Family golf clinic attracts crowd to Empire Ranch

While the weather forecast wasn't exactly promising earlier in the week, Shelly Godeken-Wright said she was prepared for anything Sunday when the 13th annual Fred Alexander Memorial Family Golf Clinic was held in Carson City.

"When I read the weather report, I was a little leery," said Godeken-Wright, the executive director of the Fred and Judy Alexander Foundation. "I had three additional schedules drawn up, so we were prepared either way."

Who knows, there may have been a little outside help, she acknowledged to a group of close to 700 children and adults, ages 6 and up, who converged on Empire Ranch Golf Course for the clinic on a cool and breezy afternoon. It could have been a little warmer, but then again, snow and rain drove some 800 youngsters inside the Dayton High School gym in one the clinic's early years.

"I think we got lucky with the weather today. Maybe we have Fred to thank for that," Godeken-Wright told the crowd, referring to Alexander, a long-time golf enthusiast whose passing some 14 years ago inspired her to start the series of junior clinics.

Twenty-eight PGA Club Professionals provided free instruction and trick shot performer Joey "O" provided an exhibition for the crowd.

"I want to give a big thank you to all the pros, to Jeff and his staff here at Empire Ranch, all of our great volunteers and to Calculated Industries here in Carson City," she said. "Everything went pretty smooth. This is the second year we've done the family concept and it has been a huge hit with the parents and kids.

"We fixed up a lot of moms and dads and that's what it's all about, getting the families going. It gets them hitting balls, and that's all you can ask for."

The clinic was offered free of charge. Besides golf instruction, all participants received t-shirts, fanny packs, calculators from Calculated Industries, golf clubs were provided by La Jolla Golf Club Company and Pinnacle Golf Balls. Also, free raffle prizes were given throughout the day, thanks to donations from such local businesses as Golf Headquarters-Reno.

"We were happy to host this family clinic in conjunction with the Fred and Judy Alexander Foundation and our Sierra Nevada PGA Professionals who are committed to growing the game of golf at the local level, especially since it brings together the entire family in a fun and festive environment," PGA General Manager Jeff Sparks said.

Sunday's clinic was part of a series held each year, organized by the Fred and Judy Alexander Foundation. For more information go online to http://www.AlexanderFoundation.com. Another clinic will be held on July 31 in Eureka, Calif.

Also on Sunday, a Play Golf America booth was staffed to promote other clinics and classes in the region, with literature for those wanting to learn more about upcoming player development programs.

For more info on clinics and classes available to golfers go online to http://www.playgolfamerica.com.

n Contact Dave Price at dprice@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-1220