Kirk Triplett Wins the 2019 Hoag Classic

Kirk Triplett Wins the 2019 Hoag Classic

One of the largest philanthropic events in PGA TOUR Champions history, the annual tournament has raised more than $20 million for Hoag’s programs and services

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 11, 2019 — The 2019 Hoag Classic returned to Newport Beach Country Club on March 6–10, 2019 with Hoag as the title sponsor for the first time and presenting partners Konica Minolta and City National Bank.

With an impressive PGA TOUR Champion lineup competing for the $1.8 million purse, Kirk Triplett birdied the 18th hole to finish at 3-under 68 and won the championship with a 12-foot eagle putt on the second playoff hole to defeat Woody Austin. Triplett became the 24^th annual Hoag Classic champion by closing with a three-day total of 203 (-10). The win is Triplett’s seventh on PGA TOUR Champions, and this is the sixth year in eight seasons on Tour he has claimed a title. Last year, Triplett won the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf in a playoff alongside Paul Broadhurst.

“You guys have it all here in Orange County. You’ve got a great golf course, fantastic clubhouse, great staff. Jeff Purser and his staff do a great job every year,” Triplett said addressing the crowd after his win. “You have a great partner, and these tournaments, you need a hook, a connection to the community. My years playing the pro-am here, I played with many people from Hoag Hospital and I know that they make a big difference in this community, so thank you for supporting them.”

The tournament raised more than $20 million in total proceeds throughout its history for Hoag’s programs and services, as well as other local charities – making it one of the most successful philanthropic events for the PGA TOUR Champions.

“As a partner and beneficiary of the Hoag Classic for the last 21 years, Hoag is proud to be part of an event that shines a spotlight on the generosity of our community,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, president and CEO of Hoag. “The proceeds from this year’s tournament will help Hoag continue to provide the highest quality health care services to the communities we serve.”

The Classic features players with more than 400 worldwide professional victories, including 50 major championships. The event has also featured more than 40 PGA TOUR Champions members in the World Golf Hall of Fame, many of who are still competing. This year more than 70 players competed, including golf legends such as Fred Couples, Mark O’Meara, José María Olazábal, Scott McCarron and newcomer Darren Clarke.

In addition, the economic benefits of the Hoag Classic exceed millions of dollars. An economic analysis conducted for the event in 2008 found the tournament to have an annual impact throughout Southern California of nearly $28 million in tournament production, hotel and lodging, dining, goods and services, corporate sponsorships and media production.

“This year’s Hoag Classic brought together nearly 70,000 guests, 250-plus sponsors and 800 volunteers for an incredible week of golf and fundraising,” said Jeff Purser, executive director of the Hoag Classic. “With Hoag’s support as title sponsor, our presenting partners Konica Minolta and City National Bank, we were able to provide an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to and enhance the health and vitality of our wonderful county.”

Throughout the tournament week, attendees enjoyed world-class golf, along with exciting events and experiences for the whole family.

The Championship Weekend kicked off on Friday, March 8 with Corporate Day presented by City National Bank, giving local business professionals an opportunity to get out of the office and engage with clients during the first round of competition.

The fourth annual Military Appreciation Day presented by CoreLogic on Saturday March 9 was an opportunity to honor all active duty, military reserve, National Guard, military retirees and veterans – and up to three of their guests – with complimentary admission to thank them for their service. Continuing with tradition, the tournament donated more than $60,000 to military causes, including Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, Open Hearts for Purple Hearts, Medal of Honor Foundation, Freedom Committee of Orange County and Folds of Honor. Distinguished guests of honor at Military Appreciation Day included Maj. Gen. William Lyon USAF (Ret.); Lt. Col. Ted Tanner USAF (Ret.); Lauren Bruner, CFC USN; Lt. Col. Dore Gilbert USAR MC (Ret.); Jack Linscott, GM USN; Lt. Gen. Robert R. Ruark USMC (Ret.); Fred M. Whitaker, CPL USA; RDML Daniel Dwyer USN; Brian M. Thacker, 1Lt USA; CDR Brian Cunningham USN; and Jame McCloughan, PFC USA.

For the Final Round on Sunday, March 10, students ages 18 and under received complimentary admission for Student Day presented by Kingston Technology. Young golf fans were able to enjoy the Kids Fun Zone with a variety of games and prizes and participate in the putting contest. Kingston Technology and Hoag Charity Sports also awarded $70,000 in scholarships in support of The First Tee of Orange County to local students who have participated in the program. Timmy Nguyen and Hilyan Bautista were each awarded $30,000 and Diego Gonzalez, Paige Solano, Mason Blum and Holden Kelly each received $1,500.