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By Greg Hardwig
Naples Daily News
One thing that people talk about concerning The Franklin Templeton Shootout is the atmosphere. There are only 24 players, so following them is easy. It's challenge season, so they're more laid back.
 | | Norman answers questions from the crowd during the 2005 CureSearch Family Golf Clinic. |
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But that connection also goes directly back to the fans at the CureSearch Family Golf Clinic on Friday at 3:30 p.m. on the Tiburón driving range.
The gates will open for free to the public starting at 2 p.m., giving fans a chance to catch the final holes of the first round.
Then tournament founder and host Greg Norman will conduct a free clinic that will feature trick-shot artist Ben Witter.
It's all for the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, the official tournament charity.
"We've coordinated with some of the local schools to bring in school children, but this is very much a community event," tournament director Taylor Ives said. "It's a great way for a family to kick off the weekend."
Other than paying $5 to park, admission to the clinic is free.
Witter, new to the event, is a cancer survivor himself. He was diagnosed with a rare form of salivary gland cancer in 1988, just two years after turning professional.
Also, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, area club professionals will give free, 10- to 15-minute lessons in conjunction with the national Play Golf America program. MacGregor Golf and U.S. Kids Golf also are involved with this program during the Shootout.
Times are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, and then also after the Norman clinic. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Fans must fill out a card saying what their problem area is or what they want to work on at the MacGregor Golf booth in the expo area.
Larry Gantzer, the teaching professional at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club and South Florida PGA Section chairman of the Growth of the Game initiative, helped coordinate the clinics.
The club professionals conducted a similar clinic at the PGA Tour's event at Doral last year, giving out 268 mini-lessons.
"What we're trying to do is get people back into the game or into the game," Gantzer said.
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