By Lynn Saternow

Herald Sports Editor

John Cook has been a success in every area of golf. As a player, an instructor and a TV commentator. But one of his true loves is working with kids.

“This is a game you can enjoy for a long time,” Cook emphasized as he conducted a ‘Kids Klinic’ Tuesday afternoon at the First Tee of Sharon facility at Buhl Farm Golf Course and Driving Range. “It’s a game you can have fun with your whole life.”

Cook’s family has been involved with the national First Tee program for many years, with dad Jim, who visited also Tuesday; his mom, Lyda, who’s twin sister Carole Barker is director of the local First Tee; and sister Cathy, who with her husband runs First Tee programs outside of Philadelphia.

“This First Tee (of Sharon) program doesn’t get the recognition it should,” said Cook family patriarch Jim, who with the whole family helped dedicate the local First Tee a decade ago. “It does so much to help kids, but it has to take a backseat to some of the bigger city programs.”

The Cook family runs a First Tee program as well at the Cook’s Creek Golf Club, outside of Columbus.

The national program, which is sponsored by all the major tours, has brought a lot of boys and girls into the game. Even in inter-city areas. But the one unfortunate area, said John Cook, is that Tiger Woods is still the only African-American on tour.

“It’s unfortunate that more minorities haven’t come through to make it to the PGA,” said Cook. “Some have been successful in spots, but I wish more would stick with it. There are a lot of good athletes, but many go other directions.

“Golf is the most democratic of games. Everyone has a chance.”

Cook has made the most of his chances for sure. He won 11 times on the PGA Tour and for just over two years has competed on the Champions Tour. He has won twice on the “senior circuit” and is currently 14th on the money list this year.

“Unfortunately I’ll have to miss the next tournament,” said Cook. “Mark O’Meara is getting married. I told him he could have at least picked the following weekend when we don’t have a tournament.”

While the Champions Tour seems more laid back to the average follower, Cook said it is until the tournament gets rolling. “It’s still very competitive, especially on Sundays. We all still like to compete.”

He said one of the great things about the Champions Tour is that they visit different towns than they did on the PGA Tour and meet different people. “What we appreciate is the community involvement,” he said.