BUSINESSES HOPE TO RIDE A `TIGER'; FIRMS LOOK FOR SALES PUSH IF WOODS COMMITS TO GOLF TOURNAMENT.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

With the Nissan Open Golf Tournament less than two weeks away, local businesses are hoping to hear a roar from a Tiger - as in Woods - to help boost merchandise sales.

Woods, the enormously popular Master's champion, has not officially announced whether he will participate in the $2.1 million tournament, which begins Feb. 26 at the Valencia Country Club. Players have 72 hours before an event to announce their intentions and most usually wait until the last minute to do so.

Toby Zwikel, a tournament coordinator with the PGA, said officials hope the Valencia tournament will draw Woods, along with Ernie Els, Greg Norman and other top golfers.

``The purse is large and it's a major tournament so (Tiger) may be there,'' said Dan Hernandez, the assistant golf pro at the Valencia Country Club.

Dale Prussoff, store manager at the Valencia Golf Center on Lyons Avenue, said he's preparing for a tournament with or without the 22-year-old Woods.

``We certainly hope Woods will be there and a lot of people will show up,'' he said, adding that the store will reduce prices on merchandise by 30 percent during the event.

Armando Bermudez, the manager of Big 5 Sporting Goods in Valencia, said while the store is selling tickets for the event, he didn't expect business to increase during the tournament.

``I think afterwards people will come in and buy because (of the hype) and the excitement,'' he said.

With hotels sold out months ago, the city has hailed the coming of the tournament by posting banners on light poles around the valley.

Hernandez said the course is also in top shape after being pummeled a week ago by El Nino storms.

``This is one of the best courses there is,'' Hernandez said. ``It is going to be a treat for everyone to be here.''

The Newhall Land and Farming Company, which built the course, is maximizing Valencia's exposure to sell the community, said company spokeswoman Marlee Lauffer.

Newhall Land will have a corporate tent at the tourney, courting businesses considering relocation to the area, home buyers and retailers.

Mike Haviland, the city's economic development manager, said while he hasn't figured how much the tournament will mean in terms of dollars for the region, he expects the area to reap big benefits.

``Because we've never done anything like this it is hard to say how much, financially, it'll mean for the city,'' Haviland said. ``But to have that many people visit us is really exciting.''

Sherry Foyt, a front desk receptionist for the Hilton hotel, one of the sponsors of the Nissan Open, said workers are preparing for the big crowds. Spokesmen for Best Western, Travelodge, Residence Inn and Ranch House Inn said business is brisk at those facilities, too.

``We're very excited. We have been sold out since last year when it was announced the tournament was coming to Valencia,'' Foyt said.

While restaurants gear up to feed thousands of spectators and sports stores hoping to reap financial boons, many said much of the economic impact rests on the shoulders of Woods.

``My professional guess is if Tiger plays there will be at least over 200,000 spectators in total for the tournament,'' Hernandez said.