Wrightway does the right thing By Michael Rogers Several months ago, my girlfriend and I were at a weekly dart tournament. She is new to darts and at the time had been throwing for about three months. Like most beginners, she was pretty nervous shooting with seasoned players especially in a tournament situation. The partners were drawn and match play began. About halfway through the tournament, her partner left. They weren’t even eliminated yet! He was obviously frustrated at her ‘beginnerness’, and decided it wasn’t worth sticking around. This offended me, hurt her feelings tremendously, and certainly is not the way we want to attract new people to the game of darts! Kenny Wright has put together a clinic of sorts to help new dart players become more comfortable in the dart world. This is the second clinic that he has run and I would definitely have to say they were both huge successes. Kenny, along with a few of his friends, Mike Bates, Bob Castillo and Gary Erwin, volunteer their time to teach strategy, technique, etiquette and sportsmanship. Along with how to work the dartboard and set up whatever game your playing, even how to handicap the correct way. At the start, my girlfriend was probably rated a “1” at best. Well, the clinic (Kenny Camp) culminated yesterday with not one but TWO $500 tournaments. All the money we had paid in, plus I’m sure some of Kenny’s own money were put up for grabs to anyone who participated in the clinic. Why two? The clinics are not limited to just beginners so to make it fair for everyone to have the same chance to win; players rated 3 and below in one and 4 or above in the other. The difference in the way everyone threw their darts yesterday as compared to eight weeks ago was amazing. Everyone improved and there were some very close matches all around. Proof that Kenny Camp had an effect? My girlfriend won first place in the lower bracket against Charlie, aka “Mom” who also started the camp rated as a 1. There were ‘Hat Tricks and ‘executed outs’. The average rating had to be at least a 3. Everyone learned how to set the board up, adjust the handicap and play a strategic game - all in eight weeks time. There were trophies for the tournament winners and medals for most improved, and of course some VERY nice payouts handed out. It was quite obvious to all that Kenny had put a lot of time, effort and thought into making certain this benefit his players. And I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say “Thank you” to Mike, Bob, Gary and Kenny for both volunteering their time and taking an interest in the lesser players. Kenny, December and I would like express our appreciation. The last eight weeks have been entertaining and educational for both of us. I cannot recommend this clinic highly enough. If you’re a beginner or just want to fine-tune your game a little, Kenny and his friends certainly have the right idea!
|
||||
|