FAIR GAME:Toshiba Classic not just about golf

I get excited every year about this time. And no, it’s not because I’m expecting a tax refund in the mail. It’s been years since that happened.

Plain and simple, I love the Toshiba Classic. I love it because it’s golf, good golf. I love it because I grew up cheering on many of the competitors that are playing. I love it because it takes a mass of volunteers from the local community to make the tournament happen. And, I love it because it benefits Hoag Hospital in a big way.

I was there the first year when it all began in 1995. Back then it didn’t benefit Hoag Hospital and it was played at Mesa Verde Country Club, rather than Newport Beach Country Club.

But I got to play in the two-day Pro-Am. My professional playing partners were Harold Henning and DeWitt Weaver.

Looking back, those were probably the two most memorable rounds of golf that I’ve ever played.

Sure, it was fun playing with the pros. But more importantly, it was more about who I didn’t play with.

My dad, who had introduced me to the game of golf at a young age and spent many of his Saturdays and Sundays with me out on the course, was in the very serious final throes of cancer.

I had invited him to fly into town and join me for the tournament week.

He couldn’t play, but through special arrangements, I got him with me, inside the ropes, inside a golf cart.

We had a great time together. But, it was our last time together on a golf course. He died soon thereafter.

So, each and every year as this week approaches, I think of great memories I’ve had over the years.

I think of my dad.

I think of the year that Arnold Palmer came to town and I got to walk 18 holes with him inside the ropes.

I remember the rake that saved Hale Irwin.

I remember the Bob Murphy nine-hole playoff win over Jay Sigel and Gary McCord’s five-hole playoff win over John Jacobs, Allen Doyle and Al Geiberger.

I remember playing a practice round with Andy Bean, his “first round” out on the Champions Tour and joining him for lunch in the player’s lounge afterwards.

And I certainly can’t forget Mark Johnson’s eagle from 91-yards out on the final hole of his victory two years ago.

Each year, through the hard work of tournament director Jeff Purser and his staff, the Toshiba Classic gets better and better.

I promise you that this year it won’t be an exception.

Today, of course, is the first Pro-Am.

Tuesday, it’s Breakfast with a Champion, or as we’ll refer to it this year, Breakfast with the Champions. Speaking at the event will be USC alums Dave Stockton, Craig Stadler and Scott Simpson.

Following that will be the Shot from the Top. Twelve teams — comprised of a Champions Tour professional, a member of the media and two golfers from a local Orange County high school — will hit off the top of the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa down to the second-green at NBCC. The shot is only 118 yards, but remember, they’re hitting from the roof of a 16-story building. It’s certainly not something done everyday.

The teams will be competing for laptop computers that will be donated to area high schools on behalf of Toshiba.

Things continue Wednesday and Thursday with the Classic Pro-Am.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it’s tournament time.

But the fun doesn’t stop there.

Friday morning will also be a Women’s Golf Seminar & Clinic designed to help newcomers to the game with valuable on-course knowledge and a fashion show. Learn how to mark your ball correctly, fix a ball mark, or simply, learn how to enjoy the game more.

Late Saturday afternoon, Wells Fargo then steps up and hosts a junior clinic.

Someone asked me who I think will win this year? The answer was easy, I guarantee it’ll be our local community and Hoag Hospital.