By Elsa Bonstein

Last Saturday, I attended the Play Golf America Day at Grande Dunes Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C. This is an initiative of the PGA of America to increase participation in the game of golf, and it’s all free.

Hundreds of people of all ages showed up for free lessons from PGA pros. They hit full shots on the driving range, they chipped and putted and hit bunker shots, all under the watchful eye of dozens of pros, staked out all over the immense practice facility at Grand Dunes.

I watched as PGA golf professional Steve Prueter of Martin’s PGA Superstore worked with Hunter Kelly, a 13-year old from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Hunter hit a few mediocre shots at first, then under Steve’s quiet encouragement and instruction, he started booming them way out there.

Manufacturers of golf equipment brought their latest clubs and everyone could try out the latest in golf equipment from the likes of Titleist, Cobra, Nike, Mizuno and Callaway. What fun.

At noon, Ryan Munson of the Folds of Honor Foundation recognized several PGA pros and businesses for their support of this organization, which provides scholarships to the spouses and children of servicemen who have died or become disabled in the line of duty.

Ronnie Padilla, a serviceman who lost his arm in the line of duty and who was fitted with a special prosthetic that enables him to play golf, spoke of the overwhelming support he has received during his recovery.

“I was always a sports fan, and after my injury I learned to play golf,” he said.

Ronnie hit a few balls and then thanked everyone who has supported him and his family through the Folds of Honor Foundation.

Next, the featured speaker of the day addressed the crowd.

Dennis Walters is a PGA golf professional who lost the use of his legs in a golf cart accident in 1974 when he was 23.

In his words, “I knew I could no longer walk, but I still loved the game of golf and knew that somehow, someday, I would play again.”

Dennis started hitting golf balls on the driving range while sitting in his wheelchair. He got a golf cart with a swivel seat and started practicing. He never stopped believing that he could do it.

Since 1977, he has performed the Dennis Walters Show to hundreds of thousands of people around the world, at tournaments, business meetings, the PGA Tour, the Champions Tour, the LPGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour. He is an honorary lifetime member of the PGA of America (the group includes presidents Eisenhower, Ford and George H.W. Bush) and he received the PGA of America Distinguished Service Award (that group includes Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Byron Nelson.

Dennis introduced Mr. Bucky, a 2-year old white mixed breed dog that Dennis adopted from a shelter in Naples, Fla. Bucky warmed up the audience with an amazing series of tricks. He did high-fives, low-fives, and both fives. He barked answers to questions like what’s two plus two (four barks) and what’s par on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach (five barks).

Bucky’s best trick was taking a golf ball in his mouth and putting it on a tee. It took a few tries, but the audience cheered and clapped when Bucky finally succeeded.

Next, Dennis started hitting ball after ball with a driver. Each shot flew well over 250 yards with a slight draw, landing wherever he wanted; over the green, left of the green, right of the green. The shots were executed with the distance and control most of us just dream about.

Dennis hit balls with an assortment of clubs: Bucky’s driver (a foot-long shaft), a 3-iron (three heads welded together on the end of a shaft that hits three balls at the same time off lined up tees), a club shaped like a chew toy, another shaped like a cell phone (long- distance driver), a driver with a shaft made out of radiator hose (the flexible driver) and a fishing rod driver (for those who want to combine two sports). He hit five balls in rapid succession as they came off a ramp. He hit a ball that was under a burning newspaper.

The entire time, Dennis bantered with the audience and told his story. His message was heart-felt by everyone in the crowd.

“Think of something you want to do and don’t think you can do it,” he said. “Then do whatever it takes to realize your dream.”

“Dream is a big word. You’re never too old or too young to have a dream. There is no expiration date on dreams. Persevere and you will accomplish great things. Look what I’ve done. They said I couldn’t do this, but I proved them wrong. If I can be a member of the PGA, hit balls and play golf without my legs, think of what you can do.”

There was one gentle caveat from Dennis.

“If you discover that you really truly cannot accomplish what you set out to do, find another dream.”

Dennis is a special ambassador for The First Tee and represents that organization at PGA Tournaments and other special events.

“All the things I have learned in my journey are part of The First Tee curriculum,” he said. “The honesty, perseverance, courtesy and sportsmanship that kids learn in The First Tee carry over into the rest of their lives. I have spoken in front of a lot of these kids and it’s always a thrill for me. If I can change their lives for the better or inspire them to follow their dreams, it makes my life worthwhile.”

Dennis has written a book, “In My Dreams, I Walk With You.” You can learn more about Dennis at www.denniswalter.com or about his book at amazon.com.

Play Golf America has many programs that are available to golfers. They include PGA Free Fitting and Trade-up Month, PGA Free Lesson Month, Women’s Golf Month, Family Golf Month, Take Your Daughter to the Course Week, Patriot Golf Day and Get Golf Ready in Five Days. Go to www.playgolffamerica.com to learn more about these programs and their locations.