Couples commits to Classic
Add another big name to the marquee for the 18th Toshiba Classic. And this name will surely attract a large gallery during the tournament at Newport Beach Country Club.
Couples, a fan favorite and the 2010 Toshiba Classic champion, has committed to be among a decorated field March 12 through 18. The three-day tournament, part of the Champions Tour of pros 50 and older, takes place March 16, 17 and 18.
Couples isn’t the only former Toshiba champ in this year’s tournament. He’ll be one of nine past champions, alongside Nick Price (2011), Bernhard Langer (2008), Toshiba’s only two-time winner Hale Irwin (1998 and 2002) and Jay Haas (2007). The field of players also includes 28 of the top 30 players from last year’s money list.
The roster gives credence to the common belief that the Toshiba Classic is one of the top stops on the Champions Tour.
“To have Fred Couples commit to this event is a real highlight for us, and a great addition to an already spectacular field,” Jeff Purser, Executive Director of the Toshiba Classic, said in a release. “Not only is Fred a past champion, but garners an amazingly large gallery at the Toshiba Classic and every tournament he plays.”
Purser has good reason to be excited about the field, which also features World Golf Hall of Fame members Ben Crenshaw, Larry Nelson, Tom Kite and Tom Watson.
Former Masters winners Craig Stadler (1992), Fuzzy Zoeller (1979), Larry Mize (1987), Mark O’Meara (1998) and Sandy Lyle (1988) are among the 23 major winners in the field. Curtis Strange (1988-89) and Scott Simpson (1987) are former U.S. Open champs at this year’s Toshiba, as is Corey Pavin (1995), who won the Allianz Championship last month.
Couples, 52, won the Masters in 1992. His sweet swing has led to 53 wins under his best since turning pro in 1980. He lived a few years in Newport Beach during the 80s and has said he enjoys coming back to Orange County.
Couples, the PGA Tour Player of the Year for both 1991 and 1992, certainly enjoyed Newport Beach in 2010. His victory at Newport Beach came in his debut at the Toshiba and was part of a stellar year that ended with a Champions Tour Rookie of the Year honor.
Couples, a five-time player on the U.S. Ryder Cup team and a U.S. President’s Cup team captain (2009 and 2011), was the first Champions Tour player to grab wins on three of his first four starts.
Last year, he won his first senior major title, the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship, before winning the AT&T Championship two months later.
He’ll be among the talented field vying for the $262,500 winner’s check.
Ticket information can be found at https://www.toshibaclassic.com.
Twitter: @SteveVirgen