EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE: Justin and Butch Harmon Host JT Shriners Open Youth Clinic
- Author: Faith-Ann Young
- Posted on: Monday October 12, 2009 at 1:00 PM
- Filed under: exclusive, photos, justin timberlake, jt shriners, butch harmon, mike dobbyn, katie walker, shriners hospitals for children, nick watney, greg maddux
(Photo: Mark Davis)
Justin Timberlake Shriners Open kicked off with blue sky and a stream of happy, giggling children devoted to learning how to golf. Hundreds of children and parents came to TPC Summerlin yesterday to learn some swing techniques from hosts Justin Timberlake and famous coach Butch Harmon, best known for being Tiger Wood's golf coach. Who was also on hand to help? Pitcher Greg Maddux, Pro golfer Nick Watney, long drive world champion Mike Dobbyn and Shriners ambassador, Katie Walker. Check out the action below:
Kids practicing on the range.
Katie Walker on left; Mike Dobbyn on right demonstrating pro form golf swings.
19-year-old Katie, who was born missing her left tibia, is a living inspiration: At 1 years old, she was a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Los Angeles and has endured countless surgeries since. She's now an ambassador for JT Shriners and a living inspiration for all as she golfs triumphantly despite having only one leg. (More info on Katie at Las Vegas Golf now.)
Justin picking out a couple of special volunteers.
Justin helping out lil friend with his first golf swing.
Not only was the 3-year old R.J super cute.....but he also managed to hit the ball impressively far for his little stature!
Golf coach Butch leading the way (in purple pullover) - in front of Justin and children.
Mike Dobbyn (or as Justin calls him - "a bear") showing his record-making long drive style.
If only we had recorded the swoosh sound that came with this shot. Goose bump worthy.
The whole crew from left to right: Nick Watney, Justin in stripes, Shriner's ambassador Katie Walker, Butch Harmon in purple pullover, Mike Dobbyn and former Atlanta Braves' pitcher Greg Maddux. (Photo: Mark Davis)
Justin chatting with Mike Dobbyn, the world long drive record holder.
Fun fact about Greg Maddux (on right)? He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years. Plus, he's the only pitcher to ever win 15 games for 17 straight seasons. And he's a fantastic golfer. Impressive!
Justin with a fan (Photo: Mark Davis).
Justin signing autographs... and inspirational words to a wounded fan.
The sign of the end of a good lesson? Smiling kids.
Justin with Teen Nick Halo Award winner, Leah Stoltz. (More info on Newsday.)
Justin proved yesterday what he has said earlier about his participation at this tournament:
"I am there to have fun. It’s for the kids."
(Photo: JT Shriners)
Later in the afternoon, the volunteers all met on the hill to toast to a good day.
The tournament itself begins today and will host a handful of celebrity participants, including Kenny G, Smokey Robinson, and Alice Cooper. Stay tuned to Justintimberlake.com for more day-to-day updates this week.
Photos: Faith-Ann Young, JT Shriners, and Mark Davis courtesy of PGA Archive.
More info: JTshrinersopen.com
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COMMENTS
“ He's a good guy with open heart! Love him very much! ”
“ very nice :) ”
“ Yumm, thanx for the pictures:).The photo set is literally glowing with serenity and excitement at the same time...The toughest smilers are shots with Gregg Maddux and Justin with a fan. Thence, they are put successively....however, all the shots are the sure ones...for example, the one *Justin and Leah Stoltz*, my, I can feel the grass scent and the air breathe.... ”
“ Nice photo Justin!!! Love You! <33 :* ”
“ uao!! very great!! ”
“ wow...... but so sad 'cos i live so far far away....i couldn't even think to come thr ”
“ Wow. Why can't more guys be like JT? Clean cut, kind hearted, giving... Hotter as the days go by. Christ. ”
“ *putt - woops sorry typo! xx ”
“ awwwwwwwwh....now that's just sweeet :) that photo of you and the lil girl with the golf club about to put...omg!! <3 xx ”
“ so angry I couldn't go this year. I am there next year! ”
