The Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course celebrates its 40th anniversary this week. Local duffers, amateurs and pros alike are convening at the weeklong 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 military recipients. In addition, the Century Club also offers complimentary admission to all active-duty military personnel and members of their immediate families.
Other charities that benefit from the Invitational and the Century Club include Support Our Schools presented by US Bank, 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) will 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 information, call (858) 720-2188 or visit www.bgcsdto.org/casino.htm. 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.
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 Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom 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 2010.
For tickets or more information, visit the Buick Invitational Web site, www.buickinvitational.com, or call (619) 281-4653.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, January 25
“¢ Opening round of the 2007 Buick Invitational, North and South courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
viernes, 26 de enero
“¢ Second round of the Tournament, North and South courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
sábado, 27 de enero
“¢ 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.
domingo, 28 de enero
“¢ Final round of the tournament, South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
“¢ Awards ceremony on the 18th green
