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STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
CANADA
NEWS FROM CANADA JULY 2020 Covid-19 created new priorities for Canadians,
and the golf season was delayed in many areas
throughout the country.
Golf is now open in every province, and it is
much different than ever before. Our members
face new realities in teaching the game. Some of
By Marc Ray, CGTF President them are unable to perform lessons as the facilities
have limited access to the practice areas. Other
he 2020 Golf season has been one crazy members cannot keep up with the demand for
Trollercoaster ride for the CGTF. We were feeling instruction, as golf is booming like it is 1997. Our
an all-time high after delivering 400 plus lessons certification schedule is currently on hold, but we
at the Toronto Golf and Travel Show, the largest anticipate the first school will take place in August.
golf show in Canada. We felt that 2020 would be The outlook is very positive for the future of golf in
a banner golf year until things changed in mid- Canada as other activities are on hold while golf is
March. open for business and thriving.
THE BEST JOB IN GOLF INSTRUCTION
By Bill Bath, CGTF Master Teaching Professional and evening orientation to kick off one of the greatest
Course Examiner, Courtice, Ontario, Canada weeks of my life. I was totally blown away with
tanding with a group of friends over 20 years the professionalism that I was greeted with that
Sago, I was asked the question, “How’s work evening, and the entire week, for that matter.
going?” Without much of a pause, I said, “I hate My future was uncertain, but I managed to
my job!” The person who asked me that question get through the PAT portion, which was not my
was a good amateur player in her time, a very greatest concern. I only gave tips to friends and
successful businessperson, and the daughter of a never taught much. It was the verbal teaching
well-respected club professional in my community. test that scared me. I thought I came unprepared,
Her response was, “Quit your job, then, and do cramming and only reading a dozen instruction
something you like.” Gratefully, this conversation is books before attending the certification course at
what lead me to golf as a profession. Hidden Lake Golf Club. Passing the verbal portion
One day I am reading the classifieds in Golf of the week was a relief. I was now ready to start
Digest and the headline of one ad my teaching business. I had already secured
really caught my attention: “Learn two driving ranges to teach out of. Now, its time
to Teach Golf.” I called the number to tell the world I am a Certified Golf Teaching
and was directed to Bob Bryant, the Professional.
Canadian Golf Teachers Federation For a couple summers and one long winter, I
president, and he sold me on the opportunities managed to build up a decent client list. It was
that were out there. clear I might have been the only teacher in the
That August, I went to the traditional Sunday area that had a marketing plan in those days.
Sharing Our Passion Around The World!”
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Golf Teaching Pro SUMMER 2020
