Feb. 23, 2006
Dan Prokopchak scored a hole-in-one earlier this month -- and he wasn't even on a golf course. A coach in the
The resulting golf clinic was a win-win situation for all involved.
On a recent Saturday morning, the
"It was a challenge because I couldn't just show someone with my hands, I had to clearly express myself with words," said senior civil engineering major and three-time All-Horizon League selection Kristen Obush. "It was neat to see their enthusiasm. Every single one of them was happy to be there and didn't want to leave."
Senior Steve Weir, a sport management major who won the 2005 Greater Cleveland Amateur Championship, had previously worked with some of the golfers and was quick to echo Obush's sentiments.
"They thoroughly enjoy playing the game and don't take it for granted. They have so much fun doing something that's so difficult even for someone with 20/20 vision," he said. "Working with them has made me a better teacher because I really have to adapt to each individual style since everyone learns differently."
Rick Polburn was one of the golfers who took advantage of the unique clinic.
"I golf because it's fun and challenging and I like to be able to play well even without sight," he says. "I really enjoyed the golf clinic, and everyone I talked to had a great time as well. It seemed like the
The golf clinic was such a rousing success that another three-hour clinic has been scheduled for March 4.
"I think these clinics will give our team a greater appreciation for what they have not only as golfers, but as sighted individuals," says coach Tom Porten.
Adds Greg McGrath, manager of camping and recreation at the
On July 28, Polburn will host his 12th Annual Polburn Golf Challenge at St. Denis Golf Course in Chardon. All proceeds benefit the
"This tournament is a way for me to give back to the
Story provided by Alan Ashby,