Monday, March 17, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
There were giggles of excitement and nervous anticipation as the specially invited group of 50 kids from area youth golf programs waited for the first clinic of the Tiger Woods Foundation.
But when Woods arrived, he eased any anxieties with a kind word, a playful hug or an encouraging high-five. Not only were the kids happy to see Woods, he was happy to see them.
After seven chaotic months as a professional golfer, Woods was able to step into the role of a teacher that he truly loves and -- it seemed at times -- was able to recapture the pure fun of being a kid again.
The 50 kids from the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association and the Urban Junior Golf program in Tampa received a lesson on golf and life from Woods. And Woods -- at 21 not much older than many of those he taught -- was impressive on both subjects.
"There you go," Woods said to 5-year-old Crystal Hawkins has she got a ball airborne. "Perfect," he said, exchanging a high-five with the shy child.
Down the line he moved, taking time with each kid, most of whom were black and ranged in age from 5 to mid-teens.
"Like this," he said as he changed the posture of a teen-age boy. "What I like to say is stick your butt out."
The teenager and Woods made eye contact and laughed, the bond established between them having more to do with age than race.
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