By Geoff Bryant USGTF President and C.E.O.

The USGTF’s sole purpose is to provide educational materials and programs to our members. Our members in turn help people experience, some for the first time, one of the world’s greatest pastimes and assist in providing breakthrough moments for those striving for even greater proficiency. Certainly, one such opportunity we provide is the opportunity to participate in the annual United States Golf Teachers Cup.

I really enjoy participating in these national events. I learn very quickly how my playing ability skills compare with other teaching professionals throughout the nation. Not only do I enjoy the competition, but there’s a certain bond that is created between competitors at all of these events, both on and off the playing field.

The recent 2006 United States Golf Teachers Cup held at Boulder Creek Golf Course, just outside of Las Vegas, featured a full field of 140 participants. In fact, for the first time ever, the event was sold out two months in advance.

With the event looming a few weeks out, I, like many others I presume, start focusing on my game. I hit more balls than usual, play more often and start thinking more about mechanics – unfortunately for me – putting mechanics! This formula usually works and I basically can post a respectable two-day score. Deep down, though, I know that I’m simply polishing up some previously-acquired skills, and my focus is more on not playing too badly as opposed to finishing in the money. Not exactly the same mental preparation Tiger or Phil have!

Each year it seems many participants are disappointed with their scores. That’s because there’s a difference between these casual preparatory rounds of golf and then tournament play in a national event. Of course, the main reason for the shift in performance is the increased number of unfamiliar distractions on tournament day. I remind myself, however, that as teaching professionals we don’t wake up each morning with a routine that involves hitting balls, playing each day and concentrating entirely on low scores. Especially for those teaching full-time, I’m sure you will agree that although this is a great profession, it can also be mentally demanding and time consuming. There are many times at the end of the day, after having dealt with so many challenging golf swings, that teeing it up at the end of the day and concentrating on scoring well is the furthest thing from our minds.

It’s no secret that those who consistently play and score well are the ones that put in the time and effort over the long haul to do so. And that’s one of the great things about golf – there are no short cuts. Sam Snead may have said it best when referring to time away from the game. He commented that if he did not play for a period of ten days he no longer felt competitive.

The event could not have been scripted any better. James Douris from Australia defeated Christopher Richards from Trinidad and Tobago on the fourth playoff hole to capture the 2006 championship. Both individuals had completed the 36-hole stroke play event at three-under-par. After listening to both of their speeches at the closing banquet dinner, including that of last year’s champion, Mark Harman, I was reminded how the USGTF has been graced with so many quality people.