Our story

Here is an article from Bunkered Magazine that we feel sums up our story.

Currently making waves in the golfing world, the European Golf Teachers’ Federation is continuing to flourish, and for good reason. Bunkered takes a closer look at what some are labelling one of the most important developments in world golf.

There have been many success stories in golf in recent years, both on and off the course. New golf developments have surfaced in countries that would not normally associate themselves with the game, and a new breed of youngsters has begun to dominate the sport. But the biggest success of all may have taken place at grass-roots level, with the establishment of the European Golf Teachers’ Federation as a major force in golf education.

And the man behind it all has a story to tell. After deciding that he was no longer able to compete in top events, Devon-based golfer Peter German contacted his local professional association in a bid to give something back to the game. The 54 year-old was subsequently turned down because of his age and decided to do something about it. At that time, in 1992, in order to become a qualified golf teacher you had to be involved in coaching schemes by the time you were 27 or you could not take part at all.

While flying around the world and talking to a variety of different people involved in golf tuition, German began to collate a system of golf teaching and slowly realised that there were golfers in the same position as himself. In response, he formed  the European Golf Teachers’ Association

And, since Peter Dunne, president of the EGTF and a staff – trained UEFA “A” licensed coach and FA Advanced coach, took control of the reigns, and formed the EGTF, the Federation has never looked back.

”Since taking over, Peter Dunne has established the company across the globe. After a relatively short space of time we now have thousands of members from all over the world,”  ”We have eight courses every year and teaching professionals in virtually every European country, as well as Southern Africa, New Zealand, Australia and all over Asia.”

Merely to suggest that the EGTF grew extensively over the last ten years would be an injustice to its success. Craig prefers to define the Federation’s growth as an ”explosion”, citing the most important factor as being that there is nothing in world golf quite like it. ”It really developed because there was a necessity for it. There were lots of guys out there who wanted to become involved in golf but, because they decided to do it at a later stage in life, they were being held back,” said Craig.

The week-long intensive training course – which rewards successful participants with a professional teaching qualification and full membership of the EGTF – has even attracted members of the Professional Golfers’ Association.  The benefits of the week’s schedule and fully understands why PGA pros want to know more about the Federation’s teaching philosophy. ”The amount of information that course participants get in this short space of time is quite phenomenal,” he enthuses.

The EGTF is acquiring a reputation among many golf teachers as the most proactive of teaching courses. Peter Dunne, the Federation’s president, believes people skills are of the utmost importance and, in the long term, teaching professionals must never get stagnant in their positions, saying: ”We of those who dare to teach must never cease to learn.”

It is a philosophy that some have described as revolutionary. One participant at a recent training course had flown in from Jersey in the Channel Islands to see what all the fuss was about.
“There is a shorter time – frame to learning with the EGTF and it looks more professional. I’ve learned more this morning than I’ve learned in all my years as a pro. After reading about the course I became really attracted to it,” said Vincent Perry.

EGTF’s lessons revolve around mirror image teaching. “With mirror image teaching language is no longer a problem. Our pros can teach all over the world, getting the same positive results,” he says. The techniques employed by the EGTF are simple and effective. “I believe it is vitally important to keep an open mind when you teach. Learning golf should be fun,”

In addition to learning how to teach, course participants have to pass a written rules test, a practical teaching test – based on the detection and correction of swing flaws – and successfully complete a playability test.
Safety is also a prime concern for the EGTF and all participants go through an exam in first aid for the golf professional.

Those who pass the course have been known to go onto great things. Just recently, a successful course participant obtained a position in Switzerland at the prestigious David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Others have proceeded to spread the gospel in South Africa, Holland, Ireland and all over Asia.

The course dispels various myths and discrepancies applied today in many golf classes and, in contrast, reinforces that teaching golf to beginners, especially, should be fun. Joaquim Catarino of the Portuguese PGA was so impressed with the EGTF course that he instructed all future Portuguese professionals to enrol on the course for their own good.

Impressive to say the least and, undoubtedly no the last we hear of the European Golf Teaching Federation. – Ends…

We have taught people from all walks of life over the last 19 years, from doctors to pilots to US Open champions, European tour winners and Solheim Cup Captains. All who attend the course have a passion for teaching. The EGTF Diploma Course is recognised by a nationally recognised Awarding Organisation in the UK and as such is quality assured against the standards outlined in the Course information.   ABC Awards is an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation.  The EGTF Diploma Course really is the stepping-stone to realising your dreams and changing your life.