Play Golf America Day: A Big Hit in East Meadow

Maria DiVittorio said she has not played golf in 20 years. So, when the Bayside resident stepped into the driving range bay at on Saturday, you could excuse her for being a bit rusty. She whiffed on a few balls and dribbled a few others not far from the tee.

But under the tutelage of Ed Kelly, the head PGA professional at Garden City’s Cherry Valley Country Club, DiVittorio began to show improvement. Kelly worked with her on the positioning of her feet, grip, swing and followthrough.  No detail was missed, and soon the shots started going straight, and with some authority.

“I’m actually improving,” DiVittorio said. She then turned around and said about Kelly, “He’s good.”

Kelly was one of 25 golf professionals who gave their time and talents toward the 8th annual “," in which patrons were treated to free golf lessons, club fittings and driving range time. This year Nassau County teamed with the and the Metropolitan PGA to sponsor the golf, which drew an estimated 500 golfers to the four-hour event.

The pros worked with men and women of all ages and skill levels. Each lesson with a pro was intended for 10 minutes but some sessions lasted longer. Kelly spent about 30 minutes with DiVittorio, going over the nuances that only a seasoned pro would know. “It’s hard to teach golf because people want it to happen so quickly,” Kelly said, explaining that it is a process.

DiVittorio, who was initially frustrated with her results, began to beam with pride as her balls started pinging off the club head. “I’m so excited,” she said. “I haven’t golfed in 20 years. I’m loving this.”

Don Stephani, the retired PGA pro at Bellport Country Club, has been involved in golf for 68 of his 78 years – beginning his lifetime love affair with the game as a 10-year-old caddy. He comes back to Eisenhower every year to give back.

“I’m a lifer and I love instructing,” he said. “I follow up on people, I want to see how they are progressing. I don’t just drop them.”

Stephani said the only way to become proficient in golf is to play it consistently. “If you play golf three or four times a year for 25 years, you will always be a beginner,” he said. “You have to play two or three times a week, or at least supplement one of those times at the range.”

Charlie Robson, executive director of PGA Metropolitan Section, said the 2011 event could be a record for attendance. Of more importance, he said, “This is a great way to kick off the season, a great way to promote the game of golf.”

In addition to the driving range, the Eisenhower Park golf facility has three 18-hole courses, including the championship .