ST. FRANCIS TOURNEY READY TO TEE IT UP

JACKSON, Mo. -- With junior golf exploding across the nation, a unique event in Southeast Missouri offers young golfers a chance to pit their skills against one another in a competitive setting.

Junior golfers -- 11 to 18 years of age -- will tee it up today in the opening round of the St. Francis Heartland Junior Golf Classic at Bent Creek Golf Course.

And while Tiger Woods will be nowhere to be found today, his fingerprints will be evident. Woods, who owns six major championships at the age of 25, has been the driving force in the growing popularity of golf among youngsters. His success, style and personality have been a magnet for a youthful generation.

"The biggest challenge we have in our industry today is we've got all these young people that want to play golf," said Mike Litzelfelner, tournament director and member of the ownership group at Bent Creek.

"Now there's nothing worse than getting these young people excited about playing golf and not providing them with a place to play."

The tournament, in its eighth year, will have a field of 90 golfers in four age groups: 11-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18. Participants will be from Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee and Arkansas.

The tournament format itself is unique, in that it is a three-day, 54-hole medal-play event with a cut after 36 holes. After the cut, the field will be pared to about half with the players remaining vying for the various age-group championships over the final 18 holes. The scores will be cumulative, much like a pro event, with all three rounds counting in the final tally. The top five in each group will receive awards.

Players who perform well can also gain national ranking points in the National Golf Scoreboard Report.

"There is no other tournament like this in the state of Missouri, to my knowledge," said Litzelfelner. "And probably few across the country."

"For those who want to take their skills to the next level and beyond, they need to have events like this. They can compete against other young people that have similar interests, similar skill levels in a real competitive environment on a tough golf course and see where they stack up."

Some former champions will return to try to gain titles in other age groups.

Jarred Green of Sylva, Mo., the 15-16 year-old champion in 2000, will compete in the 17-18 class this year.

Thirteen-year old Justin Yoder of Versailles, Mo. will be making his third appearance in the tournament. After losing two years ago in a playoff, Yoder captured the 11-12 title last year.

Another former champion is Tyson Manering of Makanda, Ill., who won the 11-12 championship in 1999 will try to regain the magic in the 15-16 division this time around.

Beyond the immediate benefit to young golfers, the tournament also provides, through the support of several sponsors, funding for the St. Francis Foundation charity.

Said Litzelfelner, "It helps more people than just the juniors who are here this week."