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History
The World Golf
Teachers Federation (WGTF) was established in 1993. With its unique
evolution, it plays a significant role in the history of golf
instruction worldwide.
The WGTF came to fruition as a result of the creation of the United
States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) four years earlier in 1989.
The USGTF realized that the golf teaching profession should be a separate entity unto itself. Therefore, a unique program was established not available anywhere else - - - - a six-day golf teaching certification program with ongoing education thereafter through membership publications, monthly email newsletters and instructional DVD's. Individuals from around the world wanting to teach the game now traveled
to the United States to become certified and would then return home and
begin teaching golf.
The USGTF's program was unique in that it opened
the door to those who had never been given the opportunity to enter
into the golf teaching profession. Prior to this, there was only a
4-6 year apprenticeship program initially established by the British PGA in 1901, carbon copied by the Canadian PGA in 1911, the PGA of
America in 1916 and subsequently reproduced over the years by every
other nation who decided to establish a PGA entity of their own.
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New Methods Of Learning
The problem with this apprenticeship program however, was that the
world had changed, technology had advanced, and new methods for
learning had evolved. WGTF founder, Geoff Bryant, who had an
extensive background in skiing as well as golf, knew this new
approach was a much better system for training teachers. According
to Mr. Bryant, “North America produces some of the world’s greatest
skiers. Their teachers did not require 4-6 year apprenticeship
programs. Every great Canadian and American ski coach started their
initial training with a one-week program. The key, however, was that
they were at least provided the opportunity to enter the industry
and move forward in their profession.”
With USGTF members now established in every golfing nation, Mr.
Bryant realized that it would be most beneficial for everyone to be
trained in their own languages and that each golfing nation should establish their own national golf teaching organization under the larger umbrella of the World Golf Teachers Federation. This prompted the concept of
establishing for the first time ever, the term Master Golf Teaching
Professional and trademarking the name.
Initially, Master Teaching Professionals from the United States
traveled to each WGTF member nation to assist in their training and
certification process. As time progressed however, and according to
plan, nearly all member nations have now established their own
examiner training programs and conduct their own training.
As a result of this evolution, it is interesting to note that the
World Golf Teachers Federation was the first worldwide membership
entity of professional golfers that adapted a standardized method of
certification to cross boundaries amongst all golfing nations.
The historical benefits of a cross-fertilization of ideas and culture have had far reaching effects for teaching professionals. Today, there are now over 22,000 WGTF members who act as ambassadors to the game and who share their passion for golf each and every day with their students around the world.
The WGTF has also spawned the growth of the biennial World Golf Teachers Cup®. This event is open to all WGTF members worldwide and is the world’s largest international golf tournament for Certified Golf Teaching Professionals®.
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Mission Statement
The World Golf Teachers Federation establishes a global standard of uniformity in golf instruction among all golfing nations. In addition, it provides for friendly competition, camaraderie and communication for golf teaching professionals worldwide.
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WGTFMembers.com
The world's only global communication network for golf teaching professionals, www.wgtfmembers.com.
This forum offers the opportunity for golf teaching professionals to meet and network with other teaching professionals throughout the world to discuss teaching ideas and concepts.
The board is periodically updated with information from the National Office for members as well. Just a reminder: all who sign up must use their first and last names as display names. Please Log on today and take advantage of this great member benefit.
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World Golf Teachers Federation Bylaws
The World Golf Teachers Federation was established in 1993. It is the largest organization of golf teaching professionals in the world with over 22,000 members consisting of 40 Member Nation Federations.
The WGTF focuses mainly on the profession of teaching golf. The areas of emphasis are based on communication skills as well as technical knowledge and playing ability.
The following World Golf Teachers Federation Bylaws are set forth in order to enact a standard of uniformity and professionalism in the golf teaching industry. Furthermore, they serve to help in the education and protection of the rights of golf teaching professionals as well as the presidents of all member federations.
ARTICLE I. WGTF OBLIGATIONS TO MEMBER FEDERATIONS
Section One – To act as an ambassador and foster relations from the central and regional offices between all member federations of the WGTF.
Section Two – To ensure that all member federations are following the WGTF charter of bylaws in accordance to all WGTF guidelines. This guarantees uniformity, credibility and for the benefit of all, a standard of quality in golf instruction throughout the world.
Section Three – To provide exposure through Internet, media releases, public relations, member federation newsletters and co-sponsored events with all member nations.
Section Four – To provide each member federation access to other member federations' websites and publications.
Section Five – To co-sponsor the biennial World Golf Teachers Cup with various host federations.
Section Six – To promote and maintain relations with golf manufacturers and other golf related industry partners for the benefit of all members.
Section Seven - To offer all WGTF individual members the exclusive opportunity to purchase WGTF logoed merchandise as well as membership certification cards provided they are current members in good standing of their respective member nations.
ARTICLE II. ALL MEMBER NATIONS MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WGTF CHARTER REGULATIONS.
Section One – Member federations must be in accordance with the finest aspects of teaching golf; namely to show integrity, honor and respect to individual members and other member federations.
Section Two – The public has the right to expect the best, most up to date and uniformed instruction available; therefore it is the duty of each member federation to continue to strive for excellence in determining the most effective methods of golf instruction to teaching professionals.
Section Three – Only member nations in good standing shall maintain the right to identify themselves as current WGTF members. Any representation to the contrary will result in permanent discontinuation of membership and affiliation.
Section Four – Member federations must meet professional financial obligations promptly and conduct all business dealings in a manner befitting the standards of the WGTF.
Section Five – Member federations shall recognize all WGTF members in good standing. Any WGTF member requesting membership from another country must first be a member in good standing of his original country and willing to meet the financial obligations of both annual membership fees. If a WGTF member resides in a nation other than his original for a period of more than six months per year, he may join that nation's federation without financial obligations to his original federation.
Section Six – No member nation is permitted to promote or conduct certification courses outside of their individual nation or previously agreed upon territories. Failure to comply with this stipulation will result in termination of WGTF membership. The only exception to this is if permission is received from the president of the host nation. For example: In the case of a joint federation course, (i.e. German – French certification course) the participants will be certified according to their country of residence.
Section Seven – On the occasion of the sale of a WGTF member
federation to another party, the WGTF International Committee must approve the inclusion of the new entities WGTF membership by a 2/3-majority vote.
Section Eight – A certification course must be held within twelve months after the establishment of a new WGTF member federation. All federations must conduct at least one certification course every twelve months.
ARTICLE III. MEMBER FEDERATIONS SHALL CONDUCT ALL CERTIFICATION COURSES IN BASIC SIMILARITY TO WGTF GUIDELINES
Section One – Any home study course must be approved by the WGTF board of members prior to promotion of the product. All playing ability tests must be conducted in person.
Section Two – All member federations must be in accordance with the WGTF playing ability exams (PAT). This PAT must be a two-day scenario with 166 strokes being the maximum number of strokes for a participant under the age of 50. The golf course where the PAT is conducted must also be a minimum of 6000 yards or equivalent meters. Other requirement of strokes for various ages – 168 for 50-59, 172 for 60-69, and 176 for 70+ The PAT for women must be a maximum total of 170 for those under age 50 with an accordingly similar increase as the men's age categories.
Section Three – Each member federation certification course must have a rules examination during the course of the week.
Section Four – Each member federation's certification course must have a practical teaching examination. This examination may be verbal and/or written.
Section Five – During the certification process, dishonest activity by any candidate will not be tolerated. Any candidate who displays intentional dishonest activity will not be eligible to retake the WGTF certification for a five-year period. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
ARTICLE IV. EACH MEMBER FEDERATION IS REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATION STANDARDS.
Section One – Golf Teaching Pro magazine is the official WGTF member publication. The articles in this publication may be translated if need be by any member nation. It is published twice a year. This publication provides a great opportunity to promote each individual member nation. Articles, current news and photographs must be received on a timely basis prior to print. Deadline dates for receipt of information are March 15th, and November 15th.
The cost per magazine is $6 (usd) plus shipping and handling. A valid credit card number must be made available to the WGTF section office in the United States to cover the above cost. A 4% credit card fee will also be added to all credit card charges.
Any member nation that does not order the publication but utilizes various articles and copyright material for promotion on their website will be charged a minimum fee of $200.00 per article. Please request the use of these articles from the national office in the United States prior to use.
ARTICLE V. MEMBER FEDERATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO UPHOLD THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS AND FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS.
Section One – Any WGTF President representing any nation or agreed upon territories who fail to act in accordance with the:
A. WGTF Bylaws set forth
B. The USGTF Code of Ethics
C. Conspires to compete with the WGTF
D. Takes undo advantage of their members
E. Act in any manor that is not in the best interest in the WGTF
will lose their right to promote, advertise, use any copyright material or be affiliated with the WGTF.
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International Advisory Committee
Gary Cooney
President- Australia www.australiangtf.com 
Ulrich Paetzel
President- Austria www.agtf.at 
Ilko Yotzev
President- Bulgaria www.bggtf.com 
Bob Bryant
President- Canada www.cgtf.com 
Steve Mak
President- China www.usgtf-china.com 
Dieter Lang
President- Germany www.ggtf.de 
Peter Hudson
President- Great Britain www.wgtfgb.com 
Rene Imthorn
Co-President- Holland www.dgtf.nl 
Edward Verstraten
Co-President- Holland www.dgtf.nl 
Gabor Lehoczky
President- Hungary www.wgtf.com 
Amit Saran
President- India www.wgtf.com 
Shuichi Yaginuma
President- Japan www.usgtfjapan.jp 
Sammy Oh
President- Korea www.usgtf.co.kr 
Rafael Conde
President- Mexico www.certificationgolf.com 
Librado Tadeo
President- Philippines www.wgtf.com 
Ben Ang
Director- Singapore www.usgtf.co.kr 
Neville
Schmulian President- South Africa www.southafricangtf.com 
Natthanon Kerkkumsup
Director- Thailand www.usgtf.co.kr 
Anthony
Benny President- Trinidad www.wgtf.com 
Walter
Leskiff President - Ukraine www.ukgtf.com 
Geoff Bryant
President- United States www.usgtf.com 
Thomas Wartelle
WGTF Director www.wgtf.com |
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Member Nations
Please note: There are entities in Asia that claim to be affiliated with the World Golf Teachers Federation when in fact, they are not. They are the EGTF and the American GTF. These deceptively simliar sounding names to the WGTF were created by Mr. Peter Dunne, Mr. Jason Tan and Mr. AK Phua. This unethical business conduct has deceived several people in the countries of Singapore, Thailand, Korea, China, and India.
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 World Golf Teachers Federation of Great Britain & Ireland Peter Hudson, President 0044-1920-871885 becomeagolfcoach@btconnect.com  South African Golf Teachers Federation Ben Schmulian, President 2712-549-2022 sagtf@wol.co.za  Indian Golf Teachers Federation Amit Saran, President 91-80 4147 5441 /2 spt@sptindia.com  Hong Kong Golf Teachers Federation Steve Mak / President 1st Floor, 46 Johnston Rd. Wanchai, Hong Kong hkgtf@netvigator.com |
 Dutch Golf Teachers Federation Edward Verstraten, President 0031620540761 dgtf@edu cationcentre.nl  Chinese Golf Teachers Federation Steve Mak, President 852-2960-1118 hkgtf@netvigator.com  Mexican Golf Teachers Federation Rafael Conde, President 525-308-0373 rcondej@aol.com 
Puerto Rico Golf Teachers Federation Rudy Martinez, President 407-373-4103 golfpro@rudyholisticgolf.com  Portuguese Golf Teachers Federation Joe Matos, President 351-2108-03659  USGTF Japan Shuchi Yaginuma, President 81-45921-7154 usgtfjapan@a05.itscom.net |
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2010 Copyright • World Golf Teachers Federation® • All Rights Reserved
1295 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd • Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952 • United States of America
The World's Largest Organization of Golf Teaching Professionals
(888) 346-3290 • (772) 335-3216 • info@usgtf.com