NEWPORT PRO-AM GOLF : Parker Hopes to Keep Edge Close to Home

The 36-hole Newport Pro-Am golf tournament begins today at the Newport Beach Country Club, with 74 professional golfers competing for a $50,000 purse, the largest in the tournament’s 16-year history.

This year’s field includes five former Newport tournament winners--Perry Parker of Costa Mesa, John McComish, Jon Chaffee, Tony Grimes and Mike Gove.

In addition, four former PGA Tour winners--Tommy Jacobs, Ernie Gonzales, Buddy Allin, Mark Pfiel--and several players from the Golden State and Hogan mini-tours are expected to compete on the 6,546-yard Newport Beach Country Club course.

Parker, the defending champion, attempting to become the first player to win back-to-back titles.

Parker, a 25-year-old UC Irvine graduate, said his Newport victory last year opened a lot of doors for him.

It also boosted his confidence.

“This tournament helped me realize that I can win and that I am capable of shooting low numbers with the pressure coming in,” he said.

“This tournament has helped me realize that I can win. It’s the best field that I have ever been in and beat.”

Parker, an assistant golf coach at UC Irvine, continues to compete on the Golden State Tour; he missed qualifying for the new Hogan Tour by one shot.

Parker said he will try to qualify for the Canadian Tour this summer, and will return for his third qualifying attempt on the PGA Tour in October.

McComish, the only person to win this tournament twice, will be back to try for his third victory. McComish won the PGA’s long-driving category in 1983 and 1987. He had his best year on the tour in 1989, winning $76,495.

The Newport tournament, sponsored by the 552 Club, has raised nearly $1 million for Hoag Presbyterian Hospital in its 16-year history.

The first tournament, held in 1975, was known as the Crosby Southern, a second PGA Tour event for players unable to qualify for the Crosby Clambake in Pebble Beach.

There is no admission charge for the tournament, which is scheduled to conclude Saturday.