The Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course celebrates its 40th anniversary next week. Local duffers, amateurs and pros alike convene at the week-long event to play, support charities, and watch the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and John Daly compete in the PGA Tour tournament that began in 1967 as the Andy Williams San Diego Open.
Run by The Century Club of San Diego, a nonprofit corporation organized for the main purpose of administering and promoting the annual event, the Invitational has become much more than a golf tournament.
Several charities benefit from the Buick Invitational, including a variety of military recipients.
“The tournament has always hosted a military luncheon; we decided to make it a fund-raiser for military charities by selling tables,” explained Tom Wilson, tournament director.
Wilson reported that during the 2006 Buick Invitational Military Appreciation event, the Century Club presented checks to military representatives totaling $76,000, equaling the 2005 donations for a two-year total of $152,000. This year’s luncheon is set for Tuesday, Jan. 23, and a few tables are still available.
In addition, the Century Club also offers complimentary admission to all active-duty military personnel and members of their immediate family.
Other charities that benefit from the Invitational and the Century Club include Support Our Schools presented by US Bank (see related story on this page), Chip-in for Charity presented by Sony, and the Boys and Girls Club. This year’s beneficiaries of the Diamond in the Rough Gala are Pro Kids Golf Academy and the Monarch School.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito (BGCSDTO) host a Casino Night fund-raising event at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Mission Tower on Saturday, Jan. 27. The evening includes Las Vegas-style gaming, a hosted bar, dinner and live entertainment. For more information, call (858) 720-2188 or visit www.bgcsdto.org/casino.htm. The Casino Night is part of the BGCSDTO’s Chip-In-For-Kids Weekend in conjunction with the Century Club.
The Helicopter Ball Drop, celebrating its third year with the tournament, is a unique fund-raiser to benefit the San Diego Regional Fire and Rescue Helicopter Program. Golf balls are sold throughout the week, and on Saturday, Jan. 27 at a mock green near the fourth hole of the North Course, thousands of numbered golf balls are dropped from Fire-Rescue Copter 1. The ball that goes in the hole, or comes closest to the pin, wins the grand prize. Each ball, however, is a chance to win one of several prizes.
The “Walk of Fame Ceremony” takes place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday following the Military Appreciation Luncheon. The ceremony, said Wilson, honors individuals and organizations who have given back to the PGA Tour. Past honorees include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper, Gene Littler, Tom Watson and Craig Stadler. Also in the Century Club Walk of Fame are longtime celebrity tournament host Andy Williams and Steve Horrell, who was a founding member of the Century Club.
To celebrate the tournament’s 40th anniversary, “We’re bringing back Tom Weiskopf, the first winner of The Andy Williams San Diego Open,” Wilson added.
Playing in the tournament at Torrey Pines is an amazing experience. So said Howard Hirsch, a PGA Pro visiting San Diego from Philadelphia.
Hirsch played in the Andy Williams tournament in 1977 and 1978 with golf legends Nicklaus, Palmer and Weiskopf.
“What sticks in my mind is the view from the cliffs ” more than the scores I shot,” he reminisced.
Buick Motor Division, which became the title sponsor of the event in June of 1991, has recently renewed its contract to continue as title sponsor through the year 2010.
For tickets or more information, visit the Buick Invitational Web site, www.buickinvitational.com, or call (619) 281-4653.
Schedule of Events
Monday, Jan. 22
(Admission Free)
“¢ Practice rounds for PGA Tour players
“¢ Sycuan Resort Pro-Am on South Course starting at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 23
“¢ Practice rounds for PGA Tour players
“¢ Noon Military Appreciation Luncheon
“¢ 1 p.m. “Walk of Fame” Ceremony
“¢ 3:30 p.m. Buick Family Days Clinic, Hole 4 North Course
Wednesday, Jan. 24
“¢ AT&T Pro-Am starting at 6:42 a.m. on North and South courses
Thursday, January 25
“¢ Opening round of the 2007 Buick Invitational, North and South courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 26
“¢ Second round of the Tournament, North and South courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 27
“¢ Third round of the Tournament, South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
“¢ Toshiba Pro-Am, North Course, starting at 8 a.m.
“¢ Helicopter Ball Drop, North Course, 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 28
“¢ Final round of the tournament, South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
“¢ Awards ceremony on the 18th green
“¢ Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito Golf Tournament, North Course, starting at 7 a.m.
