YOUNG GOLFERS LEARN TIPS ABOUT SPORT FROM VETERANS.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

While grizzled golf veterans were swinging through the second day of the SBC Classic, dozens of junior golfers with hopes of joining the PGA ranks one day were picking up a few tricks of the trade.

Saturday's junior golf clinic, sponsored by the Daily News of Los Angeles, brought young players from Santa Clarita to Long Beach to the Valencia Country Club. They enjoyed a day strolling with the game's legends on the greens and watching a trick-hitting exhibition from Chuck ``The Hit Man'' Hiter.

Jordan Kessee, 13, of Windsor Hills, learned the meaning of patience watching pros such as Tom Purtzer and Dana Quigley tee off.

``They don't really try to swing too hard to get it where it needs to go,'' said Jordan, who has been playing golf for about seven months. ``They're patient.''

Jordan was among dozens of amateur golfers, from 7 to 17, who trekked across Los Angeles County to spend a day at the clinic.

``The clinic provides future golfers with the opportunity to watch and learn from the pros,'' said Peter de Young, SBC Classic Tournament director. ``We hope that by providing free admission and some extra goodies, we will spark their interest in golf.''

The boys and girls greeted Hiter's swings at the driving range with marvel.

Hiter, a golf trick shot expert and former touring pro, holds the Guinness World Records distinction for distance and accuracy while hitting a golf ball out of mid-air.

``I want to spark some interest in them,'' Hiter said. ``As long as you can go out there and enjoy the sunshine, you can be a golfer.''

Maricar Nones, 12, of Downey, has been golfing for six years and dreams of going to the LPGA. But she needs to work on some basic skills first.

``I am kind of shaky at putting,'' she said. ``You have to keep your eye on the ball and the putter level on the ground.''

Sharon Norfleet, 15, of the Crenshaw area, has been playing for more than four years. She compares playing to acquiring a sense of inner peace.

``You learn quietness and to control your attitude,'' she said. ``If you have a bad temper, you can't play.''

Eugene Tong, [phone]

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com

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(color in SAC edition only) Hundreds of golf fans came out for the second round of the 2005 SBC Classic PGA tour, including a cadre of young golfers eager to learn about the sport.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News