Ruskite's father completes golf craftsmith training course

Jerry D. Teague

Jerry D. Teague of Crockett, father and father-in-law of Jeri Largent and Rusk ISD Superintendent Dr. Jim Largent, recently completed the Golfsmith's Master Craftsman Program in Austin. Golfsmith, the leading golf club component supplier and golf clubmaking company, was the first to offer training programs in clubmaking in 1970.

The school Mr. Teague attended offers instruction and hands-on training in a wide range of advanced clubmaking skills including clubhead and shaft design analysis, customized grinding and head shape profiling, and golf component manufacturing techniques. The program, is presented by a team of Golfsmith clubmakers, designers, engineers and repair craftsmen. Participants receive an understanding of products, processes and techniques and shop experience working alongside Golfsmith's technical staff.

Mr. Teague and a group of other participants also worked with the various special tools and equipment necessary to perform these advanced clubmaking services. Students are also trained to analyze the golf swing for fitting purposes, and observe the ball flight characteristics of different equipment as tested on Max Headspeed the only mechanical testing robot in the golf components supply industry. Golfsmith, the world's largest supplier of golf club components, repair supplies, tools and equipment, has instructed thousands of clubmakers since the inception of the program more than 40 years ago.

Prior to his retirement, Mr. Teague was employed by GTE and was instrumental in getting a grant from his company to assist in the renovation of the Cheorkee Theater building in Rusk.