YOUTH GOLF TOURNAMENT RIDES COTTAIL OF A TIGER'S SUCCESS

A threat to win anytime he tees the ball up, Tiger Woods has definitely made an impact on the PGA.

But to really see the far reaching impact of the 21-year-old sensation, one needs to be in the `golf trenches' like part-owner/club manager Mike Litzenfelner at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson.

The Club hosted the 5th Annual Jim Belknap Youth Golf Tournament last week and saw one of its biggest fields to date as 63 youths participated.

The turnout was in step with what Litzenfelner calls the highest interest in youth golf in the seven years of Bent Creek's existence.

"At the junior clinics and such there is tremendous interest with young kids and their parents," he said.

What does Litzenfelner see as the reason for the increased interest?

"I think it's Tiger," said Litzenfelner. "That's one word. I don't think there's any doubt about it. What he's done is far reaching."

What Woods has done is win five professional tournaments in his first 16 starts, including his first major, the Masters. This has come on the heels of an unparalleled amateur career in which he became the first player to win three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles.

The player, his accomplishments and an advertising blitz are reaching a target -- America's youth.

"The commercials, the sponsors and what he's done has largely made these kids excited," said Litzenfelner.

He related a recent story where a kid no taller than the pro counter recently came in with a $20 bill and asked how much he could play.

Litzenfelner asked him how he wanted to play. The youngster responded, "As much as I can. That Tiger Woods has got me inspired!"

"TV is a powerful tool -- all the media," said Litzenfelner. "There's hardly a week goes by when there's not a mention of what he's doing. And that's free advertisement for us, because you can't mention Tiger without mentioning golf. He's been the greatest thing to happen to the golf industry in some time."

And while youngsters are taking up the game, Litzenfelner hopes Bent Creek can help foster the interest.

The Belknap tournament is hoping for 100 golfers next year.

"We're looking to make it the premier youth event in the state," said Litzenfelner. "It will take some doing, but we have the facility and the junior interest."