The Canadian Golf Teachers Federation (CGTF) has long been teaching, mentoring, and growing the game of golf. Its over 500 members are dedicated to improving the skills and passion of golfers across the country. But while CGTF instructors focus on perfecting swings and shaping future players, many of them have unknowingly been putting their own health at risk. The very environment that makes golf so appealing — the open fairways and sun-soaked driving ranges — also poses a silent but serious threat: prolonged exposure to dangerous UV radiation.
Recognizing the urgent need for change, the CGTF has taken a bold and necessary step toward protecting its members. By partnering with Todd Keirstead, a celebrated golf industry professional, celebrity golf entertainer, and skin cancer survivor, the CGTF is leading the charge on UV awareness and skin cancer prevention through the Todd Keirstead Sun Safety Seminar.
“Golf is more than a game, it’s a passion and a career. But what good is a lifelong love for the sport if we’re not taking care of ourselves?” says Keirstead. “Skin cancer is an epidemic in the golf industry, and it’s time we start treating it like one. I’m proud to partner with the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation to make sun safety a top priority for the CGTF instructors who dedicate their lives to growing this game.”
The CGTF’s commitment to UV awareness demonstrates a profound sense of responsibility for the health and well-being of its members. By making sun safety education a priority, the federation ensures that its professionals can continue sharing their love for the game without the long-term risks of preventable sun damage.
“With the countless hours we spend outdoors coaching and inspiring the next generation of players, it’s essential that we protect ourselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation,” says Marc Ray, President of the CGTF. “Through the Todd Keirstead Sun Safety Seminar, we’re providing our members with the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe in the sun, ensuring they can enjoy long, healthy careers both on and off the course.”
The Sun Safety Seminar covers critical topics designed to educate and empower CGTF members:
- Understanding UV Exposure Risks: How prolonged sun exposure impacts health, performance, and career longevity.
- Best Practices for Sun Protection: Proper use of sunscreen, UV-rated clothing, hats, sunglasses, and the importance of hydration.
- Creating a Culture of Sun Safety: Integrating sun safety into lessons and leading by example.
- Early Detection & Prevention: Recognizing the signs of skin damage and knowing when to seek medical advice.
By attending the Sun Safety Seminar, CGTF members gain essential knowledge and strategies to protect themselves and their students, fostering a safer future for golf professionals.
This initiative goes beyond education, it’s about safeguarding the future of those who dedicate their lives to teaching and growing the game. The CGTF is setting a new industry standard, ensuring that sun safety becomes as fundamental to golf instruction as swing mechanics and course etiquette.
