CLOSE TO PROS GOLF FANS FLOCK TO VALENCIA COURSE.

Byline: Kathleen Sweeney Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - As the sun peeked through the clouds Friday morning at Valencia Country Club, camera crews took their positions and tourists from Santa Barbara, Florida and points in between slipped on their walking shoes as the SBC Senior Classic teed off.

All eyes - from near and far - watched as 78 golfers began the first round of the Professional Golfers' Association of America tournament that made its Valencia debut Friday and will continue today and Sunday.

``I think it's great,'' said Dale Fouse of Valencia, who sat with his brother at the third green - one of the course's toughest holes. ``It's so close to home.''

SBC, a communications company that is managing and sponsoring the tournament, moved the Senior Classic to Valencia this year because it wanted more space. Wilshire Country Club in Beverly Hills, where it previously was held, was too confined for both the players and spectators.

Company officials knew of the Valencia course after the pros played there during the 1998 Nissan Open. The course offered more space and a tough playing field, and SBC signed a five-year contract with the club, which will be renewed each year.

Santa Clarita city officials hope the tournament, which will be televised on CNBC throughout the weekend, will bring the city recognition.

City Manager George Caravalho said officials support the tournament not only for revenue it brings to Santa Clarita businesses but in hopes tourists will come back and visit.

``All eyes are on the Valencia Country Club in Santa Clarita,'' Caravalho said. ``It's something that came up pretty fast, and the volunteers have done a great job. People are happy about the accommodations. Next year, we will have a longer time to develop and promote it.''

Hundreds of spectators marked their territory for the day with folding chairs and plastic bags full of snacks, while others followed suchfavorite players as Hale Irwin, Gary Player, Tom Kite and Chi Chi Rodriguez.

Abel Banuelos of Van Nuys has been watching Rodriguez play for as long as he can remember. So he took the rare opportunity Friday to shake the golfer's hand after catching Rodriguez on the fourth hole.

``Do you mind if I shake your hand, sir?' '' Banuelos asked the pro while holding out his hand. ``I like the way you talk and carry yourself. Good luck.''

Rodriguez, who was one under par at the time, simply said, ``Thank you,'' before climbing into his cart and driving away.

It's this type of camaraderie that spectators said they enjoy and why they will keep coming back to the Valencia Country Club.

Don Patterson has attended many tournaments around the Los Angeles area, he said. This is the first place where there's been room to view the golfers up-close and personal.

``It's such a nice atmosphere out here,'' the Van Nuys resident said. ``This is great.''

For those who follow the PGA Senior Tour, space wasn't an issue. They just hoped for sunny skies, to catch a glimpse of the greats and maybe pick up a tip or two.

``I played here last week so I wanted to see how the real guys do it,'' said Frank Nay, who brought his wife to spend the day with him at the tournament.

Mary Nay just started playing the game, so the Burbank couple grabbed a spot atop the hill next to the third hole where they could see the pros drive and putt.

``I'm new at the game and I'm trying to pick up some pointers,'' she said.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Chi Chi Rodriguez watches the progress of his shot from the rough on the fifth hole Friday at the Valencia Country Club.

(2 -- color) Golf fans make their way along the fairway to the 18th hole during Friday's opening round of the SBC Senior Classic tournament.

(3 -- color) Todd Fouse, left, watches the tournament Friday with his brother, Dale Fouse, center, and fellow golf fan David Marshal.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer