Monday, May 03, 1999

Lessons from the master

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Diverse young group aims to be like Tiger

BY ALLEN HOWARD
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Golf phenomenon Tiger Woods helps Bradley Davis, 17, right, of Bond Hill, to perfect his golf swing Sunday at Glenview Golf Course. (Craig Ruttle photos) | ZOOM |

        Tiger Woods wants traditionally white golf to look more like America, and he saw it taking form Sunday at the Glenview Golf Course in Springfield Township.

        “One key thing he (Mr. Woods) taught me was to keep my left elbow parallel to the ground on the take-back on my back swing,” said Kevin Hall through his mother, Jacqueline, acting as his interpreter.

        Kevin, a 16-year-old African-American who is hearing- and speech-impaired, was one of more than 125 youngsters — black and white, girls and boys, ranging in age from 6 to 17 — who participated in a golf clinic sponsored by the Tiger Woods Golf Foundation,.

        Twenty-five received personal instruction from Mr. Woods.

        Others were taught by top-ranked local professionals, but Mr. Woods introduced himself to each participant.

        Local participants were selected by the Tony Yates Golf Academy, a co-sponsor. Mr. Yates said out-of-town participants were selected by community organizations in those areas.

        Mr. Woods — whose father is African-American and mother is Thai — offered his vision of golf in America after winning the Masters in 1997 at age 21.

        Looking at Kevin's first shot, Mr. Woods said “Wow.”

        Kevin's ball went close to 300 yards.

        Kevin, of Forest Park, has won two junior golf tournaments and has a handicap of 3.5 strokes.

Adoria Ricks, 11, is awestruck as she watches Tiger Woods on Sunday. | ZOOM |

        “This was a great day for me,” he said. “He makes you feel relaxed.”

        Youngsters who Mr. Woods personally instructed were divided into two sessions. Each golfer was stationed separately on a driving range and Mr. Woods watched their swings and offered suggestions.

        “I want you to grip the club by moving your left hand further to the right. Good, now let the right hand overlap the left hand, pressing the left thumb in the palm of the right hand,” Mr. Woods told Bradley Davis, 17, from Bond Hill. “That will help you hit the ball with more accuracy.”

        Austin Derkson, 10, from North Avondale, has won seven junior tournaments but was impressed by 10 minutes with Mr. Woods.

        “He taught me how to hit the ball better,” Austin said. “He told me when I grip the club, I should be able to see both knuckles on my left hand.”

        Adriana Byner, 14, from Baltimore, Md., said, “He taught me how to get more power in my swing by turning my shoulders.”

        Adam Claytor, 12, from Columbus, amazed bystanders with his form. His shots went farther after he listened to Mr. Woods' advice about the rhythm of letting the club turn with the center of his chest.

        In a press conference later, Mr. Woods said he was impressed with the youngsters' skill and their manners.

        “This was a great experience for me,” he said. “I can see the kids here have learned about discipline and courtesy at home and on the golf course.”

        In addition to the clinic, about 2,500 golfers from Tristate youth programs watched Mr. Woods' exhibition Sunday afternoon.

        Earl Woods, Tiger's father, said Sunday that the foundation encourages parental responsibility as well as better golf.

        “The family is the most important unit in society,” Earl Woods said. “We want to emphasize family involvement through golf activity and make inner-city youths more aware of the opportunities in golf.”

        Tiger Woods' personal appearances generate interest, but his status as a leading golfer has made more inner-city kids interested in golf, at least one local pro said.

        Many are taking advantage of youth golf programs.

        Golfers under 18 can obtain a Youth Golf Association (YGA) card from the Cincinnati Recreation Commission for $5. It entitles them to various discounts on greens fees at many public courses.

        At Avon Fields Golf Course in North Avondale, youths pay $7.50 for 18 holes and $5.25 for nine holes after 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and before 2 p.m. weekdays during the summer.

        Interviewed later, Ted Osmundson, the Avon head golf pro, said YGA was doing the job. “Just as you talked to me, we probably just had 16 kids check in.”

        At Reeve Golf Course in the East End, YGA discounts are $7 for 18 holes and $5 for nine. Club rental is $8.

       

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