Central Region director Tony McMullin holed par putts of 20, 15, 10 and 10 feet on four of the last five holes to capture the Central Region Championship held July 13-14 at Walden Ponds Golf Course just outside Cincinnati, Ohio. McMullin fired rounds of 75-71 - 146 to nip Southeast Region director Mark Harman by a shot. You may recall in February Harman won the Southeast Region tournament he hosted by three strokes over McMullin, and McMullin has now returned the favor. Multiple region winner Ron Cox and Jamie Wardinski tied for third.

Southwest - The USGTF Southwest Region Championship will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27, at Twin Creeks Golf Club in Allen, Texas, just north of Dallas. The entry fee is $300 and includes two rounds of tournament golf, range balls and a prize fund. Southwest Region director Bruce Sims serves as the host, and he can be contacted at [email protected] or (214) 475-5168.

A golf handicap measures a player’s potential and helps make the game fair for everyone. It’s calculated from your recen...
08/11/2026

A golf handicap measures a player’s potential and helps make the game fair for everyone. It’s calculated from your recent rounds and reflects how many strokes above or below par you typically play, with a lower handicap indicating more consistent play near your best. Handicaps allow golfers of different skill levels to compete together by adjusting scores so everyone has a chance to succeed. They also encourage improvement, reward consistent scoring, and make every round more enjoyable for all players.

(Photo by Sugar Golf on Unsplash)

By Ruald StrydomGolf in South Africa is continuing to grow in 2026, combining spectacular landscapes, rich tradition and...
08/10/2026

By Ruald Strydom

Golf in South Africa is continuing to grow in 2026, combining spectacular landscapes, rich tradition and an increasing international profile. A major highlight was the introduction of LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City in Johannesburg. The Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course, celebrated for its dramatic elevation changes and impressive water features, is now the home of the Stingers, South Africa’s LIV Golf team.

Meanwhile, rising talent Aldrich Potgieter is making a strong impact on the international stage. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest South African to capture a PGA Tour title following his playoff victory at the 2025 Rocket Classic in Detroit. He also holds the distinction of being the youngest winner in Korn Ferry Tour history, underscoring the bright future of South African golf.

The Alfred Dunhill Championship returned to Royal Johannesburg Golf Club in December 2025, while grassroots initiatives and school partnerships continue to grow the game in communities across the country. With emerging stars, premier tournaments and its unique mix of golf and safari experiences, South Africa is proving it is not only part of the global golf landscape — but also helping shape where it is headed.

Gone are the days when someone could just call themselves a "teaching professional" and be able to earn a living at it. ...
08/07/2026

Gone are the days when someone could just call themselves a "teaching professional" and be able to earn a living at it. These days, having certification is a must, and the USGTF has been at the forefront of golf instruction since its inception in 1989. There is no better way to start in the industry than to earn USGTF certification. Upcoming in-person classes are as follows:

Las Vegas, NV - Aug. 24-27 Las Vegas Golf Club

Princeton, NJ - Aug. 25-28 Princeton Country Club

Las Vegas, NV - Sept. 14-17 Las Vegas Golf Club

As always, Certified Golf Teaching Professionals® who have been a member in good standing for at least 12 months can earn our highest designation, Master Golf Teaching Professional®. This year's certification classes are:

Las Vegas NV - November 16-18 Las Vegas Golf Club

Fort Pierce FL - December 15-17 The Champion Turf Club at St. James

The 30th annual United States Golf Teachers Cup will be played Tuesday and Wednesday, September 1-2, at Painted Desert G...
08/05/2026

The 30th annual United States Golf Teachers Cup will be played Tuesday and Wednesday, September 1-2, at Painted Desert Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. The national championship event of the USGTF has a storied history, and you can be a part of it. The deadline to enter is August 10, and registration is available at https://www.usgtf.com/uscup.

Reservations at The Luxor, a staple on the Las Vegas Strip, are also available at special rates for participants, and can be booked through https://book.passkey.com/go/FUSG0926LX.

Address

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

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+17728887483

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