Photo by Matt Mollan Aidan Tague, 3, of Macomb gets a free lesson from PGA professional Jordan Young at Play Golf America Day Aug. 4 on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

In conjunction with the PGA Championship being played at Oakland Hills Country Club Aug. 4-10 in Bloomfield Township, golfers of all experience levels came to the Oakland University Golf and Learning Center Aug. 4 in Rochester to get some hands-on advice.

OU hosted an estimated 200 guests for Play Golf America Day, which offered free instruction to golfers of all ages and skill levels.

“Personally, I felt it was a huge success,” said Golf and Learning Center Director Bill Rogers. “I did get some responses, and they were very thrilled with it. The PGA was excited because (participation) seemed a bit higher than they expected.”

Rogers said those who showed up for the afternoon varied greatly in age and skill level.

“The best part is we were reaching the golfer and non-golfers that want to learn the game,” he said.

Also available was an etiquette station for new golfers to learn about pace of play, repairing divots and the like.

“We need to do that, and do it right from the start,” Rogers said of introducing the young golfers to rules of a course.

Some 20 PGA professionals were on hand to give lessons, as was trick-shot artist Dennis Walter. Jim Hardy, 2007 PGA Teacher of the Year, also conducted a clinic.

Rogers said that OU was selected to host the event because of its track record holding events associated with the Ryder Cup when it was at Oakland Hills in 2004, as well as other PGA-related activities.

“It’s really a perfect fit,” he said.

OU has two golf courses on its campus, Katke-Cousins and R&S Sharf. Both courses are open to students, alumni, OU employees and guests of any members.

To play 18 holes at Katke-Cousins on a weekday, the cost is $14 for students, $60 for guests and $35 for all other members.

On a weekend, the cost is $20 for students, $65 for guests and $40 for all other members. A cart costs $20 per golfer.

Playing R&S Sharf will cost students, faculty and immediate family of members $65. Green’s fees are  $70 on the weekend for everyone. Both prices include a golf cart.

For more information, visit www.ougolf.com. 

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.