INTEREST in Tiger Woods, sparking interest among area kids

Wednesday, June 13th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tiger Woods is part of the reason more than 35,000 golf fans have converged on Tulsa. Some of his most devoted fans are children. But, for youngsters, taking up the game of golf isnâ€™t always easy. KOTVâ€™s Tami Marler visited a local course helping the little ones hit the links.

"Awesome dude, good shot. Going toward the hole, on the green." Willie Morrison, Golf Veteran: "Some time in the near future these kids could be playing in the US Open. And it's the unlikely kids that do it. Just the average kid can become a real good golfer; and it don't take what you call superstar athletics. It just takes a good will and good coordination. One youngster involved in Morrison's class, "I'm not really into the hard, heavy sports. I don't like soccer as much, but I like golf. It's a lot more calmer." Andrew Palmer is fast-becoming a golf enthusiast. He even gets to go to the US Open. "Thursday? I'm hoping I at least see Tiger, and I know I will. My dad said he's going to be there at 12:30. I'm hoping to at least see him. See him play." That's what most kids ay they want, to see Tiger Woods, a man who should never have ended up where he is today. Back when he was a two-year-old with a mean swing, minorities weren't even allowed in country clubs where tournaments are generally played. Neither were women or children, like Sam Harrison. "We learned how to finish your swing, and how to go up on your back swing." Kids like Sam, and even adults like me, are learning those skills and more here at Lit'l links, where anyone can play, just about any time. Even if you don't know how."

Jim Ingram, Lit'l Links: "They didn't think it was accessible to them. It wasn't normal; it was like an old man's sport." But Jim Ingram says golf isn't just for your dad anymore. That's why he built Lit'l Links from a cow pasture. "We hope we're teaching them to play the game of golf because you can do this sport the rest of your life."

Lit'l Links Golf Club has the largest junior program in the nation, with more than 1,200 members. But it's not just for kids. Members range from 10-month-old beginners to experienced adults.

For more information CLICK HERE or call 918-481-FORE.