Australia
By Des Heffernan
AGTF, Adelaide, South Australia

Here are a couple of true stories from down under that fellow members might enjoy.  #1. Recently, I had to visit my local sports clinic to have my “dickey” knee looked at – an old football injury! The specialist noticed on my intro form that I teach and play golf. He then told me a marvelous story about his father-in-law, now 78 yrs old, who was a scratch golfer for many years. 

Sadly, not long ago the father-in-law was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which necessitated a very complicated operation. As a result, the surgery removed part of the balance control in his brain, which initially left him with problems staying on his feet.

So you couldn’t be blamed for suggesting that this would be the end of his golfing life. Not this guy!!! One day he rang his son-in-law and said, “Don’t ask any questions, just pick me up and take me to the driving range,” which the son-in-law studiously did. 

When they arrived, the father-in-law purchased about 300 golf balls and proceeded to hit them. Of course, he lost his balance after hitting most of them. 

Then, at about the 290 mark, he suddenly worked out how he could keep his balance and play a reasonable shot. He would position himself with his back towards the target and commence swinging from this position. This way it would enable him to step out and around during the follow through, keeping his balance and facing the target at the finish. “Sound familiar?” 

Anyway, the result is, he now plays to a handicap of 8 at the ripe old age of 78. I think this is fantastic. “Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”

#2. A business associate of mine (Harry) is an inspiration to me. He is 87 yrs old and is still running his own National Business from Sydney with the vigor of a 21yr old.

Also, he is a World War II Veteran and was a prisoner of war for 4 years, compliments of the Japanese on the Bridge over the River Quai. (I think that’s how you spell it.) His life’s experiences are fascinating to listen to.

When Harry was younger, he played off a handicap of 4. A playing friend was the brother of the great Australian golfer, Norman Von Nida, who I think played in the 1930’s. Norman’s brother was an excellent golfer playing off + 3.

One day, Harry was playing golf with the brother and his wife. The wife was having a terrible day. Von Nida’s brother turned to Harry and said, “Can you tell her what she is doing wrong. I don’t know the first thing about teaching the golf swing?” Harry was stunned at the time because this guy was such a good player. He proceeded to help his friend’s wife with a little improvement. It wasn’t until afterwards he realized that teaching isn’t easy and that natural ability doesn’t necessarily mean you have the skills to do so either. I use this story to demonstrate to students and others that teaching requires long-term dedication and continuous improvement from both teacher and student.

Lessons Learned from these stories: Never give up, reinforce and then reinforce the fundamentals of golf, know your own abilities and be honest with yourself, continue to improve your knowledge, keep an open mind – consider different opinions and welcome alternative methods.  

Great Britain
By Peter Hudson
President, Golf Teachers Federation Great Britain

Great Britain is buzzing with activity at the moment. So far in the year 2004, we have held four certification courses. Several courses were held in Great Britain, where the weather can be unpredictable. Fortunately the latest certification course was held in sunny Spain and we were spoiled by the wonderful Andalusia climate. 

With the coming of spring in the UK, the focus for golf teaching professionals falls upon the upcoming season. Planning begins such as contacting clients that have been hibernating during the winter. The consummate golf professional has spent the winter months reviewing last year’s lessons as well as implementing any new equipment or techniques for the upcoming season. I, myself, have been using the time to do some more training and studying of new of teaching techniques. Also, I attended the 2003 World Golf Teachers Cup.

The WGTF of GB has been planning its initiative to align itself with Sportscoach UK following the government’s guideline regarding coaching. Please visit the Sportscoach UK web site for further information. This will help increase awareness of the federation in the United Kingdom. 

With this in mind there will be some changes in our structure within the next two years. This year we will be introducing our Continual Development Programme. Members will have to obtain points each year to be able to continue full membership with the federation, although you would be allowed to continue with an associate membership. This will help our organisation continue to grow and prosper in the U.K. 

There are 12 more courses planned this year. We are looking once a year at having trainings in the further reaches of the country with four extra courses. 

In conclusion for all those anticipating the upcoming season, I join you in looking forward to a beautiful summer.

Germany
By Dieter Lang
President, German Golf Teachers Federation

As of January 2004, the German Golf Teachers Federation has held a Level II and Level III certification course. There were 27 participants for the courses including three new Master Level members. The participants came from diverse professional backgrounds with many currently in the golf business.

A typical day at a German GTF educational course starts at 9:00 am. The day begins with theoretical themes along with preparation for practical golf teaching. The participants prepare for practical lessons first on the paper. This implements a plan for each lesson to be conducted with real students from the Golf Club Zollmühle. After this, the staff and the participants discuss each lesson trying to find ways to improve upon them. The end of the day is about 7:00 pm each evening.

The GGTF will have a busy year with several tournaments and events to show the German public more about our work and targets. The first competition is Dieter’s Pro Cup at GC Zollmühle held on Saturday the 22nd of May. The following tournament is on the 24th May at GC Stiftland. It will be first Teaching Pro Tournament for all members. On 24-25 of July, the GC Zollmühle will have an open house day for the grand opening of the new 18-hole course and 9-hole golf academy. There will be a tournament on the 25th in honor of the event. For Tournament info tel. +49-9834-969337.

The GGTF continues to promote several projects for disabled people in Germany with proceeds going to charities.

 

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