WESSON — The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolf Hollow GolfClub has been busier than usual this week. Co-Lin is hosting itsfirst Junior Golf Camp for children, ages 8-17. With wiseinstruction provided daily, this was a chance to introduceyoungsters to the sport of golf.

Co-Lin golf coach/professional Justin Smith said about 45children came in Monday morning.

“Ninety-five percent of these kids have never picked up a golfclub in their life,” said Smith.

Participating in the clinic are members of the Boys and GirlsClubs of America. Dressed in blue, orange and white T-shirts, theyrepresented clubs from Hazlehurst, Monticello and McComb.

Smith and his assistants provided personal instruction in thebasic fundamentals of golf, including driving and putting.

“We have seven instructors working the clinic,” stated Smith.The other six instructors are members of the college’s golf team.They include Craig Smith and Brent Rutland of Brookhaven, DaleSykes of Lawrence County, Leland Hinton of Wesson, Jesse Smith ofNorth Pike and Tyler Fortinberry of Tylertown.

Smith said he was pleased with the enthusiasm the newcomersshowed in adapting to a new sport. “Their effort was very good.Some of the older kids showed a lot of potential.

“My friend and Sandy Ray came up with this idea. I wanted themto learn the core values of golf, sportsmanship honesty fair play.And get some exposure to a game they wouldn’t get exposure to otherwise.”

Smith said he liked the enthusiasm displayed during the camp.”They seem to have loved it. They were real attentive. A lot ofsmiles on their faces.”

Smith said he plans to make it an annual affair. “We plan ondoing this once a year. We are going to start opening more juniorclinics.”

Looking ahead, Smith said he wanted to host a clinic for highschool students.

“The first response was good. We were pleased with that. Theinstructors enjoyed it and had a good time.”

Providing golf clubs for the clinic were Anthony Price of EagleRidge Eagle Ridge Golf Club at Hinds Community College and JackTerry from Baton Rouge.

“They let us use their equipment,” said Smith. “They were niceenough to let me borrow it.”

The predicted rains for Monday did not appear and it turned tobe a pleasant week for the children and the instructors. “We hadgorgeous weather all week,” said Smith. “We were blessed.”