Chipping in for charity, that's what the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic presented by Kroger, is all about. The LPGA is a great coup for Toledo as it brings in a top-notch sporting event. But there is more.
It's the people, the volunteers, the sponsors, and everyone involved to make moola for this year's nonprofits: the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Adopt America Network, Central City Ministries, Family House, Feed Lucas County Children, Old Newsboys Goodfellow Association, Sylvania Area Family Services, and the classic's scholarship fund. Officials are counting the tournament's net tally for these groups.
Mr. Farr was in his hometown the weekend before the tournament started, entertaining friends and making appearances. Mr. Farr, the tournament's host, works year round to make sure the event is successful. He attends several golf tournaments to get ideas and to recruit celebrities. It was Judd Silverman's idea to bring the LPGA to Toledo. Don Michel asked his friend Mr. Farr to put his name on it. For the first two years, McDonald's Corp. supported the tourney.
Some event volunteers, such as parking attendants, started before the crack of dawn and never really got to watch the tournament. Behind the scenes were grounds chairmen Paul Cook and Jerry Osswald and operations chairmen, Richard Flaskamp, Carol Gibbs, and Scott Saunders. Carl Hovey, Marilyn Thomas, and Linda Wininger of player services were among the other chairmen. Let's not forget Carol Kelly and Sharon Toth, who catered to the celebrities, including Mr. Farr, all week long, day and night.
It was the 20th year to volunteer for Keith and Sue Hamen, who don't even play golf. Tom Elliott was a walking scorer. Inverness Club head pro David Graf verified scores. Will Garbe, 13, quite the golf player himself, was a runner for the score cards. Marcia Moore checked passes, as did Crystal Jordan. Tourney chairman - the volunteers' chief - was Jeff Easton, who took vacation to be there, as did other volunteers, including general chairman Alan Brass.
This year volunteers numbered nearly 1,300. But that's down from other years and some had to work double shifts. So if one wants to meet new friends and help make money for a cause, give the Farr office a call for next year.
The last Pro-Am of the week, hosted by National City Bank, was Wednesday. Then it was down to serious business on Thursday, the tourney's first day.
Getting in on part of the action were several neighbors across from the Farr entrance, turning their yards into parking lots for $4 to $5 per car. One place even threw in a car wash. Once through the entrance, spectators were showered with freebies: from shavers to bank cards and bandages.
It was a pleasant day to get exercise, watch great golf, get autographs, and chat with friends. Those privy to clubhouse passes sipped and supped on the patio or indoors, where the air conditioning was a nice reprieve. Folks with skybox passes had the best seats on the 18th hole. Just for the record, no ticket, no entry: No matter who one is, to get admitted to the adults-only corporate places required a ticket. In the skyboxes were Sharon Simmons and Ron Coffman, Mary Ann Michel, and Sharon and Frank Unkle.
Shhhh! "Quiet Please!" signs went up each time a golfer was teeing off, driving, or putting. Some folks had so much fun, they didn't always heed the warning, continuing to talk, using the prohibited cell phones, and digging in ice chests. Mr. Farr had to shush a few during play on the 18th hole.
When Mr. Farr and his wife, Joy, are in Toledo, the traditional stop is at The Beirut for some homecooked ethnic foods. They played host for several folks, including past tournament chairmen and board members, and celebrities. Diane Breese, with hubby Don, was tickled pink to meet UT football legend Chuck Ealey. Jay Hall, with wife Susan, made a beeline for the cake after everyone sang to Mr. Farr, whose birthday was July 1.
Also seen were Tom and Pat Urban, Tony and Mary Clark, Jim and Iris Poure, Don and Mary Decker, John Stockwell, Rita Mansour, and Gary and Theresa Geiger. Next year's chairman, Jim Murray, with his wife, Kay, was there, as were Al Coury, retired music talent promoter, and his wife, Tina, friends of Mr. Farr.
While Mr. Farr was busy with the tourney, Mrs. Farr shopped till she dropped. They attended dinners throughout the week, including one in the Stone Oak home of Vicky and Vann Black for Adopt America Network.
Back on the greens, some folks were privy to a private lesson with the "Pink Panther," Paula Creamer. Owens Corning hosted a reception and demonstration at Toledo Country Club. Head pro Don Kotnik assisted.
The LPGA was a way to spend time with mom or dad. In the clubhouse and on the links were Virginia Keller and son Tom, Skip Hilfinger and son Kurt, Larry Boyer and son Tim, and Steven Fine and son Chad, a former golf pro.
Kenneth Ullom of Westerville, Ohio, found the patio so peaceful, he couldn't resist taking a snooze. Those who were wide awake were Adams Kraul, Joe and Eileen Boyle and daughter Trish, Larry Sykes, Barbara and Bill Manley, and John and Duane Waite of Catawba Island. They were following Emily Bastel of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, who is a cousin of Highland Meadows golf pro Nick Myers.
Don Mewhort skipped out of the office- it was obvious with his shirt and tie - Friday afternoon for golf-watching. Ditto for Fran Voleris and Rob Shamy. Paul and Jan Smart lunched, then headed out again to follow Becky Morgan, whom they met while wintering on Captiva Island. Ms. Morgan played with the ladies on guest day, and Mrs. Smart was paired with Ms. Morgan's caddie.
Joe Lawless and his wife, Chris, in green pants with a print of pink golf clubs, stopped by for a quick bite. Mr. Lawless said he played golf with Nancy Lopez 21 years ago in the Pro-Am at Glengarry. Also seen were George and Claire Cole, Dale Leeds, and former Toledoan and Farr chairman Craig Washing of Montgomery, Ala. Jody Boyd chatted with Bob Schaffer of City Barbeque, which just opened on July 7.
Jane and Bruce Larsen followed their favorite, Leta Lindley. She's stayed with them for 10 years, from rookie to pro, then engaged, married, and mommy to baby Cole, who is now 17 months old. "It's like having your kids come home," Mrs. Larsen remarked. Mr. Larsen said, "This LPGA is one of the favorite stops" because of the course and the hospitality.
Cruising the links were Jim and Linda Telb, Alex Dulay and Brandon Matanick, Becky Vincent, Neema Bell, Judy and Bill Orcutt, who looked especially slim, and Deb Barnett, in a stylish visor from San Diego.
Autograph hounds collected signatures from just about every golfer. Many of the pros sported classy and cute golf togs and club covers. Many were from golf wear's cutting edge by Cutter & Buck. Natalie Gulbis and Christie Kerr, who have their own calendars, looked the princesses of style. Morgan Pressel, the 17-year-old rookie, also drew attention.
Marcia and Don Siemens were among the many In the Champions Tent on Saturday. Nearby, in the Public Pavilion, the After Play Party was open to all.
Yesterday, the finale drew a major crowd and cheers to winner Heather Bowie. Then, with the long week at an end, most folks went home. But the weary volunteers stayed to clean up, so Highland Meadows can get back to business as usual.
See you on the links next year.
First Published July 11, 2005, 1:19 p.m.
