Actions speak louder than words at Sawgrass

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL

When Rob Strano began learning sign language, he was unsure what his application for the skill might be.

However, its purpose became clear when Strano realized there was a severe void in the community for golf programs targeted at deaf individuals.

"There was no one offering quality golf instruction to the deaf," he said. "I knew I had to change that."

In the spring of 2004, he did just that, launching the first golf camp for kids taught entirely in sign language. From May 24 to 26, the camp was brought to the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass, where more than 50 six to 18 year-old students from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind enjoyed three days of instruction. The camp was taught by Strano and fellow PGA professional Wally Armstrong, with the assistance of Stan Gustetic, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind's Administrator of Related Services.

Utilizing a variety of unique teaching methods and visual aids -- such as a figure to model the various movements of the golf swing, the students learned golf fundamentals, along with golf rules and etiquette.

"When a student is having difficulty with the golf swing, I will have them use the figurine to show me how the body should look at that point in the swing," Strano explained.

This innovative approach to golf instruction has proven to be very successful. However, learning to play golf is just one of the many benefits of Strano's camp.

"The tremendous amount of self-confidence, self-esteem, and sense of accomplishment achieved by these students is really remarkable," said Armstrong. "We had a little girl here yesterday, a really tiny one, and the first time she hit the ball, she smiled so big it stretched from ear to ear!

"That's what makes the camp so important for the kids and so rewarding for those of us on the teaching end. It was an extraordinary experience for all of us."

"I was extremely honored to be a part of the camp," said Shane Ponchot, TPC at Sawgrass Group Outings Coordinator. "It was very gratifying to see the smiles of the kids after each good shot and to see them grow not only as golfers, but also as confident young people, in just three short days.

"I feel fortunate to work for the TPC at Sawgrass where I have the opportunity to make such a significant impact on kids from the local community."

Strano was equally pleased with the reception the camp received from Sawgrass employees.

"The entire staff has been great. From the starter to the golf shop employees, to the waitresses, we couldn't have asked for better treatment.

"If we need balls, they're here. Ice, it's here. It is incredible how great everyone has been," he said. One aspect of the course proved to be most exciting for the students -- hole No. 17's spectacular island green.

"If we had had more balls, they would still be out there trying to hit the island green!" said Strano.

Both TPC staff and students are looking forward to their return next year.