PGA Master Professional Jonathan Yarwood has picked up another coaching award in America, after being presented with Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teacher Award.
In receiving the award, he joins a list of coaching luminaries that includes the likes of Sean Foley, David Leadbetter and Butch Harmon.
Yarwood, who originally hails from Skegness in Lincolnshire, moved to America in 1996, and over the last 25 years has coached many elite amateurs and professionals to success, including such two US Amateur champions, a US Open champion, and winners on seven major professional tours. Among his other coaching accolades, Yarwood was voted a ‘Top 20 Teacher under 40’ by Golf Digest, and ‘Best Teachers in State Rankings’ for over a decade.
Yarwood, who is Director of Golf & Instruction at The International Junior Golf Academy, at Hilton Head in South Carolina, said: “”I have never really coveted titles nor acknowledgement in my career, preferring to get my head down in the trenches and make a contribution that satisfied my curiosity. Having said that, it is always a nice feeling to know that your work has been noted and appreciated by a peer group whom I highly respect, and to be added to the most prestigious list in US coaching is very special. I’m both humbled and honoured to receive this award, and will continue to strive to improve and make a difference in the lives of others through the coaching skills I’ve developed.”
He added: “I never imagined that I would do what I have done in my career when I was cruising around on my bike in Skegness as a small boy. It proves that anyone can do it with a bit of hard work, risk-taking, talent and dedication.”
Yarwood is one of 16 new members on Golf Magazine’s Top Teachers in America list this year. Since its inception in 1991, the ranking has become the industry standard for teaching excellence. Four different committees, comprised of peer review, World Golf Teacher Hall of Fame members, established Top 100 teachers and alumni, and GOLF Magazine, judge candidates on 15 baseline criteria.