Why Is The PGTAA Considered To Be So Much Better Than The USGTF & The PGA?

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Category: Inside Golf

Published: 2026-02-17

By Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D., Inside Golf

Gemini said: The idea that the PGTAA (Professional Golf Teachers Association of America) is “better” often comes down to a debate between specialization vs. general management.

While the PGA of America is the established “gold standard” for the entire industry, the PGTAA has carved out a reputation as a “Harvard of teaching” for people who have zero interest in the business side of golf.

Here are some reasons why some people argue the PGTAA is superior to the PGA of America and USGTF:

1. 100% Focus on Instruction (The “Anti-Manager” Path)

The biggest criticism of the PGA of America program is that it’s essentially a business degree. Only about 10% of the PGA of America curriculum is actually about the golf swing; the rest is food and beverage, turf management, and retail.

PGTAA Advantage: It is 100% focused on teaching, mental game psychology, and lesson business marketing. If you want to be a “swing surgeon” rather than a “club manager,” the PGTAA cuts out the “filler.”

2. Depth of Material vs. USGTF

The USGTF is often criticized for its four-day, on-site format, which some feel is too short to produce a master teacher.

PGTAA Advantage: Their Home Study course is massive, with over 750 pages of technical manuals and video content. They argue that you can’t learn to be a professional in a weekend, and their curriculum is designed to be a deep, theoretical dive that you can’t “cram” for.

3. Industry “Cross Recognition”

Interestingly, the PGTAA has a unique relationship with the PGA of America that the USGTF does not:

MSR Credits: Some PGTAA modules are actually approved for PGA Continuing Education (MSR) credits. This means even “Class A” PGA pros sometimes take PGTAA courses to sharpen their actual teaching skills.

Referral Status: Because the PGTAA has a high barrier to entry (you must have a low, verifiable handicap and pass a rigorous written exam), many PGA pros view them as a respected “Specialist” organization rather than a competitor.

4. Direct Mentorship

The USGTF and PGA are large bureaucracies. When you join the PGTAA, you often deal directly with the leadership (like Dr. Barry Lotz). This “boutique” feel provides a level of career networking and mentorship that can be harder to find in the massive PGA system.

The “Reality Check” Table

The Verdict

The PGTAA isn’t necessarily “better” in terms of job placement; the PGA of America still controls 90% of the jobs at private clubs. However, it is considered better for the craft of teaching. If your goal is to open your own academy or work as a private swing coach for Tour players, the PGTAA offers a more specialized technical foundation.

About the Writer
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D., is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. Visit www.facebook.com/PGTAA to see all the latest mental strategies, travel, and equipment reviews. Currently, he also works with between 10 and 12 PGA TOUR players on the mental side of golf.

He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and serves both as a consultant and mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his previous book, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf,” which is still on the Top Ten Golf Business Books bestseller list. His current book, “The Right Mind for Golf,” is now in its 13th reprint and is available on Amazon and at the Torrey Pines Golf Course. In 2024, he released “The Right Mind for Putting” and “The Right Approach to Golf.” His new book, “The Back Nine: Embracing Golf and Life as a Senior,” is available at www.pgtaa.com.

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