USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional®
During this five-day on-site certification course, you will learn to teach all facets of the game. Your course will be conducted by a USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional®, who has years of experience. You will have ample opportunity to interact with your examiner in both group and one-on-one settings. One of our primary goals is that you enjoy your experience earning your certification.
The following topics are covered in detail:
- Common Sense Golf Teaching Ideas
- Understanding Ball Flight Laws
- Teaching the Golf Swing – Full Swing, Short Game & Trouble Shots
- Psychology of Teaching Golf
- Rules of the Game
- Marketing Yourself as a Golf Teaching Professional
- Clubfitting – What Teaching Professionals Should Know
- Faults & Cures for Teaching Professionals
- Use of Video in Teaching
A typical day starts in the classroom and then moves to the outdoor practice areas, where further focus is on learning to teach. You will also be given ample opportunity to practice in preparation for your playing ability test on the final day. We typically break for one hour around noon for lunch (exact time may vary), and in the afternoon you will be given the opportunity to play the course. Participants are on their own for meals, but many prefer to dine together.
In order for you to earn status as a USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional®, you will be required to successfully complete following tests:
- 25-Question Golf Fundamentals Test (80% passing grade)
- 40-Question Written Rules Test (70% passing grade)
- One-on-one Verbal Teaching Test (75% passing grade)
- 18-hole Playing Ability Test (see gender and age divisions below)
Written Rules Test
Multiple choice questions. USGA Rules book is issued to you and permitted during the test along with the easier-to-understand version, “Rules in Brief.”
Verbal Teaching Test
This is based on detection and correction of swing errors. It will be taught to you during the course of the week so that you feel comfortable in this scenario.
Playing Ability Test
The PAT takes place on the last day of certification and has the following requirements:
Men
- Ages 18-49 – score of 83
- Ages 50-59 – score of 84
- Ages 60-69 – score of 86
- Ages 70-over – score of 88
Women
- Ages 18-49 – score of 85
- Ages 50-59 – score of 86
- Ages 60-69 – score of 88
- Ages 70-over – score of 90