GolfTEC and PGA of America Strike Major Deal

Colorado-headquartered firm forges “strategic alliance” with PGA of America.

Jon Rizzi

In addition to announcing it was taking over all private and group lessons at Centennial’s Family Sports Center, Centennial-headquartered GolfTEC has revealed it has formed a new strategic alliance with the PGA of America.

GolfTEC, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, ranks as the Denver area’s 14th-largest franchisor and the state’s 93rd-largest private company in the state.

Moreover, it’s already the largest employer of PGA of America Professionals in the United States and the world’s leading provider of golf lessons. GolfTEC is responsible for more than 800,000 lessons annually and teaching 25 percent of all private instruction to core golfers in North America.

The company has committed to ensuring future employment opportunities for PGA Professionals at its centers worldwide. GolfTEC will also consult and contribute to a variety of PGA programs, as well as provide select educational services.

The strategic alliance centers on the two organizations working together to drive progress in key areas including:

Employment: GolfTEC forecasts the addition of nearly 400-500 more PGA Professionals over the next five years, as the company continues on its significant growth trajectory.

Education: GolfTEC will deliver custom content, keynote experts and an educational series across PGA Sections and PGA Golf Management Universities, relaying best practices, new teaching techniques and evolving technologies.

Brand Impact: GolfTEC will widely showcase the PGA logo in national and regional advertising and promotional materials, highlighting the importance of PGA Professionals in golf instruction and club fitting.

Technology: GolfTEC joins MIT® and Intertek® as one of a select group who will provide consultation on the new PGA Verified program, created to educate PGA members on their technology buying decisions. Over the past 20 years, GolfTEC has been an early adopter, innovator and advocate of the use of launch monitors, video analysis and other leading-edge instructional practices.

Growth of the Game/Charitable Contributions: GolfTEC will not only promote national player development initiatives but has also named PGA REACH as its charity of choice for future fundraising promotions.

Global Expansion: Global employment opportunities for PGA Professionals, as GolfTEC continues to grow internationally.

“Over the past two decades, GolfTEC has established itself as a leading force in golf instruction, with nearly six million lessons given through the employment of more PGA Professionals in the United States than any other brand,” says PGA President Derek Sprague.

“Led by President, CEO and PGA member Joe Assell, GolfTEC enables consumers to rely upon and understand the great value and importance of connecting with the unique expertise of PGA Professionals.”

Not to be confused with the PGA TOUR, the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida-based PGA of America celebrates its centennial this year. The first nationwide all-professional golf association, the PGA of America has grown from its original 78 members to more than 28,000 men and women professionals today (the Colorado Section, one of 41 Sections nationwide, represents more than 800 members and apprentices). Thanks to the work of these professionals, the PGA is recognized as the industry leader in growing participation in a game that engages millions worldwide.

“The PGA of America is the finest member organization in all of sports, and our PGA Professionals (Coaches) have played a vital role from the very beginning in helping GolfTEC become what it is today,” says Assell, who co-founded the company in 1995 and has built it into the juggernaut it is today. “The PGA of America shares our vision of making golfers better who enjoy the game more and want to play as frequently as possible.”
 
Developing a comprehensive improvement plan for each student is the foundation of GolfTEC's philosophy. This is embodied by GolfTEC's Game Plan programs, which start with a Swing Evaluation and series of lessons taught by a GolfTEC-certified Coach and feature TECfit club fitting, video-based practice, advanced retention tools and outdoor playing lessons.
 
Away from the company's state-of-the-art centers, students can access their lessons and video – including their coach's instructions and specific drills – through GolfTEC's online Player Performance Center. Those seeking to access the data remotely can use their computer or the new GolfTEC To Go smart phone app.

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