Dave Belling Level IV Master Teacher Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

Everyone knows him as a former WGTF Individual Champion and 2004 USGTF National Champion.  However, Dave Belling is also an excellent teacher whose inclusion to this list is certainly deserving.

Dave turned professional in 1983 and worked in the small town of Lacombe, Alberta.  The following year, he moved on to Red Deer Golf & Country Club, where he began teaching extensively, which he found to be his passion.  To make a long story short, after 15 years as a club professional and more than seven years as a touring professional, Dave joined the USGTF and CGTF and has not looked back.

Dave's philosophy:  “Golf is a game of position, as is the golf swing.  You must have a solid foundation (grip, stance, posture, and balance) in place.  Once that's in place, we can build the hitting area, using the railroad track and 1/2 swing (9 o'clock to 3 o'clock) to understand where the club must be to hit the ball in a straight line.  Next we go to the finish position in perfect balance, and once these three criteria are met, we can deal with the power.”  Dave's method of teaching is to build the golf swing from the ground up.  “Without basic fundamentals in place, there is nothing.”

Among Dave's many strengths are exceptional communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills.  He has a proven teaching method and over 20 years of experience in both business and teaching.  Along with his true passion for the game, he brings experience, talent, and dedication.

Dave is also a Level IV Master Teaching Professional and examines at CGTF certification courses on a regular basis and occasionally for the USGTF.

Fred Featherstone USGTF and CGTF Member Sarasota, Florida / Toronto, Ontario

“The best of both worlds,” that’s the expression I frequently hear from people when they inquire and learn that I am a golf teaching professional with the Canadian and United States Golf Teachers Federations. From October to June each year I teach in beautiful Sarasota, Florida and return in late spring to reside in the charming town of Oakville, Ontario the former home of the Canadian Open for the past 20 years. The next inquiry most people have is how do I manage as a Canadian citizen to escape our brutally long and harsh winters and work in such pleasant conditions in the sunny south each year? Well the simple answer is “Lottery Winner.”

Now I’m not referring to the multi million dollar lotto that we all dream of claiming, but rather the lottery conducted by the Immigration and Nationalization Department of the United States Government. Back in 1988, they offered permanent residence status (green card) to a small number of applicants from around the globe based on a non-preference system.

At approximately the same time as being issued my US Visa, I happened to notice an advertisement in a popular golf magazine outlining the advantages and offering the opportunity to qualified individuals to start a career in the golf teaching profession through the USGTF certification program. I had been toiling diligently for some thirty odd years as a sales representative of home improvement products throughout the province of Ontario. I felt it was time for a change of direction in careers, and simply asked myself why not spend time at something I had a real passion for? In August of 1990, I successfully completed the certification course conducted in Ellicottville, NY. A few months later I was on my way to Clearwater, FL.

Since that time, I’ve been fortunate enough to work and teach for the Florida Golf Schools at such outstanding Tampa Bay area golf courses as the Belleview Biltmore Resort, Bardmore Golf Club, Cypress Creek, Sunrise & the Tournament Players Club in Sarasota.

During the slow summer months in Florida, I’ve returned to Ontario to teach with the Recreation & Parks Department in the city of Mississauga and work part time at the fabulous Glen Abbey and Lion Head Golf Courses.

Of course I’m still trying very hard to rise to the occasion one more time to win that very elusive other lottery that we all dream of. However, my best of both worlds lifestyle that I’ve been living for the past twelve years would probably not change that drastically.

Rafael Kalamat USGTF & CGTF Level III Member, Montreal,Canada

Recognized in Montreal, Canada, as one of the top instructors, Rafael Kalamat is acknowledged as a drill- and method-teaching professional. Rafael’s students include highly-skilled amateurs as well as professional golfers.

Having played golf for 23 years, Rafael has developed a systematic yet simple teaching method for golfers of all levels. However, it was Rafael’s passion for the game that led him to such establishments as the Professional Golf Management Program in Toronto, Royal Montreal Golf Club, Falcon Golf Club, the Golfologist Academy, and the Challenger Golf Club.

Originally, Rafael began his career in 1994, studying kinesiology and bio - mechanics for golf, and then working at Dorval Golf Club under the supervision of pro Bruce Eaves. Junior development programs such as The Royal Canadian Golfers Association’s Future Links program were the start of Rafael’s teaching journey. He soon learned his real interest was kinesiology, technique, and the assistance and benefits of technology for golf.

Understanding the business and community, and establishing a reputation for his future, was the next step. At Royal Montreal Golf Club, head professional Bob Hogarth was an influence in shaping Rafael as one of his assistant professionals while playing the professional circuit. Working as a teaching professional for three years at the Golfologist Academy and four years at The Falcon Golf Club, Rafael has
had the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology and work alongside professionals David Hill and Martin Plante.

He is a Level III member of the USGTF and the CGTF, and is currently the director of golf at Club Cote De Liesse and the Director of Instruction at West Island Golf. He is also on the radio every Saturday morning on 800 CJAD-AM as host of “The Golf Show.”

Lynne Kildaw Level III Member British Columbia, Canada

Currently, I am an examiner for the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation and have been teaching certification schools for the past three years.  I operate a golf instruction business of golf schools and private/group lessons in Penticton, British Columbia.

“Before coming to Penticton, I taught junior golf for 10 years.  I also worked in other facets of the golf industry:  the pro shop, course marshalling, tournament coordinator, and rules committee.  Through all the different experiences in the golf field, it is the teaching profession that is my passion.

“I believe in being realistic in achieving student goals and making golf a game everyone can play, from three years to 90+ years young.  Physical limitations are no barrier.  Those with wheelchairs, fused vertebrae, missing limbs, hip and knee replacements, and very minimal range of motion can all enjoy golf  As one of the only female instructor in the entire Okanagan area,  I am working extensively with one of the fastest growing groups in golf – women. Getting ladies “golf course ready” with skills, course management, rules/etiquette and comfort zone is a big part of my program.

“Since I believe that golf is a lifetime sport for everyone, it is important to keep it simple with an enjoyable and relaxed learning environment. Teaching golf involves communicating to golfers at any level and any age. Tapping into the student’s way of learning is the key to making it real and successful.  I believe in creating learning experiences charged with positive emotion.

Steve Oostrom Level III Member Kingston, Ontario, Canada

I began my career in the golf industry by working as an assistant golf professional for the Links O’ Tay Golf Club in Perth, Ontario.  After moving to Kingston, Ontario, where I studied business at St. Lawrence College, I started working for Pro Golf Discount, becoming manager of the store within one year. The following year I decided to join the CGTF, which to this day was the best decision I’ve ever made.  It was as part of this organization that I was able to develop my ability to teach, and share my enthusiasm for this wonderful game we all love so much.

“My current position is owner and operator of Canada’s Favorite Golf Schools at the Garrison Golf Club and Westbrook Golf Club, both located in Kingston, Ontario, where I employ fellow members of the CGTF.  As in the past, I now focus my efforts on expanding the game of golf, focusing on beginners, ladies and juniors.  In doing so, I have developed week-long junior camps running for eight straight weeks all summer long and involving over 100 kids; ladies clinics held twice a week all summer long; and beginner clinics throughout the summer. 

“My philosophy has always been to teach the basics first.  In doing so, I never change a student’s entire swing; their swing is unique to them, and defines that person as a golfer.  Instead, by focusing on basic fundamentals, setting achievable goals, and most importantly maintaining a positive and fun attitude, the student is put at ease, helping their overall enjoyment of the game that will last a lifetime.

Greg Salazar Level III Member Courtice, Ontario, Canada

"My resultant research has brought me to the conclusion that all the best teachers teach the same basics such as grip, stance, posture, ball position and alignment. From here it gets quite confusing as to how one should swing a golf club. I am sure there are as many methods as there are days in a month.

“I have chosen a path to simplicity.  I teach the basics of grip, stance, posture and ball position and then how to take the club back with a one piece takeaway.  If a student sets up properly and gets him/herself into the proper swing plane at the start of the swing, then he or she cannot help but continue into a position of being behind the ball, with most of his/her weight on the back foot.  From here, assuming that they have gotten into the correct position at the top of the swing (wrists are hinged and club is parallel to the aim line), it is a simple move to the front foot, letting the club drop from the top of the swing and letting the arms do what they do naturally:  getting the club through impact position and into a full finish position (weight all on the front foot, back foot onto the toes with heel straight up).

“I would like to also include that I have come to the realization that, without teaching the mental part of the game - even to beginners - the game escapes most people.  Therefore, I teach Neuro-Linguistic Programming to my students, with the assistance of Jim Dixon, a specialist in this field.

“I work everyday at Angus Glen Golf Club, where some of the best teachers are located.  Some of them have earned prestigious teaching honors and have been on The Golf Channel expounding on their wisdom.  I learn from these folks everyday, and to me that is the beauty of this profession."

Murray St. Onge Level III Member Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Murray St. Onge is currently in his fourth year as the head teaching professional at the Tangle Creek Golf Club in Thornton, Ontario, and in the winter is the head teaching professional at the Barrie Sports Dome in Barrie, Ontario.  Murray’s teaching philosophy is similar to that taught at WGTF certification schools.

“Over 90 percent of all swing errors are caused by an improper set-up,” says Murray.  “Without the proper grip, stance, ball position, posture, and especially your aim and alignment, you will have a difficult time squaring your clubface at the impact position.

“I am a big fan of having fun teaching and making a golf session with me an enjoyable experience,” he continues.  “I try to make teaching simple and not too complicated, especially with juniors and people attending my clinics.”

The mechanics of teaching aren’t all Murray focuses on.

“People always come first,” he says.  “In other words, treat people like you would like to be treated – a friendly handshake, look them in the eye with a warm smile, and get to know your students.  When teaching, it’s necessary to be positive and always pick something that they are doing well, and encourage them to stay positive.”

Murray’s style of teaching ties his customers to him.  He finds if you have the ability to get your students to laugh, you both then experience a much better day.

Larry Whelan CGTF Member, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

Living in Canada’s most northwestern area presents a unique challenge to life at the best of times. Activities most common to southern areas and especially the lower forty-eight are available to us here in all but a limited way. To say the least, participating in what most take for granted presents a unique and sometimes arduous task for even the most dedicated. Golf is no exception. With only two golf courses in the area for years, we have recently expanded to three in the main city area (35 miles radius) with one of them a remote sand green links that challenges even the gophers.

As a career civil engineering consultant, I spent most of my life designing municipal infrastructure and town planning. Today as project manager for the government, I administer departmental facilities design and expansion plans as well as facilities maintenance programs involving capital expenditures. Seven years ago, the game of golf was furthest from my mind until my son bought me a beginner set of golf clubs for Father’s Day. I was somewhat disappointed to say the least and let my feelings be known with the statement, “golf is as interesting as watching paint dry.” I was not about to jump for joy but decided to not disappoint him for his thoughtfulness at least. We set out to play a few rounds during his brief stay and I was not impressed at all. I could hardly wait for him to head back to Calgary so I could dispose of those damn clubs. His car was not out of the yard before I threw them under the workbench in the garage.

A few months later an accident left me unable to participate in a long time sporting activity, hockey, which I played each winter. During the three or so month’s recovery, I decided to see if I could learn to hit a ball. I thought, “All my hockey buddies can do this, maybe I can learn enough to not make an ass out of myself and do a round or two with them.” I built a tee box and put it on the ice in front of our home (we live by a lake) and proceeded to try and hit a golf ball.

That winter, I spent about three hours every day on the ice hitting balls and retrieving them with the skidoo. When the ice went out in the spring, I continued to hit balls along the shore until the rising spring water levels forced me to leave the shoreline. At this point, I hung two tarps in the trees in the backyard and continued to hit balls into the tarps until I was able to drive them through the tarps and become a danger to my neighbors. I vacated this spot at my wife’s insistence and took refuge in an abandoned gravel pit where for the balance of the summer I continued to drive balls all over the place.

For a professional man, I was beginning to look pretty stupid and would cautiously look around me each time I ventured toward the gravel pit for fear my neighbors would think I’d lost my mind. I was determined to learn so at least I could compete without being a total embarrassment to my friends. During the next winter, I continued to practice on the lake as well as putt in the living room. I read everything I could get my hands on and practiced until my wife took issue that it could not be during family prayer time.

After the second season, I felt that this would be a great way to pass the time when I retired, teaching kids and recreational golfers.

I applied to the USGTF in Florida and commenced over the past two years a preparation program to become qualified to teach. I attended and very much enjoyed the certification program offered by the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation held in Burlington, Ontario.

Today I teach in my spare time at the Mountain View Golf Course in Whitehorse and have clients from Washington State to the state of Alaska, as well as a considerable number of locals. During the winter over the past two and half years, I teach young juniors and wee golfers at an indoor facility where they have a virtual reality golf machine. I thoroughly enjoy the chance to teach and each day feel blessed because of it. If I were qualified to give advice to anyone it would be: Never feel too old to try anything. Let how well you want to play be the standard you measure your success against, not someone else’s gauge.

Rudy Zicari CGTF Member Picton, Ontario, Canada

Rudy Zicari, from Picton, Ontario, has been a Canadian Golf Teachers Federation professional since 1994. He took his certification course at Upper Canada Golf Course in Morrisburg, Ontario.

Just recently Rudy was named "Favorite Golf Teacher of the Year" in a readership poll conducted by Flagstick Golf Magazine. Rudy is proud of being recognized for his excellence in doing what he enjoys the most - teaching golf.

From 1960 to 1997, Rudy operated a piano store in Toronto, Ontario, where he rebuilt pianos. "I taught golf in the back of the shop even then," he laughs. "Someone introduced me to golf and that took over my life." Rudy has played golf for over 50 years, and taught professionally for the past ten years.

When he moved from the city to the country in 1997, Rudy built his own driving range and operated it in conjunction with a Bed and Breakfast. Ironically, the time he spends teaching golf leaves him little time to actually play golf himself. "I have only played golf about three times this year because of all the teaching. I enjoy the success that comes from the work that people have put into their game." (First printed in Flagstick Golf Magazine)