Toshiba Classic gets early commitments

Defending champion to return, along with previous winners Hale Irwin and Gary McCord.Tournament officials have announced the first group of early commitments for the 2006 Toshiba Classic.

The PGA Champions Tour golf tournament, now in its 12th year, will be held March 13 to 19 at the Newport Beach Country Club. Tickets are now available for the tournament, previously known as the Toshiba Senior Classic.

The field is led by defending champion Mark Johnson. A former beer truck driver, Johnson won last year’s tourney in style by knocking in a 91-yard approach shot from the rough on the 18th hole. His victory earned him $247,500, more than he had made in his previous professional career.

The list of early entries includes two-time tournament champ Hale Irwin (1998 and 2002) and 1999 champion Gary McCord. Well-known Champions Tour members Tom Kite, Craig Stadler, Ben Crenshaw and Raymond Floyd are entered, as is 2005 Champions Tour Player of the Year Dana Quigley.

Among the first-time Toshiba Classic participants will be Peter Jacobsen. One of the more popular players during his time on the PGA Tour, Jacobsen has seven PGA Tour wins and two Champions Tour victories to his credit.

Players have until March 10 to officially commit to playing in the tournament.

One-day passes for the tournament are $18. Season grounds badges -- which include admission to all seven rounds of the tournament -- are $50. Season clubhouse badges, which also include access to the clubhouse, are $100 in advance.

“Our ticket structure is designed for families to enjoy a unique entertainment opportunity at an affordable price,” tournament director Jeff Purser said in a press release. “We are proud to be able to bring such an outstanding event to our patrons.”

Tickets are available through the tournament office at (949) 660-1001 or online at www.toshibaclassic.com. They may also be purchased at Roger Dunn Golf Shops in Orange County.

The Golf Channel will have three days of live tournament coverage.20060125idms8ckfDAILY PILOT(LA)Mark Johnson was the winner at last year’s Toshiba Classic.