Golfers often find themselves struggling to get out of bunkers. If you’re one of them, here’s an idea: Stop playing your bunker shots like chip shots. Let’s start dissecting sand shots by getting into your setup. -- You want to have a wide stance, like you would when hitting a driver. -- Have your knees and your hands a little lower than normal. This should feel natural. -- The ball should be about a...

     Over 200 students from across Miami-Dade County practiced their skills at Miami Lakes Golf Club on Oct. 5 and 12 as part of a tournament for athletes in the Special Olympics program.       The event was hosted in part with Special Olympics and First Tee and invites students and adults to practice different golf skills. This is the first year the tournament was held at the Miami Lakes Golf...

     The Miami Lakes Optimist Club is seeking donated non-perishable items and gift cards for Thanksgiving meals to help families during the holiday.       Collections will continue until Nov. 17.      Items may be left in the collection bin inside the Optimist Clubhouse, 6411 NW 162 St., weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the concession stand when night games are being...

     Several members of the Town of Miami Lakes karate program had top finishes at the AAU National Championship held in Fort Lauderdale in July, said town spokeswoman Clarisell De Cardenas, who provided the photo.  The competitors took home numerous gold, silver and bronze medals. Front row, from left: Miguel Encarnación; Dylan Lozano; Silvano Valero; Ela Canaviri and Franco Folgueira. In back: Sensei/Instructor Miguel...

     October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Miami Lakes Athletic Club will have several events to raise donations for the Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative.      The Miami Lakes non-profit promotes disease prevention and patient education.      Nine classes  -- from Spin & Sculpt to Yoga to a Silver Sneakers circuit and more -- will be offered and listed on the...