Recently while waiting for two latecomers on the first tee at Club Med Resort in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, USGTF National Coordinator Bob Wyatt said to me, “Geoff, let’s go ahead and hit. The world belongs to those who turn up!” I liked the connotation of that statement. To me, it could also be construed as “the world belongs to those who take the initiative.”

Taking the initiative has always been a common theme here at the USGTF national office. In fact, nearly everything we do, from the many books, publications and educational DVD’s that our education department creates, to the national and global tournaments we conduct, the membership benefits we strive for, and the opportunites we provide our members, are all, in effect, history in the making. This is because, prior to 1989, there was never an entity like the USGTF that catered specifically to golf teaching professionals. And, it was for this reason that many years ago the USGTF trademarked the phrases “Certified Golf Teaching  Professional” and “Master Golf Teaching Professional.”

Individually, as ambassadors to the game, all WGTF members have also taken the initiative to educate themselves, stay current with trends in the industry, and provide the best instructional education  available to their clients throughout the world.

Walt Disney was noted to have said, “It all started with a mouse.” Many of our initiatives, as well, simply began with ideas from our diverse and multi-talented membership. Here are some examples of our  contribution to the world of golf over the past 20 years:
• World Golf Teachers Federation
• World Golf Teachers Cup
• World Golf Teachers Tour
• Examiner Exchange Program – Worldwide
• World Golf Teachers Appreciation Day
• United States Golf Teachers Cup
• Golf Teaching Pro magazine
• Various federal trademarks to protect each member in promoting and marketing themselves with our unique brand
• United States Match Play Championship
• United States Golf Managers Association

I hope to see many of you this fall on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina for the playing of the 9th biennial World Golf Teachers Cup. Players from 35 WGTF member nations will be present, including Christopher Richards from Trinidad, who will be defending his individual championship, as well as Anthony Benny and company from Trinidad & Tobago, defending their 2007 international team victory. It promises to be the best ever event for golf teaching professionals. Please take the initiative to attend!

Happy Teaching!