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By KENNETH KNIGHT

kknight@tampatrib.com

Published: July 1, 2009

NEW TAMPA - The Heritage Isles Golf and Country Club is seeking young golfers with the skills and finesse to become the next Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson or Brittany Lincicome.

The golf and country club at 10630 Plantation Bay Drive launched its inaugural Jim Dent-Rick Bradshaw Summer Slam Junior Golf Tournament Series this week.

There will not be an enrollment fee to enter the summer slam series, designed to expose boys and girls to golf and offer them tips on ways to improve their game.

Dent and Bradshaw will offer free junior clinics, said Frank Camara, a Heritage Isles resident and an organizer of the summer slam series.

"We are vey excited," said Camara, who also serves on the Heritage Isles master homeowners association and community development district boards. "It's a great way to give back to the community."

The tournaments, which are open to junior golfers ages 6 to 19, will be held at the Heritage Isles golf course on Tuesdays this summer. The entry fee is $25 and includes the cost of lunch.

In addition to offering free lessons and tournaments, Camara and other organizers plan to ask Heritage Isles Golf and Country Club members and other golfers to donate their unwanted clubs to support public school golfing programs.

"We plan to donate free clubs to schools that need them," Camara said. "Anybody who wants to donate clubs can bring them by the clubhouse, and we will make sure they go to the school district."

A portion of the proceeds from the tournaments also will go to help public school golf programs, he added.

"This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the summer weather, make many new friends and develop a golf swing that will last a lifetime," Camara said in a statement.

Heritage Isles property manager Michael Tillotson said the summer golf series is a win-win for youngsters and the community.

"It will keep the kids active doing the summer and offer good exposure for the golf and country club," he said.

The Heritage Isles Community Development District and master homeowners association have launched a campaign to raise the profile of the public golf course and more money to support the operation.

The first slam event was June 30. Organizers plan to hold the next event in about two weeks.

Those interested should contact the Heritage Isles Golf and Country Club at (813) 907-7447 or visit its Web site at www.heritageislesgolf.com to register.

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 259-7413.

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