Kids learn from pro athletes at "Golf With Us" clinic

GUILDERLAND, NY (NEWS10) -- Local kids got the chance to learn from professional athletes at the Bank of America "Golf With Us" clinic at Western Turnpike Golf Course. Former New York Giants Center, Shaun O'Hara, along with Lauren Cupp, Head Golf Coach at Hamilton College and the #1 ranked Speedgolfer were among those teaching the young golfers.

The clinic provided the chance for local kids to learn about the game and pick up some life skills as well. Growing the game and teaching the youth about life off the course was something Cupp was hoping to accomplish.

"Well number 1, I'm hoping that they catch the golf bug," Cupp said. "Because that does happen and that's something that happened to me when I was about their age. So, catching the bug would be great because it's a wonderful, wonderful lifelong sport that they can enjoy. And secondly, there's so many lessons that can be learned through sport and through golf that I hope they can pick up today."

The participants rotated through 4 stations, learning skills like driving, chipping and putting. Playing games and having fun while learning about the sport.

O'Hara helped teach the kids about golf as well, the former NFL All-Pro center and Super Bowl XLII champ with the Giants is no stranger to the Capital region. Having spent 7 seasons of his 11-year career with Big Blue, O'Hara became familiar with the area when the Giants held training camp at UAlbany.

"I have a lot of fond memories of being up here in training camp," O'Hara said. "Training camp was always where you built the nucleus of your team and you really kinda, as a team, forged that bond through some of those tough dog days of summer."

O'Hara holds connections to the region off the field as well. Whether through memories with his teammates or in his personal life.

"If we ever got a day off, we were heading over to Saratoga," O'Hara said. "And we were gonna find something fun to do, so this place definitely has a special place in my heart and for one other reason. My wife, Amy, is actually from Glenmont. So, I like to think she's one of the best things to ever come out of Albany."