Nearly 200 fourth and fifth grade students from the River Region were bused to Capitol Hill at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail on Wednesday morning for the Guardian Championship junior clinic presented by Alabama Power. Before the players arrived, there was a DJ that keep the kids engaged with popular dance songs like “Watch Me” and “The Cupid Shuffle”.

The clinic found its groove just before 10:00 a.m. when 12 Epson Tour professionals arrived to help lead the clinic. At first, the pros introduced themselves and gave the kids a little background on how they started in golf and even their favorite cartoon characters – Emma Talley (former Alabama star) likes SpongeBob SquarePants while Alison Knowles is a Scooby-Doo fan.

“It was really fun, it was great to see all the kids so enthusiastic,” said Sierra Sims, a rookie on Tour. “The kids were screaming and participating so it was really fun.”

The kids were wowed by the players hitting driver and the pros even showed off a few trick shots. Lindsey Weaver almost pulled off the two balls stacked on top of each other trick and a kid in the audience almost caught it.

“Emma and I were just talking about how much energy the kids had,” said Huntsville native Janie Jackson. “It’s awesome for the kids, but it means a lot to us to give back and to see them so excited about it.”

The professionals even dueled in a chipping contest where they split into two teams and each took turns trying a 15-yard chip into a garbage bucket.

“When we are able to give back, just by hitting a few shots and interacting with the kids, it’s just great,” said rookie Anna Appert Lund of Sweden, who stayed for nearly 20 minutes signing autographs. “We’re always trying to do our best to promote the sport and most importantly be good people and good golfers.”

Jackson didn’t know what to expect before the clinic, but left in awe of the turnout and the kids.

“The kids were awesome, they killed it.” said Jackson,. “It was definitely the best clinic we had all year.”

Sims agreed.

“Our biggest goal is to inspire kids so having them out here and getting kids involved in golf is always fun.”

Jackson Says Best Junior Clinic of the Year

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