Fans get Toshiba tastes this year

June Casagrande

Some might say defending champion golfer Hale Irwin is the star of

the Toshiba Senior Classic. Others might point to more in-your-face

personalities such as Chi Chi Rodriguez.

But the real stars, as some event organizers will tell you, are

the fans.

That’s why the annual golf tournament this year is rolling out

“Fan Features,” a slate of activities and special events to keep the

fans happy and coming back.

“While the core of the event is professional competition, there

are some things that make it a little more exciting and a little

different,” Tournament Director Jeff Purser said. “You gotta keep it

fresh.”

One added feature sure to generate a lot of interest was rolled

out as a test last year: the “VIP Fan of the Day” promotion, which

allows contest winners to go inside the ropes with their favorite

players for one full round.

Another feature that got a test-drive last year is the

question-and-answer sessions with some leading players immediately

after play on Friday and Saturday. These sessions will give fans a

chance to get up close and personal with tournament stars.

Similar to, but slightly more subservient than the VIP fan

promotion will be the “Caddie for a Day” program, which gives fans

the humbling honor of serving up clubs to some world-famous golfers.

And for those who aspire to someday swing in the big leagues,

there’s also the “Game-Improvement Platform with On-Site Teaching

Clinics.”

Of course, keeping the fans happy and coming out in droves carries

the side benefit of creating an even larger audience for sponsors,

whose support helps fund more than $1 million in charitable

donations.

“I think that the success that we’ve had in attracting large

galleries and support comes because it’s a community event, a good

entertainment product,” Purser said. “It’s a great setting. It’s a

fun social event that has taken root in the community and it’s become

the place to be in March.”