Kids Rule At The U.S. Women’s Open

George Brett On Hand To Give Clinic

By Kyle Garry, USGA

George Brett during a USGA Interview.(Pam Murphy/USGA)

Any self-respecting 8 year old will tell you that, in American society today, kids often don’t get a fair shake. They’re overlooked, underappreciated, and worst of all, have to defer to the judgment of all-knowing adults.

But at this year’s U.S. Women’s Open, kids finally have the upper hand.

This is obvious from the moment they walk through the gates of the Prairie Dunes Country Club, where kids under the age of 17 get free admission to the championship when accompanied by a paying adult. From there, they head to the Junior Tent, which is flanked by two "juniors only" putting greens. Once inside, the advantages of being a minor are evident, as all kids get a coupon for a free lunch, a Snoopy and Friends Rules of Golf Book, a copy of "The Spirit of the Game" video and junior memberships to the USGA.

Most important, they also get a free Catch the Spirit hat, which is the official uniform of this pint-sized army. The hat, which features Peanuts characters and golf themes, is only available to juniors, and cannot be purchased at the merchandise tent or in the pro-shop. As a result, it has become a valued collector’s item, and many a so-called "grown-up" has begged, pleaded, and offered exorbitant sums of money for the hats. But they are always sent away pouting, only to be consoled by sons and daughters who were lucky enough to meet the age requirement.

"The hats are definitely the big-ticket item," said Mary Lancaster, one of the USGA Foundation staff responsible for coordinating the week’s events.

Once on the golf course, the kids don’t have to worry about oblivious adults obstructing their views of the action, as all of the front row seats in public grandstands have been reserved specifically for juniors. "Inside the ropes" course tours are also available that allow kids to get a behind-the-scenes look at the championship.

All of these activities are part of the USGA’s "Catch the Spirit" program, an initiative of the United States Golf Association to get kids involved with the game through the various national championships. In 2002, junior events will be held at a total of 6 different USGA championships, including the U.S. Open.

"Catch the Spirit is a way for kids to experience golf at its highest levels," said USGA Foundation staff member Amanda Helvie. "They get to learn about the USGA and the Rules and etiquette of the game, and most importantly they have a great time."

The largest of the Catch the Spirit events takes place at the Women’s Open, and has historically attracted between 3,000 and 6,000 kids throughout the week of the Championship. This year’s program in Hutchinson, Kan., may set a record for attendance, as more than 1,500 kids had already passed through the junior tent after only the second day of practice rounds.

"The Women’s Open is pretty special because of the support that Catch the Spirit gets from USGA staff, Committee volunteers, and players," said Lancaster. "It really makes us feel like a part of the Championship."

Leonard Hernandez, one of the program chaperones for the Native American Junior Golf Association, which brought 55 kids to the event from Topeka, Kan., explained what a great opportunity Catch the Spirit is for his participants.

"For this group, it’s been the experience of a lifetime," he said. "To see these great golfers and get their autographs, it’s not something they get to see everyday. It will be the highlight of their summer."

Other highlights included a clinic on Monday with Patty Berg, winner of the first U.S. Women’s Open in 1946, and other "Legends of Golf," including Kathy Whitworth, Peggy Kirk Bell and Kansas’s own Marilyn Smith.

Berg hosted the clinic, which featured instruction from the legends, as well as a chance for members of the audience to ask questions about the ladies’ experiences playing in the dawn of professional women’s golf. Although Berg is nearing 90, it was clear that she hasn’t lost a step. Throughout the show, she not only got up to hit a few balls with her younger co-stars, but also won over the crowd of 300 with her wit.

"I am so happy to be here at the U.S. Women’s Open," she said. "At my age, though, I’m happy to be anywhere."

On Tuesday, Hall of Famer and former Kansas City Royals All-Star George Brett put on another clinic for the kids and adults attending the championship. Brett, an avid golfer who began playing the game over 20 years ago, provided the kids with advice on the physical and mental side of both golf and baseball.

"In baseball, you react," he said. "In golf, you put the tee down, and now you have to react to something standing still. And you get these thoughts going through your mind where, in baseball, you can’t have that."

As Brett explained, it is this mental side of golf that makes it so tough, even for an experienced athlete such as himself.

"Golf is the most difficult sport for me," he said. "The game looks so simple on television. They (the pros) make it look so simple, but it’s not."

Brett, who has played Prairie Dunes once before, expressed his belief that the course should prove a stern challenge for this week’s field. In recounting his round, he said: "The wind was blowing 50 miles an hour. I parred (the first hole), and proceeded to lose about 10 or 15 balls. It is going to be a test for these women."

Brett, along with the Legends of Golf, stuck around after their clinics to sign autographs for the masses who attended their shows. Autograph hunting is a popular pastime for kids at the Women’s Open, and the players are more than happy to oblige.

"The players at this Championship are so great with the kids," said Lancaster. "By the end of the day, their hats are covered with signatures."

The Junior Tent will remain open throughout the week of the championship. Tent hours are 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. over the weekend.

Garry is a second-year Fellow with the USGA. E-mail him at kgarry@usga.org with comments or questions.