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Junior Clinic at Oakmont Country Club

06/06/2013, 3:00pm EDT
By Admin

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The WGAWP, an advocate of women's golf in the area for over 90 years, made a decision in 1967 to reach out to junior girls to mentor and encourage their games.  The Junior Clinic for young girls, held annually at Allegheny Country Club and hosted by Hall-of-Famer Carol Semple Thompson, was born of this action.

On May 8, Oakmont Country Club played host to 84 girls at their exceptional facility.  Head Pro Bob Ford, along with 12 other professionals, gave their time and talent to the event.

Organized into four age groups, the girls rotated through four stations: chipping, rules and etiquette, full swing and putting.  Semple Thompson instructed chipping; Fay Ann Kikta (President of the Pennsylvania State Women's Golf Association) made learning the rules fun; Ford assisted players on the full swing and Missie Berteotti (former WGAWP champion and LPGA tour player) conducted the putting segment.  Assisting at the thirty minute segments were: Devin Gee, Eric Johnson, Katie Miller, Dave Martin, Jesse Isler, Alex Childs, John Klinchock, Adam Morrison, John Gottlicker, Joe Shorto and intern Anthony King.  

The clinic concluded with an awards ceremony and putting contest (won by Gillian Alexander).  Each participant received a certificate of attendance signed by both Ford and Semple Thompson.  In addition, girls received an Oakmont logo tee shirt, hat, FootJoy glove, socks and a sleeve of balls.  Donations by the WGAWP (your junior donations at work!), PSWGA, the Fownes Foundation, MV Sport and TaylorMade made for a memorable and outstanding evening.

Special thanks to Annie Van Zant, merchandising specialist at Oakmont and member of the PSWGA, for her time and talents; Mr. Paul Mroz, General Manager, who organized the site and the food.  All of the participants, as well as their guests, were treated to a buffet of sliders, chicken tenders, salad and ice cream treats to finish a perfect evening.

After the awards and favors were distributed, Carol Semple Thompson spent another hour signing autographs and taking pictures with, perhaps, some future Hall-of-Famers!

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