Cheers for the greens

Golf fans had plenty to cheer about this month at the Toshiba Senior

Classic.

There was “Beer Man” Mark Johnson’s first Champions Tour win,

which he punctuated with an eagle on his final hole of the

tournament, the par-5 18th. You can add his 91-yard walk up the

fairway to the memorable moments that have come to define the

tournament, whether Tom Purtzer’s course-record 11-under par 60 in

2004 or Gary McCord’s 1999 victory on the fifth playoff hole.

There was Jake Rohrer’s announcement that this year’s tournament

would be his last as co-chairman. Rohrer, who’s been involved in

charitable golf tournaments in Newport Beach for a quarter century,

received a standing ovation during the annual “Breakfast With the

Champions.”

There was that breakfast, which showcased McCord and fellow CBS

commentator David Feherty. If you were there, you aren’t likely to

forget it any time soon.

And at the top of the list of things to cheer is the tournament’s

new record fundraising total of $1.07 million, most of which goes to

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Once again, organizers have

reached amazing charitable heights.

Ah, speaking of heights. There also was the “closest to the pin”

contest from the roof of the Newport Beach Marriott. Can’t forget to

cheer that innovative idea.