By Patrick Sablich, USGA

Hutchinson, Kan. - For many of the kids in attendance at Monday's 2006 Senior Open Junior Day, the day was a first. For instance, it was the first time they had been to a golf event of this scope, and for others, it was the first time they ever picked up a golf club.

The Junior Day, which welcomed youngsters from all over Kansas, was part of the USGA's "Catch the Spirit" program that will visit eight championship sites this year.

"You'd have to get to heaven to play a course this fine," said former USGA President Judy Bell when asked about Prairie Dunes Country Club.

The young golf neophytes in attendance watched the world-renowned Dennis Walters Show and participated in the Golf Channel's Drive, Chip and Putt event.

Dennis Walters is a trick shot artist, who travels the country with an important message for kids. His message is to dream big because anything is possible. It was Walters' dream to be a professional golfer until an accident 32 years ago left him paralyzed from the waist down. He has overcome this obstacle to become a premier golf entertainer and motivational speaker.

He mesmerized and impressed the crowd with a special 3-iron that does tricks, a fishing rod driver and numerous shots from unusual lies.

"The message of Dennis' show was that anything is possible, on or off the golf course, and

I think the kids saw that today," said Markel Maybin of the Prairie Dunes Championship staff.

An estimated 700 people were in attendance for the Dennis Walters Show. At least half of them were youngsters. The gallery also included a group of individuals with disabilities.

Parents watched from the grandstand as the USGA invited their kids onto the practice range for a front row seat. The up-close seating added to the excitement as the kids participated throughout the show.

When asked about the crowd after the event, Walters said, "They were terrific. I wish for all of our shows to have that kind of energy."

The Drive, Chip and Putt contest followed Walters and gave participants the chance to show off their skills at the practice facilities used by the Senior Open players. Many of the children found themselves hitting golf balls next to some of the game's legends, such as Kansas City native Tom Watson.

Patrick Sablich is a Fellow with the USGA.