With excitement building around the U.S. Open at Bethpage State Park this month, some Westbury High School students are taking advantage of a new program that provides them with professional golf instruction. Once a week, the Westbury Golf Program provides students with an opportunity to take their swings at the driving range at Harbor Links in Port Washington.

This 12-session program, which began last month, started off with Harbor Links Club Golf Pro Charlie Rollo teaching students the basics of driving a golf ball. As they progress, students will learn pitching, putting, and other techniques and strategies associated with the game. Approximately 20 students have participated in the program on a regular basis, which is held every Thursday after school through the school year. Any Westbury High School student is welcome to join. The program is funded by the school district; for the students, it is free of charge.

"Many of these kids are holding a golf club for the first time," said Stuart Friedman, Westbury's director for Health, Physical Education, and Athletics. "By the end of the first session, all of the students were hitting the ball well. The reaction from them has been very positive."

Friedman, who brought the golf program to Westbury High School, said it's gratifying to see students taking an interest in the game. While some schools have organized golf teams, Westbury is not one of them, but Friedman hopes that if enough students embrace the game through this program, the school could form a team of its own in the future.

To supplement the program, once a week students will receive golf instruction from a teacher as part of the school's physical education curriculum. Teachers Dennis Farring and Camille Lupa also accompany the students to the Harbor Links program to assist Rollo in his instruction.

Any student interested in the program should visit Friedman at the Office of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics, located in Westbury High School. The program runs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Transportation and equipment are provided.