Golf

By PHIL HICKS
Sports Editor

Kenny Huff and Dick Goetz, two of the top instructors around, took time to give a few golf tips to youngsters Wednesday at The Cascades Golf Club.

Along with the kids, a few adults listened intently in hopes of improving their game.

The clinic was a precursor to the 38th Texas State Open, which gets under way today at The Cascades. The clinic was held at the driving range adjacent to the Jack Nicklaus Teaching Center.

Perhaps one day some of the youngsters attending the clinic will be taking part in the tournament.

Huff, The Cascades pro, and Goetz, a former touring pro who won more than $500,000 as a professional, both said learning fundamentals is essential.

Once you are tuned in to the fundamentals you are able to practice well and, in turn, if you practice well your game improves, they said.

They both gave demonstrations on the basics — from rotating your body with the swing to keeping your thumbs up on the back swing.

Proper grip and pressure are essential as well, they noted.

Also, your belt buckle should be pointing toward your target when you complete your swing.

Bobby Massa, who will be playing in the Open this week and who plays for UT Arlington, put on a demonstration of driving and iron play.

Huff, who gave Massa his first lesson when he was 11, said Massa, whose brother Cody is assistant pro at The Cascades, has a chance to play on the big tour some day.

Massa’s long drives and his ability to fade and draw were a big hit with the youngsters.

“It’s all about the fundamentals,” Massa said. He added the youngsters should get instructed early on so they can practice the right way.

Huff told the kids that not everyone can “grow to be 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, but if your fundamentals are correct you have a chance to be a great player.”

The youngsters were grateful for the advice.

“It was great getting some tips on golf,” said Matthew Brunson, 11, who attends St. Gregory School.

Matthew Webb, 11, who will attend Hubbard Middle School in the fall, and Andrew Bloch, 11, who will attend All Saints Episcopal School in the fall, said they will take the tips to heart.

Some of the youngsters said they will be attending the tournament in hopes of picking up more tips by observing the golfers.

Also, Bloch said he will be volunteering as well.

The kids received caps for participating in the clinic.

“Working hard and working on the right things are essential,” Huff concluded.

NOTES —

The 38th Texas State Open begins today at 7:30 a.m. and continues through Sunday. The Texas State Open is presented by Ashworth, KETK NBC 56, Park Cities Bank, Residence Inn by Marriott, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Tyler, and UST (United Sports Technologies. A daily grounds pass, good Wednesday through Sunday, can be purchased for $10 (adults) and $5 (18 & under) at The Cascades Pro Shop. The Cascades is located at 4511 Briarwood Road. Briarwood Road is located just off SSW Loop 323, south of Sam’s and All Saints School and north of Spur 364. The Texas State Open is charitable partners with Childrens Medical Center of Dallas, Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation and Birdies for Kids. The tournament will donate $5 for every birdie and eagle made during the Championship.

The Cascades Club golf pro Kenny Huff instructs Matthew Webb (right) of Tyler during a yough golf clinic at The Cascades as part of the Texas State Open on Wednesday.
((Staff Photo By Tom Turner))