Toshiba Senior Classic Golf: Hot spots

Richard Dunn

NEWPORT BEACH - The golf course at Newport Beach Country Club has

long been considered a fan-friendly layout for those at the Toshiba

Senior Classic.

There are many excellent spots to watch golfers on the 50-and-over

circuit, but some are hotter than others.

Whether you plant yourself behind a green, sit in the grandstands at

the driving range, stroll around the putting green or follow a favorite

player, there’s something for everyone on the par-71, 6,584-yard course

encompassing 100 acres of prime real estate for the Senior PGA Tour stop.

In leading up to the eighth annual Toshiba Classic, here are three of

the course’s hottest spots

1 -- The seventh green: It’s one of the most severe greens on the golf

course, according to superintendent Ron Benedict, and the green’s great

undulation provides many humbling putts for Newport Beach members, as

well as the pros on the Senior Tour.

2 -- Stand on the sloped area between the 16th fairway and 17th green,

where you can watch golfers’ approach shot to the 16th green and also see

tee shots at 17, the club’s signature hole.

3 -- The driving range: As players warm up for their round, or work on

their swing following 18 holes, it’s a great place to get a more personal

experience from the pros.

“I spend a lot of time at the driving range, on purpose. That’s

probably my favorite spot,” said Newport Beach Country Club head

professional Paul Hahn, who, at 48, will be eligible to play in the

Toshiba on a sponsor’s exemption in two years.

As a general rule, it is widely believed that the two best ways to

watch a golf tournament include:

Selecting a favorite player (or group) and following him, or situating

yourself behind a green and watch the threesomes play through -- you’ll

probably be an expert on the nuances of that green by the end of the day.

When following a certain player, it is best to stay ahead of the

golfer and let the action come to you, instead of standing at the tee box

and trying to catch up. It’s easy for fans to get caught in “the herd”

that way, especially if you’re following a marquee player like Lee

Trevino.

If you’re interested in watching tee shots, go to the driving range.

Another good place to watch the action, according to one reporter’s

viewpoint, is the far corner of the golf course at the par-3 No. 4, where

players hit over water onto an undulated green.

If properly seated behind the green, fans can also see the fifth tee

box. The area features plenty of trees for warm days and limited foot

traffic because of its remote location.

Another favorite spot is the busy intersection encompassing four

greens (2, 5, 7 and 11) and three tees (3, 6 and 8). The best way to get

there is walk alongside the No. 2 fairway, and, by the time you reach the

green, you’ll see a lot of activity.

The area also features the highest point on the course. On clear days,

fans can see snowcapped Mt. Baldy to the north, Catalina Island beyond

the Pacific Ocean horizon and the Upper Newport Bay to the west.