Brunton Honoured

Brunton Honoured

PGA of Canada member Henry Brunton became the first Canadian to be named a Master Kids Teacher when U.S. Kids Golf announced their Top 50 Kids Teachers rankings for 2011.

Brunton, a PGA of Canada Master Professional and GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher, has been a world leader in junior golf coaching for many years. Instructors all over the world have used his junior programs as a template for junior coaching success.

“I am very excited to be named a Master Kids Teacher by U.S. Kids Golf,” Brunton said. "To be the first Canadian recognized at this level for coaching juniors is an honour.”

The Master Kids Teacher award distinguishes individuals named to the U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teachers list three or more times. The Top 50 Kids Teachers Award recognizes golf professionals across North America who focus much of their time and energy on developing young golfers in their communities. The instructors are judged on several criteria, including percentage of time devoted to kids programs, creativity, communication and efforts to grow the game.

Including the 16 instructors being inducted this year, there are 55 individuals who have earned the distinction of Master Kids Teacher. This group represents 26 states and Canada and includes teachers who work at public, private, resort and municipal courses.

“The Master Kids Teachers represent a group of professionals who have demonstrated a dedication towards impacting the lives of young golfers over a sustained period of time,” said Dan Van Horn, founder and president of U.S. Kids Golf. “We are pleased to recognize their talents and commitment.”

Brunton, a University of Ottawa graduate first became a member of the PGA of Canada in 1984 and was recognized as a Master Professional in 2008. From 1999-2011, he served as Golf Canada’s National Team head coach. Most recently he was named by Golf Digest as a prominent teacher making an impact in Canada. Brunton is also the creator of the PGA of Canada Teaching and Coaching Certification Program and the author of Journey to Excellence.

He currently runs Henry Brunton Golf, which is located at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, Ont.