Tom Bach, pro at Sharon Woods, gives some tips to Damon Kinley. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

        Almost 145 hours in free lessons will be available to Tristate golfers in May, thanks to a program aimed at getting players back onto golf courses.

        “Play Golf America” is a program sponsored by the PGA and Golf Digest magazine. Free 10-minute lessons will be offered by 36 area pros to address any aspect of a player's game or to serve as an introduction to golf.

        “It's an opportunity from the PGA side of things to promote the game of golf,” said Sharon Woods head pro Tom Bach, among those participating.

        “In 10 minutes, you can give a brief synopsis, check fundamentals and offer a few quick tips. It's a win-win for everybody — they get to pick our brains, and we get to promote the game.”

PARTICIPATING AREA PROS

William Frey, Reeves Joel Suggs, Meadow Links Thomas Bach, Sharon Woods Larry Ledford, Little Miami Theodore Osmundson, Glenview Terence Bray, Golf Galaxy William Terasa, Neumann Steven Danker, The Vineyard Sam Arnold, The Vineyard Stanley Bickel, Golf Galaxy. Timothy Lambert, Hamilton Elks Douglas Stultz, Miami Whitewater Bert Irish, Rocky Fork Mark Lammi, Shaker Run William Delayo Jr., Shaker Run Bruce Habjan, Acushnet Co. Marianne Utz-Sahms, O'Bannon Creek Christian Wood, TPC at River's Bend Joseph Bischoff, Crooked Tree Andy Horn, Golf Center at Kings Island Dan Peters, Miami Lakesbr>David Longley, Browns Run Dennis Biller, Browns Run David Stanton, Snow Hill Daniel Dunn, Shawnee Lookout Terry Jolly, A.J. Jolly Mike Cahill, Golf Ranch-Burlington Ralph Landrum, Golf Ranch-Burlington Gina Yoder, Golf Ranch- Burlington William Lambdin, Flagg Springs William Landrum, NKU William Schuetz, Summit Hills John Steinbrunner, Summit Hills Kelly Fegley, Hillcrest Gregory Scholles, Hidden Valley Mark Martin, Grand Oak.

        The program targets the No.1 reason former golfers say they gave up playing — the inability to hit the ball consistently — according to 29 percent of those surveyed by a group of major golf organizations.

        Last May, more than 70,000 free lessons were provided nationally through the program.

        To take part this year, contact participating pros directly for reservations. A full list nationally can be found at www.pga.com.

        Besides the lesson opportunities, Ron Stepanek and John Newkirk from the Southern Ohio PGA will participate in the program by fielding questions from the public about golf rules on Fridays in May. To reach them, call (937) 754-4263.

        Former touring pro Ralph Landrum, who operates several facilities in Greater Cincinnati, says his businesses benefit not only by getting customers in the door, but by making them feel better about how they're playing.

        That's why he'll participate in “Play Golf America” again.

        “How many times did you see Butch Harmon on the Golf Channel last week? And how much help do you think Tiger (Woods) really needs?” Landrum asked.

        “It was the same thing with Rick Smith being there every time you saw Phil Mickelson. There is always hope for improvement. The game is not that hard. If you've got a little bit of direction, you can improve.”

Tristate courses and complete local golf coverage

Sports Stories

Local golfers find bargain prices PGA pros offer free lessons Golf tip: Use wedge from collar Jasontek back in sync for big meet Phenix named conference swimmer of year Coming up this week

Bengals take CB Buchanon in Enquirer's mock draft
Bengals could fill several needs in draft
Dilger's deal with Bucs doesn't affect draft
Rackers trial set for June 10
Ex-Bengals bash Cincinnati
Astros 7, Reds 2
SULLIVAN: Opportunity knocks for Kearns
Casey still not close to return
Reds Notebook: Rijo wants to start
Berkman strikes again
Reds box, runs
Harnisch faces surgery again
Baseball attendance down 3.5 percent
Bonds hits 8th HR in loss
Mariners go 10-0 on road trip
Rangers 4, Angels 1
Memphis' Wagner to enter NBA draft
Cincinnati high school highlights
Cincinnati high school results
N.Ky. high school results
Coaches' lessons cover race issues
James wins Gatorade basketball honor