A Message From the Hoag Classic
In light of what has transpired the last couple of weeks, the Hoag Classic team feels incredibly fortunate to have been able to complete this year’s tournament. While we celebrate the conclusion of the 2020 Hoag Classic, we write this understanding the challenges that all of you, as our sponsors, volunteers and fans are facing – and our nation as a whole. We are equally concerned about our friends and colleagues at other PGA TOUR events throughout the country and feel terrible about many of them losing their events this year. As you read this, we hope that the great memory of this year’s event, and the promise of better days, puts a smile on your face. Stay safe and healthy, and we’ll look forward to seeing all of you on greener fairways in the near future.
If you would like to help in the fight against COVID-19, Hoag Hospital Foundation has created the Hoag COVID-19 Support Fund to help Hoag respond to the evolving needs of our patients, our caregivers and our community. Hoag anticipates a need for employee support totaling upwards of $5M and personal protective equipment exceeding $10M. Visit covid19.com.HoagPromise.org for more information.
Thank you to the over 75,000 fans for joining the Hoag Classic at Newport Beach Country Club for all the golf action March 4 th to the 8 th . It was a thrilling conclusion to the 2020 Hoag Classic where PGA TOUR Champions newcomer, Ernie Els earned his first victory in just his third Champions TOUR start. The South African, World Golf Hall of Fame member earned a two-stroke victory over Fred Couples, Robert Karlsson and Glen Day. Els birdied three of his final seven holes coming down the stretch – including No. 18 – on his way to capturing the title. The player field was filled with additional PGA TOUR Stars including two-time Hoag Classic Champions, Jay Haas, Hale Irwin and Fred Couples plus legends John Daly, Bernhard Langer, Scott McCarron and Ángel Cabrera.
Newport Beach Country Club once again provided a one-of- a-kind atmosphere for all the week-long tournament activities. The Hoag Classic began with the Monday Pro-Am, presented by ActivePDF and the Legends Pro-Am, presented by Konica Minolta on Wednesday and Thursday. In total, over 700 amateurs participated in the golf action for this unique experience to play with the legends of golf.
Tuesday’s Breakfast with a Champion, presented by Allergan brought 250 fans together at Newport Beach Country Club for the opportunity to spend the morning with PGA TOUR legend, Ernie Els. Els entertained guests with stories of his unforgettable career and his passion for The Els Center of Excellence, a cause close to the heart of Els and his wife Liezl, as their son Ben, 17, has been impacted by Autism. If you have an interest in learning more about Els Center of Excellence or donating, visit their website here.
The tournament began on Friday, March 6 th , featuring Corporate Day, presented by City National Bank where local businesses were encouraged to get out of the office and enjoy the first day of competition. All City National Bank members received two complimentary tickets to the Hoag Classic.
Saturday brought the 5 th Annual Military Appreciation Day, presented by CoreLogic. The tournament was proud to honor all active and retired service members- and up to three guests- with complimentary admission and food service. The Hoag Classic provided $75,000 to military causes, including the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the Navy Memorial Foundation and the Blue Angels Foundation. A patriotic opening ceremony brought together local military members and dignitaries to honor all the brave men and women who served our nation. Also, a new addition to the festivities included the Military Village, presented by CoreLogic which took place all weekend long. The Military Village featured our military charities, the “Messages for Military” board, the Konica Minolta, “Field of Flags”, where spectators were encouraged to plant a flag in memory of someone who has served or is serving our country, and the PAU Maui, “Toast to the Troops” bar.
Finally, as is our tradition, the Hoag Classic honored eight individuals who distinguished themselves with service to our country and community. Please visit the Colonel Norman G. Ewers Military Wall of Honor page on our website to learn more about these outstanding Americans, click here.
Two-thousand students came out for Student Day, presented by Kingston Technology, where all kids 18 and under received complimentary admission. Students participated a putting contest run by Newport Beach Country Club professionals for the chance to win prizes. Kids of all ages participated in the Student Fun Zone which featured golf themed activities provided by the First Tee of Orange County and Newport Beach Country Club. Through this annual initiative, parents and their kids can enjoy the tournament together as a family.
As part of the continued partnership to help further the education of students, the Hoag Classic partnered with Kingston Technology to fund $70,000 in scholarships. Luis Cornejo was the first recipient of the Kingston Technology-Hoag Classic, Scholarship fund for Hoag Employees. Additional scholarships from this employee scholarship program will be granted later in the year. The second recipient, through the Newport Beach Country Club scholarship fund to help support Newport Beach Country Club employees, was given to Jesse Lopez, who’s father is an employee at Newport Beach Country Club. Finally, four students from The First Tee of Orange County each received $2,500 to help further their education.
“ We are beyond grateful to Kingston Technology for their generous donation towards the Hoag Employee Scholarship Program. These scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for our staff to further their education and make strides towards achieving their career goals,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, president and CEO of Hoag.
In addition to Military charities and the Kingston Technology & Hoag Classic Scholarship Fund, all other net proceeds will benefit the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center. For more information on the Allen Diabetes center, click here.
This tournament is only possible through the support of Hoag, our presenting partners, Konica Minolta and City National Bank and our additional Gold, Silver, Bronze and Community sponsors. Special thanks to our 700 volunteers, which are the heart and soul of this tournament and of course the fans. Thank you for another successful year. See you in March 2021!