By Andrew Coakley

FN Sports Editor

A few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine that golf would become a popular sport among young people.

In particular, Bahamian youngsters.

After all, golf was a sport that old men, who had retired played to pass the time.

The young people who did play it, came from wealthy, predominately white, families.

But it wasn't until Tiger Woods emerged on the scene that the sport of golf became popular among Bahamian youngsters.

Since that time, Bahamian youngsters have converged on golf courses around the country.

For any young Bahamian golfer, getting the opportunity to play on the international circuit is always a dream.

But for those who may be more serious about learning the sport, it's a dream come true to be able to attend a major golf camp in the United States.

That dream came true for two Grand Bahamian youngsters more than a week ago.

14-year-old Kyle King and 13-year old Alec Nabb can testify to the pay off of hard work. They were fortunate enough to obtain a scholarship to attend the Jim McLean golf school in Doral, Florida.

The week long camp gave the Bahamian youngsters an up close and personal experience with some of the best golf teachers in the United States.

Not only did they get an opportunity to get some first hand golf tips, but they got to fellowship and play with top- notch junior golfers from around the United States.

The youngsters got to be "big shot" tourists while staying at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

They got first class treatment, even getting the opportunity to order room service.

"This is the first time that these scholarships were offered to Bahamians," explained Zack Fidler' local representative of the Jim McLean Golf School here in Grand Bahama.

"This was really a first class experience."

To get an idea of just how exclusive this golf camp is, consider the fact that it's similar to the famous Nike Basketball Camp.

Not just anyone gets to go to a Nike Camp. You have to first be the best in the sport and then, you have to be invited to attend the camp.

The Jim McLean Golf Camp is similar.

A junior golfer attending this camp must have a 10 handicap or less. For a junior golfer, that's having a great game.

"Jim McLean was generous enough to give us two scholarships for some of the junior golfers here and we had to decide on who would get to go," explained Fidler.

"Kyle and Alec are some of the best junior golfers in the country and they've shown great commitment to the sport.

"Of course there are other young golfers who fit the same bill and we're hoping that this opportunity will come around again, so that some of the other dedicated junior golfers would get the opportunity to attend the golf camp in Doral."

Kyle King received the "best attitude" award while at the camp.

"I was shocked," admitted young King.

"Just being there and getting the experience was good enough for me, but to receive this award was even more special.

"I learned a lot while I was there and I can't forget how much this experience meant to me."

Alec Nabb said that the experience will always be with him, and at the same time, he's looking forward to having another opportunity to attend the camp, or one similar to it.

"My game has improved since attending that camp," said Alec.

"They taught me how to change my grip and since then, I've been able to hit the ball further.

"It's been great. It was a great experience and I know that my game has changed forever since attending this camp."

Zack Fidler said that most of the kids in the junior programme here in Grand Bahama are excellent players and he's looking forward to seeing many other kids get this experience.

"We hope to see this happen again," said Fidler. "Kyle and Alec represented well and it has opened the door for others to be able to attend this camp."