Everybody loves Brian

Chris Dubia’s eyes began to water and his voice took on a soft tone when he thought of all the generosity that has come for his son, Brian.

Dubia is aware that everyone who knows Brian loves Brian, the 25-year-old grocery bagger who is respectful to everyone he meets and goes out of his way for most customers.

Outside of work, Brian has a strong passion for golf, which is why Dubia was once again fascinated when another kindhearted act came Brian’s way recently.

Brian has played in golf events for the Special Olympics and has played at El Niguel Country Club numerous times, but he’s extra anxious about his opportunity to play with a pro at the Toshiba Classic Wednesday.

David Horowitz, an investor and a friend of the Dubias, put up $7,000 for a spot in the two-day classic pro-am and gave it to Brian. But Brian plans to give back as well. He wants to show that people with disabilities can golf, too.

Sure Brian will benefit from playing in the pro-am Wednesday and Thursday, but he also has a good feeling to know that he has a chance to inspire others. His family and friends are excited for him, as well. There are already 20 fans of Brian planning to watch him play at the Newport Beach Country Club. His father will be his caddie.

“The generosity is overwhelming,” Chris Dubia said of the kindness shown recently and throughout the years. “This is a big ticket, $7,000. If Brian is giving inspiration, then that’s just great. But, I guess an ace on 17 would be nice.”

Dubia was joking, of course, but he knows not to underestimate his son.

Brian went through a practice round Saturday and parred the No. 5 and 6 holes, both par-fours and two of the more challenging holes on the NBCC course. No. 5 is 430 yards and it’s tough for most golfers because there hardly seems any place to aim on the drive because the fairway is uphill. But Brian has dealt with challenges all his life. Competing on a golf course is but a symbol of Brian overcoming adversity.

“Brian doesn’t sweat the small stuff,” Dubia said. “He does his best on a hole and moves on to the next hole.”

All the while, Brian concentrates. He loves the game, but he also loves to win. He keeps that in mind when playing.

“I feel like I’m just in the game,” Brian said. “I try to block everything out, everything around me. I just block it out because I’m in the game.”

Throughout Brian’s life it has been all about inclusion. He’s been in the game and has tried his best to block out negativity.

Yet being included seemed difficult from the time he was born. He was destined to be different.

Chris Dubia and his wife, Kathy, had an inclination there would be setbacks. He weighed 4 pounds, 4 ounces at birth. As a baby he struggled to crawl. Later as an infant, Chris Dubia said Brian was given a non-specific diagnosis of mild mental retardation.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Dubia said.

He’s said that throughout the years with Brian, sometimes repeating it with a smile. Dubia knows that statement to be true when he thinks of his career in law, from representing Gene Autry of the then-Anaheim Angels to International Bay Clubs Inc., which includes Balboa Bay Club and the NBCC.

When word got out that Brian was playing in the Toshiba Classic pro-am, Dave Wooten, president of International Bay Clubs Inc., said he had to play in their foursome, which also includes Jerry Johnson, executive vice president of finance and administration.

They, along with Brian Finney, will find out which pro they will play with at a parings party tonight.

“I’m very excited that he is playing with us,” Wooten said. “I played with him before. He’s an excellent golfer. ... It’s just really special to be able to play with Brian and I’m glad he’s able to play with us.

“He’s a very nice young man, very pleasant to be around.”

That’s what most people say about Brian at Gelson’s in Monarch Beach.

Brian works 30-40 hours a week there, bagging groceries, helping customers to their cars and gathering shopping carts in the parking lot.

Brian likes working there because he interacts with customers.

“He knows everybody. He’s just so outgoing,” said Tim Coombs, the store director. “I always say, he can be a goodwill ambassador for south Orange County. He knows everyone. He gets along very well with the customers. ... He has a regular routine that he follows. He fits very well in this area down here.”

Some of that routine includes getting off work and driving to El Niguel Country Club, or he just drives home up the street in the South Peak community of Laguna Niguel and has a cold beer to wind down.

He was issued a driver’s license after passing an oral exam, another example of what he’s been able to accomplish. And, how he’s been able to inspire.

That could be seen when Chris Dubia was president of the United Cerebral Palsy Assn. and started a special golf tournament to raise money. Brian sometimes spoke at the event, sharing his story.

“I’ve always been a fan of Brian’s,” Horowitz said. “This guy is an unbelievable kid. I’ve known him since he was a kid and he couldn’t be still to hit the golf ball. But now he hits it great. He’s an amazing guy.”

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or at [email protected].