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Tiger Woods Foundation
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On the Road to ImprovementTiger Woods Foundation Clinics not only give thousands of youngsters a lesson with their hero, but also draw attention and support to the organizations that allow inner-city children access to the great game of golf. Here's a look at one held last August. Pine Hills GC, on the south side of Memphis, resembles an outdoor Boyz II Men concert, with the high-level security of a Presidential visit. A steady stream of cars makes its way along the main entrance, temporarily named Tiger Woods Street, in honor of the main attraction. Along a makeshift practice range, dozens of Tiger wannabes press against restraining ropes in anticipation of the golf star's arrival.
"I want him to see me and fall in love," says a young lady to a local scribe. "Then we'll get married and live happily ever after." Almost anything seems possible in golf's Never Never Land, where Tiger and friends are attempting to drag the game into the 21st century. At the other end of the range, Woods shows a 10-year-old boy the proper golf posture, then places his powerful hands around those of a smiling teen. "This is how your grip should look," he says. The young man listens intently and nods. About 30 pupils were selected to receive Tiger's personal instruction from local junior programs according to their level of proficiency. "We're not offering a quick fix," says Earl Woods while leaning back in a clubhouse chair. "Our job is to give golf programs a shot in the arm through the enthusiasm and excitement that Tiger has been generating. We're like the circus coming to town, a major production with parenting as our hook and the welfare of all young people our primary concern." Back at the driving range, the crowd is entertained by trick-shot artist Dennis Walters. From a specially designed golf cart, the physically disabled golfer hits a variety of shots to the delight of wide-eyed youths. The message is clear: handicaps are only barriers if we succumb to them. Earl is next up. He delivers a powerful testimony about child/parental relationships, setting goals and striving to attain them. "Dare to dream big," he urges passionately. "Don't set a limitation on your dreams. They can come true." Finally, Tiger appears to the pulsing beat of "Eye of the Tiger." His entrance is nearly as dramatic as his explosion onto the American landscape. To some, he's bigger than life. Others just came to see him hit the long ball. Tiger obliges. Through a lively repartee with his father, he hits shot after shot as instructed. The crowd roars its approval and after things settle down, he fields questions ranging from the personal (Do you have a girlfriend?) to the professional (What's you favorite championship?). Pacing, Tiger answers each query carefully, frequently flashing huge smiles.
After a post-exhibition ceremony that includes check presentations and
photo opportunities, he's whisked away. His impact, though, won't be as ephemeral as that
of the Ringling Brothers.
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twfound@twfound.org |
