Palmer to be honored during Toshiba Classic
It doesn’t seem too long ago that Arnold Palmer played in the Toshiba Classic. That was in 2000, when the legendary golfer — who died on Sept. 25 — played at Newport Beach Country Club and attracted hundreds of fans.
There will be plenty of reminiscing of that time and of Palmer during this week’s Toshiba Classic. The stories of the past started Tuesday morning at Balboa Bay Resort, where the annual Breakfast With A Champion took place.
Mark Simons, the president and CEO of Toshiba America Information Systems, still appeared giddy when he talked about the time he played with Palmer during Pro-Am. Simons said Palmer playfully made fun of Simons’ swing.
Hank Adler, the moderator of the breakfast interview with John Daly, talked about the time he and Tournament Director Jeff Purser asked Palmer to play in the Toshiba Classic.
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FOR THE RECORD
A previous version of this article stated that the moderator of the breakfast was Ira Garbutt. The moderator was Hank Adler.
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Adler, at the time the tournament chairman, said he and Purser ended up kind of cornering Palmer in a bathroom.
Palmer was still gracious and courteous, and happily accepted to play at the Toshiba Classic, Adler said.
Randy Youngman, the longtime Orange County Register columnist and golf writer who is writing for the paper again this week, covered the Toshiba at that time when Palmer roamed the Newport Beach Country Club golf course.
Palmer was charming and answered every question frankly and candidly, and also signed every autograph request from fans, Youngman said.
Youngman expressed great respect when describing Palmer and, like many others, displayed emotion when talking about his loss.
Garbutt asked for a moment of silence to honor Palmer as the breakfast began on Tuesday.
Toshiba Classic organizers are planning for another, “Salute to Arnie,” on Friday, when tournament play begins at Newport Beach Country Club.
Play will stop throughout the course for a moment of silence to honor Palmer and there will be a “salute,” by opening his signature four-color umbrella.
According to a press release: The story behind the iconic multi-colored umbrella dates back to 1961 when, in need of a break after countless hours attempting to identify a logo to accompany the founding of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, Palmer left the room and noticed a women opening a multi-colored umbrella. The symbol became so synonymous with Palmer that throughout his career he carried countless umbrella pins to pass out to his fans.
“Arnold Palmer single-handedly delivered golf to the forefront of American culture when he burst onto the scene in the 50s,” Purser said in a release. “He blazed the trail for those who would follow and became the first superstar of sports. The impact he has left on every single one of us that have a career in golf, play the game, or are fans of the sport will never be forgotten.”
Palmer influenced many pros, fans and non-fans of the sport. His career spanned more than six decades.
He won 62 PGA Tour titles, collected seven major titles and won every award imaginable in the world of golf.
He was loved by many. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the highest civilian award given in the United States, the Congressional Gold Medal.
Daly expected to draw crowds
Friday’s play will begin at 11:10 a.m.
Daly, sure to be a fan favorite, tees off at 11:20 a.m. on No. 1 with Gil Morgan and Bob Tway.
Defending-champion Duffy Waldorf also tees off on No. 1 at 12:40 p.m. with Paul Goydos and Billy Andrade.
Military Appreciation Day
The second annual Military Appreciation Day will take place Saturday at Newport Beach Country Club.
All former, active and reserve military members and up to three of their guests will be offered complimentary admission along with food and beverage vouchers in appreciation for their service to the United States.
The day will feature several scheduled events, including a “Messages to Military” board for fans to show and share their patriotism and a formal, full-color guard presentation and national anthem opening ceremony on the first tee.
For more information about registration for eligible military members, visit toshibaclassic.com.
STEVE VIRGEN is the Sports Editor of the Daily Pilot. He can be reached at steven.virgen@latimes.com.
