Re: Golf teachers federation

I have not, but here is what it costs:

Level I -$ 655 (2 days)
Level II -$1,335 (4 days)
Level III -$1,880 (7 days)
Level IV -$ 885 (3 days)
=============
Total -$4,765 (16 days) = $497 per day

Also add, cost to get to there 4 times.

What this gets you is a certification that normal "Pros", who went through many more hours, money, trainning, and expierence, laugh at.

But it does have something...a fast track. Concentrating on really only one aspect, the swing and the teaching of the swing, where the regular Pro knows how to do this and everything else golf realted; course maintenance, club repair, shop management, club management, etc...

Re: Golf teachers federation

Yep, I know the WGTF very well. I have NEVER heard anything bad about them. The course content is very comprehensive, the examinations consist of theory and practical and no push over either ... Pass mark is 80% in all segments.

You can do stages 1-3 in hit if you like, wait 12 months and build up experience and credentials, under go a practical review and then do stage 4 and 5.

You can't attend the course until you have done compulsory reading which consists of some of the best reading material around. Books by Hogan, Mike Hebron, Dr Rotella ...

If you want to focus on teaching or want to learn more about the golf swing, it's a great way of going. They also cover golf psychology, club fitting, marketing, detailed swing analysis by video and ethics of professional practice. There are additional courses you can attend for things like advanced club fitting, advanced psychology, etc. etc. There is a long list of stuff you can do in addition to the stage credentials.

To say that "pros" laugh at the training and material is not quite correct or just. I know of PLENTY of PGA Pros who couldn't teach someone to sink a 6 foot putt if their life depended on it. I know lots of WGTF pros and they do exceptional well and I also know of several WGTF pros who teach tour pros and good ones at that.

E-mail me anytime if you want more personal and detailed information.

Final comment: you don't need to be a PGA pro before you're a "something" in golf nor do you need to be a PGA pro to be a good teacher.

Re: Golf teachers federation

Many thanks, its very hard to get any sort of un-biased opinions, Decided to try and get into teaching golf due to my own experiences, very limited choice of options available if you want some form of qualification prior to entering the field.

Re: Golf teachers federation

HELLO,

I'm looking to do a similar course in Europe either with the WGTF the EGTF or the PGTG and I am trying to research which one to go with and what people thought of the courses they took and have they had any subscequent employment or success.

Did you take the course? and what was your opinion ?. The two responces you had provided what I thought was a good indication of the views someone may have of the qualification. I was an assistant PGA pro(not qualified) for two years and packed it in having done a bit of teaching but found I spent more time in the shop as a low paid slave but any teaching I did I really enjoyed.

I now what a closed shop policy the PGA in Europe have and don't like any one else treading on their ground and so after 23 years wanted to know if any changes to the restrictive approach has taken place.

From what I can see the guys taking such courses seem to set up their own driving ranges and schools or in unique areas and wondered if this was due to lack of ease in getting employment.

I frankly think the Golff Teachers Federation is a good idea as you don't have to play 10 under par to be a good teacher and you don't have to know all about retail shop running and all the other **** that the PGA now force you to do to became fully employed. Like all other sports you get guys who specialise in specific areas and so why not just in teaching golf.


Hope this is on interest but would love to know what you have found in your research or how the course went.

Regards

Stuart Adamson

Re: Golf teachers federation

Hi. I'd glady provide info to you.

Firstly, forget the PGTG. I am not going to say much about them simply becuase they can't reply to what I'd say but suffice it to say that the WGTF is a far more credible and recognised qualification.

Yep, I am stage 3 qualified through the WGTF and had a great time on the course. Having taught for years before I went to the course I didn't learn much but I gained a far deeper insight into teaching per se. I also left a PGA apprenticeship for the same reasons. In the 2 years I worked I hardly ever taught and spent most of time working regripping clubs, taking tee time bookings, taking green fees and selling stuff. I was very disillusioned so I left and went playing on Tour.

Change in the PGA? Are u mad?? I wrote to them to find out the possibility of rejoining the PGA program in the UK. I happened to mention that I was WGTF qualified and wanted to teach more than being a club pro. The young lady I was talking to said to me (and I paraphrase):"We do not accept or recognise the WGTF and I suggest you don't mention them in your discussions or in your application forms. They are not a golfing organisation we associate with.". That was the end of the discussion and I closed the door on the PGA. End of story.

Most of the WGTF teachers do go on their simply because it's the correct thing to do. There is far more opportunity to make a career working for yourself than there is working for an existing academy. Any existing facility will also take between 15% and 30% of your income as a royalty. Also, where PGA pros work, they don't want WGTF teachers ... problem.

If you want to be a golf instructor, you're wasting your time following the PGA route as far as I'm concerned. Teaching is only a very small component of their progam and even then your training is done by a club pro who doesn't teach full-time either! (Provided you don't go the route of doing your apprenticeship at a range of course).

I have always recommended the WGTF and without exception found them very supportive, the instructors are well-trained and the course content is excellent.

Depending on where you lived, I'd go for the EGTF or the WGTF of GB&I. (I'm with GB&I).

Okay? Anything else you'd like to know - let me know.

Re: Golf teachers federation

Quick follow up



After spending quite a bit of time researching the various organisations mentioned, I opted for the WGTFof GB&I.



I have now completed the course and qualified to level 3. It has to be said, despite the brain ache at the end of each day, wacky roll-plays and sometimes long tedious hours spent in the classroom, I had a fantastic time.



Its quite surprising how much is fitted in within the 9 days, and even more surprising that you can remember most of it once you’ve left.



Can’t recommend the course enough, Please feel free to ask any questions if you’re thinking about doing the course yourself.

Re: Golf teachers federation

Am joining the course in October myself. How are you getting on with creating wealth? Are you a self-sufficient golf teacher , or rapidly on the way to getting there?

Cheers

Re: Golf teachers federation

Marvelous course. Would thoroughly recommend it to anybody. Now to figure out how to reach my goals.

Re: Golf teachers federation

hi neil
you have whetted my appetite i have sent off for course details

Re: Golf teachers federation

Hi all, have just stumbled across the WGTF today after previously flirting with the EGTF. I am living in Ireland, play off 8 but want to become a golf teacher (i do sporadic safety teaching in my current daily role) as i love the teaching aspect.
In the long run i would be aiming at going to the south of france to set up a school/teach and am looking for as much information about the course. due to finiancial constraints (getting married in June) it will probably be next year before i can seriously look at sitting the course, but would apprciate any information/advice you can send me

Re: Golf teachers federation

thanks for hijacking the thread....

Re: Golf teachers federation

Sorted, they are out of here.

Re: Golf teachers federation

Thanks Brian.

Re: Golf teachers federation

anybody with help out there with regqards the wgtf?