PROFESSIONAL GOLF TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Your Gateway to a Successful Career in Golf Instruction
The premier, globally recognized certification for golf instructors, combining world-class teaching standards with advanced mental-performance training.
VALUE, CREDIBILITY & PROFESSIONAL ADVANTAGE
"ACCREDITED, ACCEPTED & RECOGNIZED WORLDWIDE" ©
For more than 28+ years, the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America (PGTAA) has been recognized as the premier authority in professional golf-instructor training and certification.
Unlike general golf organizations whose focus is broad, the PGTAA is exclusively dedicated to developing elite golf teachers. Our reputation is built on credibility, global recognition, and true teaching excellence.
Every graduate who successfully completes the PGTAA Home Study Certification earns the title Class “A” PGTAA Master Teaching Professional.
There are no multiple levels and no diluted classifications. If you are certified by the PGTAA, it means you have achieved the highest standard of instructor qualification—period.
Teaching Without Barriers
Contrary to misconception, there is no government-issued “license” required to teach golf.
Golf instruction is based on:
- Professional reputation
- Teaching skill
- Recognized certification
The PGTAA provides all three.
Key Professional Advantages
- Single, Premier Certification Level: Certified Class “A” PGTAA Master Teaching Professional
- No Time Limit to Complete the Course
- Additionally, when you join the PGTAA, you work directly with Dr. Barry Lotz, the organization’s Founder and Director. There are no salespeople, no representatives, and no administrative layers. Every student receives personal guidance, mentorship, and support directly from Dr. Lotz himself.
- Optional 5-Day Advanced On-Site Training for Home Study Graduates only
- Respected Worldwide by Country Clubs, Golf Academies, Golf Retailers, Golf Teaching Schools and Studios, and Golf Resorts
- Strong Mental-Game & Instructional Methodology Curriculum
- Exclusive Personal-Use Equipment Discounts – PUD pricing
- Preferred Liability Insurance Rates
- Continuing Education, Mentorship & Teaching Support
PGTAA-certified instructors are valued not only for technical competence, but for their ability to communicate, coach, and elevate a player’s game.
PGTAA-trained professionals are recognized as teachers first, not merely golfers who play well.
PGTAA
The Premier Global Golf Teaching Certification.
THE PGTAA GOLF INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE
Become a certified Class “A” PGTAA Master Teaching Professional and boost your golf career and income!
We offer the “Original” Home Study Course for your certification and our optional 5-Day On-Site Course (restrictions apply).
SPECIAL OFFER
SPECIAL CERTIFICATION FOR FORMER PGA & LPGA MEMBERS
Act now and become a certified Class A PGTAA Master Teaching Professional. This offer also applies to Golf Academy of America, USGTF, PGTCA (now closed) or similar organization’s members.
Only $695.00
AS SEEN ON:
AS SEEN ON:
Veterans: Your Next Mission Is on the Course
100% Tuition Reimbursement Available
PGTAA has been awarded: Best Professional Golf Teaching Organization 2025
PGTAA Harvard vs Community College.
Basically it’s Harvard versus a Community College
Why is the PGTAA considered to be superior to the USGTF?
How To Become A Golf Instructor
2025-2026
Why the PGTAA is considered to be Superior to GLE -GolfZon?
Can You Teach Golf Without Certification?
Aspirations of Teaching Golf?
How to Become A Professional Golf Teacher
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PGTAA NEWS
PuttAIM+: The Revolutionary Laser Putting Aid Backed by Tour Pros and the PGTAA
PuttAIM+: The Revolutionary Laser Putting Aid Backed by Tour Pros and the PGTAA By Dr. Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D., President, PGTAA Putting makes up nearly 40% of all strokes in a round of golf. That means the fastest way to lower your scores is not by chasing more...
The OZ1i HS – Where Technology Meets the Right Mind for Putting
The OZ.1i HS – Where Technology Meets the Right Mind for Putting By Dr. Barry Lotz, author of The Right Mind for Putting A Revolutionary Step in Putter Design Putting is where rounds are won or lost, and where psychology and precision intersect. As I explain in The...
The Henry Putter: Precision, Forgiveness, and Game-Changing Technology
The Henry Putter: Precision, Forgiveness, and Game-Changing Technology Convex Face Technology – Forgiveness That Works The Henry Putter’s convex face technology keeps your putt on target, even when your stroke isn’t flawless. Traditional flat-faced putters require...
Mileseey GenePro G1 Rangefinder Review
Mileseey GenePro G1 Rangefinder Review “The #1 AI Golf Rangefinder That’s Redefining Accuracy and Confidence” By Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. Director, PGTAA – Professional Golf Teachers Association of America Overview The Mileseey GenePro G1 is not just a rangefinder,...
TESTIMONIALS
Mark has worked partial schedules for the network in recent years on top of his duties at Sirius/XM radio and as Director of Golf at Columbus State University.
Mark’s younger brother, Trevor, a former Master’s champion and a personal friend, will join the CBS team as an analyst on PGA Tour events as well as the Masters and PGA Championship, both CBS properties.
Increase your skills and revenue by becoming a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach.
The PGTAA in conjunction with the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute, invites PGTAA members to increase their teaching skills, specifically for teaching kids. PGTAA members receive a discount on the course cost by contacting the PGTAA via phone or email..
Participating in a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach Seminar enhances the coach’s knowledge of all aspects of youth golf coaching while providing tools to enable professionals to grow their programs. Link: http://uskidsgolfcoach.com/player-pathway-about.
The PGTAA partners with MEANDMYPRO
The PGTAA and MEANDMYPRO announce their partnership. MEANDMYPRO is an outstanding online reservation, scheduling, marketing and back office system designed specifically to help you grow your business. This system is exclusive for golf instructors and golf academies.
PGTAA UPDATES
2025 Top Ten PGTAA Teachers
1. Patrick Cohn
2. Jonathan DePina
3. Thomas Ferguson
4. Karl Gellert
5. Kelly Kellogg
6. Vince Kucko
7. Mark Immelman
8. Cole Olsen
9. Keith Persing
10. Jon Stillabower
Essential Tools to Catapult your Teaching Business to Higher Revenues
The PGTAA has arranged discounts for you should you avail yourself to our preferred vendors.
PGTAA Endorsed Products
Increase you credibility & income
Specializing in kids
RevCore Cart Bags
Golf Analysis Video
Booking System, Organizer, Management System & Training Diary
Special PGTAA pricing for all your teaching & training aids.
BECOME A CLASS A CERTIFIED GOLF INSTRUCTOR WITH THE PGTAA
PGTAA Master Teaching Professional, Head Coach Emeritus Columbus State University
Next to the PGA, the PGTAA certification and credentialization are the most highly sought after teaching designation in the golf industry. In recognition of the industry’s growth, and in response to the demand for qualified teaching professionals, the PGTAA was established to provide extensive training to individuals as well as recognized golf teachers with years of experience behind them.
Not only will we teach you how to teach correctly, but also how to psychologically and philosophically motivate your students to become better golfers.
Becoming a PGTAA professional is probably one of the most important steps you will take during your professional golfing career. Becoming associated and certified by the PGTAA not only enhances your credibility but also enhances your teaching skills for the benefit of your future students and, naturally, your earning capacity.
Learn more about becoming a PGTAA Master Teaching Professional
SPECIAL NOTICE
Please don’t be fooled by imitators of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. It has come to our attention that several other organizations are attempting to hijack our reputation, our certification designations, mimic our unique programs, especially our Home Study module, and in some cases, leverage even our name as their own. The name “Professional Golf Teachers Association of the United States”, formerly operated by National Golf Schools has ceased to exist after a settlement was reached between the parties.
The Professional Golf Teachers Association of America is and always will be the foremost 100% professional golf teaching certification institute in the world.
While these other programs and teaching organizations direct their marketing materials and resources to the targeting of all applicants (to cover their extensive advertising and marketing costs), whether qualified or not, the PGTAA’s philosophy and target market are that individual/golfer who desires to be a teaching professional in the field and not just an enthusiast. Since 1997 our mandatory personal telephone interview helps the PGTAA maintain their high level of members appreciated by all in the golf industry.
We do not offer various levels of certifications designed to separate you from your money and whose “membership/certification/levels of instructor” cards are useless and of zero value in the golf industry.
When comparing the PGTAA to ANY other teaching institutions, whether the PGA, LPGA, NRPGI or USGTF, our cost to become a fully certified golf teaching professional is $995.00 via the Home Study module.
We certainly do not make statements about accreditation such as NRPGI makes about being accredited by the USGA when in fact, just a single member joined the USGA. Any golfer in the world can join the USGA for $36.00. NRPGI also claims to having been in business since 1999 when in fact, 2009 was their starting date. This is blatant deceptive trade practices and false advertising.
Going through the certification programs of the aforementioned organizations, specifically the PGA and LPGA, could cost you in excess of $5,000.00!
Additionally, contrary to what any of these alternate “schools” tell you, ONE CANNOT BECOME A PROFESSIONAL GOLF TEACHER IN A 5-DAY SCHOOL NO MORE THAN YOU CAN BECOME A DENTIST, PLUMBER ELECTRICIAN OR ANY OTHER PROFESSION. The theoretical foundation requires studying. At the PGTAA, our written manuals exceed 750 pages and include a USB drive of all the key points of teaching – lowering your score and the complete short game.
Most importantly, the PGTAA is 100% all about teaching.
The PGTAA has over 50 Tour players including Master’s, PGA, and US Open Champions, who avail themselves of our member’s teaching expertise.
There is only one Professional Golf Teachers Association of America, and you can always find us at PGTAA.com.
LATEST STORIES
PGTAA CERTIFICATION – VALUE, CREDIBILITY & PROFESSIONAL ADVANTAGE
PGTAA CERTIFICATION – VALUE, CREDIBILITY & PROFESSIONAL ADVANTAGE For more than a quarter of a century, the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America (PGTAA) has stood as the gold standard in golf-teaching certification. Unlike general golf membership...
Temperature and Golf Ball Performance: What Every Golfer Should Know
Temperature and Golf Ball Performance: What Every Golfer Should Know By Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D., Noted Equipment Reviewer & Director, Professional Golf Teachers Association of America (PGTAA) Golfers often underestimate the impact of temperature on golf ball...
PGTAA Mind Minute #1 — “Breathe Through Your Eyes
PGTAA Mind Minute #1 — “Breathe Through Your Eyes” One Breath. One Swing. One Focus. Message Every great round begins with a single breath. Before every shot, pause — feel the ground beneath your feet. Breathe deeply, and let your gaze soften. When you breathe through...
Staying Present: Preventing the Mid-Round Unraveling
Staying Present: Preventing the Mid-Round Unraveling By Dr. Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D., author of The Right Mind for Golf and The Right Mind for Putting Have you ever played beautifully through the front nine—only to suddenly lose focus, tighten up, and watch your round...
PuttAIM+: The Revolutionary Laser Putting Aid Backed by Tour Pros and the PGTAA
PuttAIM+: The Revolutionary Laser Putting Aid Backed by Tour Pros and the PGTAA By Dr. Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D., President, PGTAA Putting makes up nearly 40% of all strokes in a round of golf. That means the fastest way to lower your scores is not by chasing more...
PGTAA REVIEWS
South Africa Continues to attract tourists who love luxury accommodations, great food, magnificent wildlife and fabulous golfing.
South Africa Continues to attract tourists who love luxury accommodations, great food, magnificent wildlife and fabulous golfing. Since leaving South Africa many moons ago, I have returned at least 20 times, if not more. It is one of the most beautiful countries,...
The Galleri Classic Presented by Spotlight 29 Casino: A Rejuvenating Golf Event in the Coachella Valley
No matter how you slice it, the bulk of golf enthusiasts in the Coachella Valley are seniors aged 65 and up. The departure of the Dinah Shore/Nabisco/ANA ladies major from the valley left many local golf aficionados and visitors longing for the cherished...
2024 – The Best of The PALM SPRING AREA Golf Courses
“The Road to Glory: A Sneak Peek into The American Express Golf Tournament”
"The Road to Glory: A Sneak Peek into The American Express Golf Tournament" Introduction: The golfing world is abuzz with anticipation as The American Express Golf Tournament approaches. Scheduled to take place from January 15 -21, 2024, in La Quinta, California,...
The 5th Annual Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Lexus.
The 5th Annual Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Lexus.This spectacular golf event was played last month at the exclusive Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert. Simply put, this golf event has no equal in the charity golf event domain. If you are looking...