He said he was called by God to learn American Sign Language and spread the joys of golf to kids who might otherwise never get the chance.

"Until two years ago, I didn’t even know one deaf person," Strano said. "God led me to learn the language. I was still competing full time on tour. Then I began to see there was a need in the deaf community for quality golf instruction.

"Now I play part time and coach. I have a blast giving them the opportunity to learn the life lessons that golf instills – integrity, honor and self-control."

Strano said the athletic ability of the campers really comes out when they have instruction in their native language.

"It’s hard to get quality instruction and these camps are free to participants," he said. "This camp was funded mainly by the Tucson Conquistadores. We’re supported by Calloway also. It’s all part of the U.S. Deaf Golf Association."

Tucson will become a regular stop for the camps, Strano said.

"We started with one camp two years ago," he said. "This year we have eight camps and next year we already have 10 camps on the schedule."

Preston Goodman, 13, said through an interpreter, "I learned from the pictures Rob had how to swing. It really helped.”

Preston’s brother, Clinton Goodman, 15, said he had golfed only once before.

"Now, I learned how to swing the right way," he said. "I’d like to keep playing."

Clinton is hearing-impaired and spoke without an interpreter. The Goodmans are from St. David and attend school there.

Elaine Cobos, president and executive director of the Arizona Blind and Deaf Children’s Foundation, worked with Stano to bring the camp to Arizona. Another camp was held at the Scottsdale Desert Course last week.

Cobos said the camps were a perfect fit for the Arizona foundation.

"This had been pretty incredible for us," Cobos said. "I was amazed and thrilled to see the improvements the kids made throughout the day.

"Their swings improved – they really were able to move the ball. They had a blast. Rob has a wonderfully designed program. Any group of kids can have an attention-span issue, but these kids were very involved."

Kart Club to hold Shoot-Out

The Tucson Kart Club, 8940 S. Nogales Highway, will hold its first Tucson Shoot-Out on Saturday.

Auto Trader Magazine is hosting the event at the one-fifth-mile dirt racing track. Practice runs at the track from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

The competitive races are Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each class. For more information, visit www.tucsonkartclub.com or call Mike Parker at 323-0579.

By Shelly Lewellen
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/sports/youth/112205c_youth_golf_deaf