Info-Authority: Golf Instruction

Golf instructors began with the invention of the game around 1353, when players of this game included hitting a ball back and forth and developing strategies to elude the opposing team. When the second shot strategy was developed, each team began using its own ball, and thus the game of golf as we know it was born. The game was used in Scotland for national defense preparation, and was made a crime at one time. Eventually, however, it was Scotland that proclaimed golf its national game. In 1848, the first golf ball was invented in Scotland. By 1865, the game had become popular in England, Ireland, France, and India. Along with the game's increased popularity came golf instruction, and the publication of the first manual of instruction in 1857. The modern golf ball (the Haskell) was invented in the early 1900s. With the new ball, which is still in use today, came new techniques of swing and grip (the Vardon).

Early Golf Instruction

The first golf magazines were published in the early 20th century, and professional golf associations also sprung up. Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen were popular on both sides of the Atlantic, and drew large crowds to see their new golfing techniques. The sport continued to develop new strategies and playing techniques, even though the Depression took its toll on the sport. Ernest T. Jones opened a golf studio in New York, and thus began the modern era of golf, with formal instruction, equipment, caddies, and driving ranges. Tournaments flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, and professional golf came into its own, complete with large cash prizes, product endorsements, and golfing magazines and books. The first national golf school opened in 1968. The 1970s and 1980s saw an increase in golf schools and formal instruction, and in 1989, the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) was founded. The expansion of golf schools was most dramatic in the 1990's, and it appears that golf and golf instruction is here to stay.

Becoming a Golf Instructor

Becoming a fully certified golf instructor is a three part process involving formal courses and examinations. To become a master teaching professional -- one who is able to teach and certify teachers -- one must take the level three course, be a member in good standing, give a 15 minute video presentation and provide a thesis, which might include an on-site demonstration. Becoming a certified golf instructor is a long process that requires a financial commitment as well as a demonstrated facility with and knowledge of the game.

By Eve Visconti




	Golf Instruction Golf instructors began with the invention of the game around 1353, when players of this game included hitting a ball back and forth and developing strategies to elude the opposing team. When the second shot strategy was developed, each team began using its own ball, and thus the game of golf as we know it was born. The game was used in Scotland for national defense preparation, and was made a crime at one time. Eventually, however, it was Scotland that proclaimed golf its national game. In 1848, the first golf ball was invented in Scotland. By 1865, the game had become popular in England, Ireland, France, and India. Along with the game's increased popularity came golf instruction, and the publication of the first manual of instruction in 1857. The modern golf ball (the Haskell) was invented in the early 1900s. With the new ball, which is still in use today, came new techniques of swing and grip (the Vardon). Early Golf Instruction The first golf magazines were published in the early 20th century, and professional golf associations also sprung up. Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen were popular on both sides of the Atlantic, and drew large crowds to see their new golfing techniques. The sport continued to develop new strategies and playing techniques, even though the Depression took its toll on the sport. Ernest T. Jones opened a golf studio in New York, and thus began the modern era of golf, with formal instruction, equipment, caddies, and driving ranges. Tournaments flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, and professional golf came into its own, complete with large cash prizes, product endorsements, and golfing magazines and books. The first national golf school opened in 1968. The 1970s and 1980s saw an increase in golf schools and formal instruction, and in 1989, the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) was founded. The expansion of golf schools was most dramatic in the 1990's, and it appears that golf and golf instruction is here to stay. Becoming a Golf Instructor Becoming a fully certified golf instructor is a three part process involving formal courses and examinations. To become a master teaching professional -- one who is able to teach and certify teachers -- one must take the level three course, be a member in good standing, give a 15 minute video presentation and provide a thesis, which might include an on-site demonstration. Becoming a certified golf instructor is a long process that requires a financial commitment as well as a demonstrated facility with and knowledge of the game. By Eve Visconti Related Links: United States Golf Teachers' Federation USGTF Web site offering information on a variety of golf-related topics.