YOUNG GOLFERS SET FOR BIG JUNIOR MEET

Times have changed.

The sandlots may not be filled anymore on summer afternoons with youngsters dreaming of some day playing in the professional ranks.

While local ballfields may be empty, the dreams have merely been relocated.

This week 122 youngsters from a five-state area will do a little dreaming in a different sport as they test their golf skills at the Heartland Junior Championship at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson.

The tournament, for boys and girls ages 10 to 18, is a four-day event which has grown like well-watered U.S. Open rough.

"For the state of Missouri, I'd say it's now the largest junior event in the state without a question," said Mike Litzelfelner of Bent Creek.

Youngsters will play a practice round today, followed by the tournament on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Like a pro event, a cut will be made after the first two days. With the exception of the 10-12 age division (nine holes), competitors will play 18 holes a day.

The 8-year-old tournament, formerly known as the Jim Belknap Golf Tournament, has increased dramatically in size. In 1997, the field consisted of 63 youths and increased to over 80 last year.

In the past, Bent Creek merely served as the host site, but got involved in the administrative side this year, also enrolling the help of The Friends of St. Francis.

"It got to the point where we wanted to get the event bigger," said Litzelfelner, adding he hopes to expand the event to a maximum of 192 players in 2000.

Like the young golfers, Litzelfelner also has a few dreams. He would eventually like to get the event on the junior national tour.

"At this point we want to make sure it's a good quality event and they're having fun. That's our whole emphasis here," he said.

Litzelfelner's own son, John, played in a lot of youth events before earning a golf scholarship to Southeast Missouri State University. The involvement with his own son has stressed the importance of quality youth tournaments.

"We really want to give any junior locally who wants to compete at a high level the opportunity to play first," said Litzelfelner. "That's our No. 1 goal, and to create an event exciting enough to bring golfers in from other areas as well."

This year's tournament has attracted players from Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as players from throughout Missouri.

The field is heavily tilted in the Tiger Woods direction with just four girls among the 122 competitors. All four will comprise the 15-16 age division.

The boys' age divisions will be 10-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18.

Litzelfelner said there are golfers in the 13-14 age division with 5 handicaps and scratch golfers in the 15-16 and 17-18 groups.

"It seems in every sport kids are getting better every year, particularly in golf," said Litzelfelner. "It's incredible to see the level these young kids are playing these days. There will be some very good golf here."

The practice rounds begin at 9:30 a.m. today and a barbecue will follow this evening at Jackson City Park. Through the rest of the week, play begins at 8 a.m. The course will be closed for public play until 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The course will be open to public play at 1 p.m. on Thursday.