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On eve of OTA's, Steelers gather for Hoge-Starks-Ward golf outing

PITTSBURGH — With less than 24 hours before the Steelers begin their first organized team activities, many of the 2012 Steelers gathered at the Southpointe Golf Club Monday for the Hoge-Starks-Ward charity golf outing to benefit children through the Caring Place.

After a day of golf, it will be back to business for the Steelers on Tuesday, especially the team's offensive players, a group that is learning a new offensive system.

"In a way I feel like a rookie again in a veteran’s body. You know, it's kind of anxious and excited," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "I don't know a time that I've been more focused on an offense because you know last year was ours. Me and B.A. (Bruce Arians) were tweaking things and making stuff our own. Now I'm just trying to learn something new."

At the same time, Roethlisberger said he’s trying to forge a new relationship with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley. That relationship, according to a number of reports, got off to a shaky start.

"We're great. People blew it way out of proportion. It's something new that we're getting to know each other," Roethlisberger said. "There is no trouble between us at all."

Roethlisberger doesn't have a problem with the offense either.

"I'm not saying I don't like the playbook or anything like that," Roethlisberger went on to say. "Some of the stuff, like the concepts, is awesome. It's getting the understanding of something new."

Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders also likes what he sees for 2012 offense.

"You definitely got to apply yourself and dedicate yourself to it but I think it's going to be a great offense once everything gets put together," Sanders said

The Steelers begin organized team activities Tuesday at the team’s Southside facility.