LPGA Launches new 2020 Online Teacher Education Program in Partnership with Keiser University, Its Global Education Provider

 The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the largest and longest-standing women’s sports teaching organization in the world with more than 1,800 members, recently announced the official launch of the first semester of its new online Teacher Education Program. The program is conducted in partnership with Keiser University, the LPGA’s exclusive online Global Education Provider.

"We are excited to see this concept go from inception to completion," said Nancy Henderson, the LPGA’s Chief Teaching Officer. "Keiser University is a leader in online education and this program would never have become digital without the technical and design support Keiser University has provided through its online learning management system. This online certification program will help us improve the standard of excellence that we provide in our LPGA Teacher Education Programs and allow us to continue our global expansion."

The LPGA Teacher certification is a research-based and student-centered curriculum designed to train golf instructors in all areas of teaching, swing mechanics and performance. All LPGA Professionals are required to complete the certification and the LPGA also welcomes non-members to attend the programs. Through three levels of certification, teachers are presented with a scientific theory on golf mechanics and human performance and are then challenged to put the theories into practice with hands-on learning and practical testing. 

The LPGA launched the teacher certification in Asia in 2012 and has seen an outpouring of interest with members now representing more than 23 countries.

“We at Keiser University are delighted to partner in launching the LPGA Teacher Education Program. As home to Keiser University’s College of Golf, we’ve been gratified to fulfill workforce needs in many industry sectors. With state-of-the-industry training facilities, PGA/LPGA-certified and Master-certified instructors, and online options, our partnership with the LPGA supports our ‘students first’ focus,” said Dr. Gary Vonk, Keiser University’s Flagship campus president.   

Key elements of the LPGA Teacher Education, such as the Practical Teaching Evaluation, will still be communicated through in-person programs where LPGA Professionals can interact and learn from hands-on application in both a classroom and an on-course setting. The number of required in-person education hours has been reduced from 96 hours to 48 hours, shrinking the number of required days away from work and family.

“As a busy professional working toward a master’s degree, I understand and appreciate the value and convenience of online education,” said Marvol Barnard, National President of the LPGA Professionals. “Keiser’s innovative online program will allow our members to receive the best education in the golf industry from the comfort of home, with reduced travel and expenses. Our partnership with Keiser University opens new doors for all concerned, and the future of our outstanding LPGA teacher education could not be brighter.” 

About Keiser University

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students and employing 3,800 faculty and staff members. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the university currently offers more than 100 degrees at 21 Florida campuses, as well as online and at two international sites. 

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level VI institution to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit www.keiseruniversity.edu.

About LPGA Professionals

The LPGA Teaching Division was founded in 1959 as an outgrowth of the LPGA Tour. The newly renamed LPGA Professionals boasts the largest membership of women golf professionals in the world. LPGA Professionals are certified as golf instructors, coaches and business managers through a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the changing needs of the golfing public.

More than 1,800 strong, LPGA Professionals are dedicated to the advancement of golf and serve throughout the golf industry as head professionals, assistant professionals, teaching professionals, directors of golf, owners of golf schools and facilities, golf administrators, college and high school coaches and more. LPGA Professionals support the LPGA’s various grassroots programs that were created to involve women and youth in golf as well as contribute to the overall growth of the sport. These include LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, LPGA Tour Junior Clinics, the LPGA Lesson Zone and LPGA Golf 101 programs.