JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In northeast Florida, it's easy to find people who love to play golf.

A local nonprofit is working to help people facing adversities learn the sport.

This week, the group called Help Us Golf is working with some autistic children.

They're having a clinic at the area's best-known golf course -- TPC at Sawgrass.

"My swing is pretty awesome," one participant said.

Autistic children typically have trouble with communication and social interaction.

"You can see day by day they're more focused," TPC golf instructor Matt Borocz said.

Putting, chipping and perfecting their swing, the goal of this clinic is to introduce them to the sport, work on concentration and foster new friendships.

"Jarod (Kogis) shared with us his vision of creating HUG, help us golf," Borocz said. "He wanted to connect kids to the game of golf."

Kogis credits golf with helping him cope with autism and rehabilitate from a battle with cancer. He hopes it will have a similar impact on his new friends.

"I appreciate seeing it through, I really do," Kogis said. "There are some touching stories I've heard so far, I'll let them tell you."

He's talking about children like Clint Sanders, a 19-year-old with a mild form of autism. More of an artist, Clint didn't grow up playing sports, and because of this, he believes his relationship with his father suffered.

"I have a great relationship with my dad," said Olivia Sanders, Clint's sister. "I'm really into sports, and Clint has always kind of been by himself."

He hadn't played golf before the HUG clinic, and he's quickly fallen in love with the sport.

"It's calm, relaxing," Clint said.

Moreover, golf presents an opportunity for him to spend time with his dad, playing a sport like he's always wanted to do.

"It would be a great time to spend time with him," Clint said. "We haven't had like a father and son relationship."

This clinic is a big win for Kogis. Golf is helping autistic children overcome obstacles in the same way it helped him.

The next golf clinic takes place Oct. 3 and 4 at Jacksonville Beach, and it's open to any child with autism and their siblings.

For more information visit www.helpusgolf.org.