Fun In The Fundamentals

SEBRING - Despite the heat and humidity that hung heavy over the practice range on Wednesday morning, the youngsters in the Sun 'N Lake junior golf clinic were busy laughing and learning under the watchful eyes of assistant professionals Andy Kesling, Marty O'Hora and Jose Lule.

The annual summer clinic, which runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., has been expanded to eight weeks this summer. "We serve the kids breakfast, have instruction from 9 until 11:30 and then feed them lunch," said Kesling. "We cover all aspects of the game, including the rules and proper etiquette on the golf course.

"We work with kids of all skill levels and teach them the right way to play the game."

The weekly camps, which are for ages 6-up, run through July 25.

"We show the kids the right way to grip the club and the basics of the swing," said Kesling. "The younger you learn the game, the easier it is to improve and I have a lot of adults that take lessons that wish they had taken the game up earlier in life."

Working with the youngsters is vital to the growth of the sport, according to Kesling.

"Teaching kids the game is essential because they are the members of tomorrow," said the affable 29-year-old pro. "It's a great way to get exercise and is a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives."
Seeing a smile on the face of a child after a well-struck golf shot is what motivates the Sun 'N Lake staff.

"Golf is not the easiest sport to learn and to see a youngster hit a good shot after you've worked with them is very gratifying," said O'Hora. "To see them have success makes all the work we put in worthwhile."

Kesling stays active in junior golf since he is the director of the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour.
"I love working with the junior golfers," the Sun 'N Lake assistant pro said. "Having them play different courses and develop their games is important."

The weekly golf camps cost $100 and openings are available. For more information contact the Sun 'N Lake pro shop at 385-4830.