Tuesday, Sep. 30, 2008

Clemente experiences lessons from other side

Working at youth clinics provides a new prospective for the developing golfer

During the first 10 months of her year-long journey from golf novice to accomplished player, Odette Clemente has had dozens of lessons, hit hundreds of range balls and played countless 9-hole rounds.

On Sunday, she gained another perspective on golf — without hitting a ball or touching a club.

Along with instructor Brad Frick and Hidden Valley Country Club professional Chris DeSanty, the 21-year-old USC senior worked at the P.A.R. Tee (perseverance, accountability, respect) Junior Golf School, a free weekly clinic for youngsters at the Par Tee Driving Range on U.S. 321 in West Columbia.

Clemente assisted children from age 4 to teens, watching them swing clubs and top shots with enthusiasm and, at times, surprising focus. She was helping the youngsters, but also was reminded how much fun — and work — golf is.

“I helped Brad and Chris over the summer” when the two ran week-long camps (for a fee) at Par Tee and Hidden Valley, Clemente said. She laughed. “They said, ‘We’ve got this clinic; you coming out to help?’ But it’s been fun. I enjoy it.”

Clemente’s game took a back seat this month to school and a part-time job. Still, she will play this weekend in a tournament in Easley, sponsored by the Greenville business that her mother works for.

On this Indian summer afternoon, she watched 25-30 children getting the early start in golf that she didn’t have.

The youngsters began with chipping drills, trying to land shots inside hula hoops on the ground, then running to retrieve balls and return to the back of the line. Clemente monitored the drills, occasionally offering advice.

Rolando Thompson watched 5-year-old daughter Savannah and her cousin, Jerrell Thompson, 6, gamely attempt shots.

“She watches golf with me on TV; she knows when Tiger Woods is playing,” Thompson said.

He takes Savannah to clinics and the S.C. Junior Golf Association’s Little Legends tournaments.

“She’s pretty self-motivated,” he said. “Ballet and golf, that’s what she likes.”

Frick uses fliers in schools, an e-mail database and word of mouth to bring in kids.

“We’ve got six or seven new one today,” he said.

One was Hannah Griffith, 10, who carried an orange-and-blue golf bag and new Ping junior clubs.

“Florida colors, but she doesn’t know that,” said her father, Andy Griffith, an attorney who drove from Aiken for the 3 p.m.-5 p.m. session.

Frick kept things light, though there was serious instruction. Kids took turns hitting shots while Frick recorded their swings. “C’mon, let’s take a look,” he said, as each viewed replays on Frick’s laptop.

And there were some players. Zack Huestess, 10, wore a Wachovia Championship shirt and had his sunglasses perched atop his cap, a miniature image of a PGA Tour player. He had the game, too, hitting a series of solid drives.

Equally impressive were the Castle sisters, Jelen (6) and Jensen (7).

“I wouldn’t challenge Jensen to a putting contest,” DeSanty said, laughing. “I’m down two ice creams to her now.”

Edgar Heustess, Zack’s father, brings his son to the clinics. “What they do here to help the kids is great,” he said. “They’re one-on-one and very kid-friendly.

“We owe a lot to these two — excuse me, these three,” Heustess said, nodding toward Odette.

She smiled; another golf lesson, without touching a club.

Reach senior writer Bob Gillespie at (803) 771-8304.

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