Toshiba Senior Classic set to tee off

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- Officials are tying up last-minute preparations for the

Toshiba Senior Classic set to begin Sunday.

Despite the recent rains, tournament director Jeff Purser said they are

on schedule.

“It looks good,” he said. “There have been no major catastrophes. The

rain helped -- the course looks beautiful.”

The annual tournament at the Newport Country Club will include 78 senior

golf professionals who are 60 years and older. The Classic is one of 18

events on the Senior Tour.

This year, officials are expecting 80,000 spectators to show up, drawn in

part by golf legend Arnold Palmer, who will participate in the event.

Defending champion Gary McCord will lead and compete for the $195,000

pot.

“We are anticipating that this will by far be our biggest year,” Purser

said.

In addition to a great tournament, Purser hopes the crowd will also help

the group reach its goal of making $1 million for charity. The lead

charity and event organizer is the Hoag Hospital Foundation. Additional

recipients are Orangewood Charities and the Southern California PGA

Foundation.

City officials said they’re excited about hosting the event.

“The media coverage will provide a fabulous opportunity to show off our

beautiful city,” Mayor John Noyess said.

FYI

* What: Toshiba Senior Classic

* When: Sunday through March 5

* Where: Newport Beach Country Club at 1600 East Pacific Coast Highway

* How much: Advance-purchase, good-any-one-day exchangeable coupons are

$14. Single-day tickets good Monday through Thursday are $15. Single-day

tickets good Friday through Sunday are $17. A weeklong grounds badge,

good Monday through Sunday is $50. And a season clubhouse badge, good

Monday through Sunday is $100.

* Call: Tickets are available by calling tournament headquarters at (949)

515-4840 or at o7 www.ToshibaSeniorClassic.comf7 .