The Shining Moments of the San Diego Celebrity Classic Play Over the Past Ten Years

The Celebrity Classic is a tournament that has seen many classic battles and down-to-the-wire finishes over the past 10 years, as well as some fun and lighthearted moments. Tournament winners have included everyone from Major League pitchers to NHL goalies; Super Bowl quarterbacks to MLB All-stars.

Record Setting Round

Trent Dilfer’s performance in the 2001 Celebrity Classic left his name in the record book at Morgan Run, and will be remembered as the best performance to date in the Tournament’s ten-year history. Dilfer arrived in San Diego having just led the Baltimore Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XXXV. After shooting an opening round 68 on Saturday, Dilfer came out on Sunday shooting a 9-under (62), setting the course record as well as winning the Tournament at a record 12 under par.

Other Memorable Moments

• In the Classic’s first year, John Congemi, voice of the Miami Hurricanes aced the 155-yard 18 th hole and won $50,000 for Maxfli
• MLB Hall of Famer Gary Carter shot a double eagle in the 2002 tournament on the 16 th hole
• In 2005, comedian Ray Romano shot his personal best round (80)
• The Celebrity Classic has featured many star studded pairings including:

NFL Legends - Emmitt Smith, Marshall Faulk and Marcus Allen

MLB Hall of Famers - Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Mike Schmidt

NHL Hall of Famers - Mario Lemieux, Grant Fuhr and Stan Mikita

Olympics/Gold Medalists - Bode Miller, Bruce Jenner and Mike Eruzione

Hall of Famers - John Elway, Jerry Rice and Goose Gossage

QB Greats and Funny Guy - Drew Brees, Doug Flutie and Ray Romano

2009
With an impressive score of 1-under par (70) in the opening round on Saturday, Jack Marin went into the final round on Sunday with victory in sight. He did just that. Marin became the 2009 San Diego Celebrity Classic Tournament Champion after a strong performance on Sunday with a score of 2-over par (73) to finish the tournament 1-over par with a total score of 143. This victory at the 2009 Celebrity Classic marks his first win in his 11 years playing at Morgan Run Club & Resort. Marin played in the NBA from 1966-77 with the Baltimore Bullets, Houston Rockets, Buffalo Braves and Chicago Bulls. He is a two-time NBA All-Star selection and led the NBA in free throw percentage in 1972 (.894).

The charitable beneficiary for this years Tournament was, once again, Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego. This year’s generous donation was made through silent and live auctions and promotions like “Chip For A Trip Challenge,” the “American Airlines Million Miles Hole-In-One Contest,” and the “Putt For A Car Competition,” which took place throughout the Tournament. A Celebrity Poker Challenge was hosted on Friday, April 24 at Morgan Run Resort & Club on behalf of the Celebrity Classic as well. Proceeds from the Celebrity Poker Challenge benefited Pro Kids Golf Academy. Celebrities that attended this event included Bret Boone, Tom Dreesen, Rollie Fingers, Kurt Bevacqua, Ed Moses, Phil Nevin, and Mike Eruzione, to name a few.

The San Diego Celebrity Classic had its 4th annual Military Appreciation Day presented by TriWest Healthcare Alliance, to honor the brave men and women serving courageously in the Armed Services on Sunday April 26th. Over 1,500 members of the active military and their families members came out to Morgan Run to meet their favorite celebrities and sports heroes at the autograph tent, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Tournament, receive free food compliments of Carl’s Jr., and free haircuts, courtesy of Sport Clips Haircuts in San Diego.

The Celebrity Classic also dedicated Sunday, April 26, as the 1st annual KPRZ “Family Day” in conjunction with Military Appreciation Day. Families were invited to enjoy this fun-filled FREE event. Children in attendance received FREE popcorn, snow cones, and the chance to play in inflatable jump houses, compliments of L.B. Jumpers Express.

The Celebrity Classic hosted a Celebrity Poker Challenge on Friday, April 24 at Morgan Run Resort & Club. Proceeds from the Celebrity Poker Challenge benefited Pro Kids Golf Academy. Celebrities that attended this event included Bret Boone, Tom Dreesen, Rollie Fingers, Kurt Bevacqua, Ed Moses, Phil Nevin, and Mike Eruzione.

2008
Mickey Tettleton, who shot an impressive first-round 3-under par (68) on Saturday and followed up with an even par (71) on Sunday, finished the Tournament 3-under par witha total score of 139 to become the 2008 San Diego Celebrity Classic Tournament Champion. Mickey Tettleton is a former MLB All-Star catcher and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner. This victory at the 2008 Celebrity Classic marked his first win in his 10 years at the Celebrity Classic.

This year’s tournament donated $116,805 to Rady Children’s Hospital. Silent and live auctions, and events like the “Chip For A Trip,” the “Cocal-Cola/Fuze Million Dollar Hole-In-One Contest presented by Unified Grocers” and the “Putt For A Car,” which took place throughout the Tournament, were key assets in helping to raise the donated amount to Rady Children’s Hospital. The San Diego Celebrity Classic had its third annual TriWest Healthcare Alliance Military Appreciation Day presented by Alignment Express on Sunday April 27 th. Over 1,500 members of the military and their families came out to Morgan Run, enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Tournament, and free lunch compliments of Crystal Catering while visiting with many of the celebrity participants.

On Thursday, April 24 th, the Tournament hosted numerous patients of the Naval Medical Center-San Diego. These wounded warriors were treated to V.I.P. hospitality and a chance to meet and interact with the celebrity participants. Some of the fan favorites were Ray Romano, Kenny Lofton, Alfonso Ribeiro, Bruce Jenner, and Marcus Allen, to name a few.

2007
Heading into the second round tied for first place, 3 under par (68), Rick Rhoden stepped up his game to finish 8 under (134) winning his 4 th Toyota Celebrity Classic in its existence. This two time baseball All-Star and three time winner of the Silver Slugger award reliever reached a benchmark with this victory, 50 wins on the Celebrity Players Tour.

In second place 7 strokes back (141), Jack Wagner finished up strongly 1 under par coming back from being plus one after the first round. Falling narrowly behind Wagner in a 4-way tie for 3 rd place were John Elway, Don Quinn, Dick Anderson, and Grant Fuhr finishing up an even par (142). The 9 th annual Classic raised $127,583 for Rady Children’s Hospital adding to the over $1 million already raised for local charities since 1999.

On the Military Appreciation Day over 1,500 of our nation’s military and their families were able to enjoy some free food while taking in the sights and sounds of the tournament. The Thursday before the tournament over 30 patients of the Marine and Navy Medical Hospital in San Diego were treated to V.I.P hospitality while interacting with their favorite celebrity tournament participants. As for being involved in something like this, the patients were extremely thankful for this opportunity that they “would never forget.”

2006
Five-time Stanley Cup winner and six-time NHL all-star, Grant Fuhr, takes home the Toyota Celebrity Classic title. The 8th annual Toyota Celebrity Classic was an intense competition between over 65 of the best celebrity golfers in world.

In the 2005 Celebrity Classic Grant Fuhr went into the final round of competition as the leader of the pack, but fell short of the title.In 2006 history did not repeat itself. Fuhr started the 2006 tournament as the first round leader shooting four under par (67).Hot on his heels were Stan Humphries (68), Chris Chandler (69), and Vince Coleman (69). Day two of the Celebrity Classic was setup for excitement with seven players within four shots of Fuhr’s lead. Fuhr was not to be denied two consecutive years; he was ready for the challenge and posted a one under par (70). Grant’s total score of five under par (137) was enough to take home the $20,000 winner’s check. Fuhr finished the Toyota Celebrity Classic four stokes ahead of Chris Chandler (141) and John Congemi (141).

Other notable celebrity finishes were: Stan Humphries (143- sixth place), Jerry Rice (147-11th place), Rollie Fingers (147-11th place), and Marshall Faulk (152-26th place). At the close of the event on Sunday, April 30 the Toyota Celebrity Classic donated over $133,000 to Children’s Hospital and Health Center. Grant Fuhr may have won the Tournament, but Children’s Hospital and Health Center proved to be the real winner.

2005
Three-time MLB All-Star Andy Van Slyke went into Sunday with a 72, placing somewhere in the middle of the pack. He ripped through the course finishing with a 68 and surprising all the leaders. He finished the tournament one stroke ahead of Mark Rypien with a 140 becoming the 2005 Toyota Celebrity Classic hosted by Stan Humphries champion and earning himself $20,000. Al Del Greco and Dick Anderson both finished with 142’s and Saturday’s leader Grant Fuhr ended up in fifth place with a 144. Fuhr went into Sunday leading with a 68, but dropped to fifth after shooting a 76. The next eight players all finished with a 145, including three-time Celebrity Classic champion, Rick Rhoden.

2004
“I just can’t lose,” said Brian Kinchen, who completed a very successful year by taking home the victory at the 2004 tournament. Kinchen had already accomplished a lot, winning a national championship with LSU as a position coach, and later winning the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. Kinchen finished at 6-under-par 136, taking home the first-place check for $20,000. He followed up a career-best 66 on Saturday with a final round 71, including two birdies on the back-nine to beat former NHL center Dan Quinn by one stroke. Quinn, who finished second at the 2002 tournament, behind three-time winner Rick Rhoden, has been the runner-up two times since winning the tournament in its inaugural year. Quinn made up for a disappointing first round 72, shooting a 65 on Sunday, making it a very exciting finish. Kinchen birdied on the par-5 16th to regain the lead for good. Former NFL kicker Al Del Greco tied retired major league catcher Mickey Tettleton for third at 139, while defending champion Rhoden finished sixth at even par. This year’s tournament featured newcomers Adrian Young from the band No Doubt, former San Francisco 49er great Dwight Clark, tennis legends Ivan Lendl and Rod Laver, and former MLB All-Star Wally Joyner. They joined returning participants Marcus Allen, Rollie Fingers, Ray Romano, Marshall Faulk, Gary Carter and others in completing another highly entertaining and successful tournament in which Children’s Hospital once again came out victorious, receiving a check for $112,000 in money raised by the tournament.

2003
Former major league pitcher Rick Rhoden took the victory again for his third win in the five-year tournament history. With a six-stroke lead going into the final round, Rhoden made only one bogey, shot a 3-under-par 68 and finished at 10-under, 132. The win added $20,000 to his earnings column. So far he’s celebrity golf’s all-time leading money winner. Behind Rhoden, nine players finished within three shots of each other. Including Stan Humphries, who finished second with a 72 on the final day and an even-par 142 for the tournament, which counted for his best finish in his own event. Take Rhoden out and you got yourself a good match. NHL Hall of Famer Stan Mikita was third at 143. Other notables: NHL great Mario Lemieux played in the event for the first time and former baseball star Bobby Grich had his best finish in the tournament with a 2-over, 144 good enough for fourth place.

2002
Rick Rhoden shot a final round 67 giving him a four-stroke victory over ex-NHL center Dan Quinn. Rhoden’s final score was 9-under, 133 and earned him $18,000 in prize money. Ex-NFL quarterbacks Billy Joe Toliver and Neil Lomax finished five shots off the lead. Quinn earned $10,000 for his second place finish. Toliver and Lomax took home $5,750 each. Other notables: The event featured actor Ray Romano, NFL great Jerry Rice and Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, among others. The premier threesome for football fans included future Hall of Fame running backs Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith and Marcus Allen. Also, a walk-on spot for the TV show “Everybody Loves Raymond” was auctioned off as part of the money raising efforts for Children’s Hospital and Health Center. Best shot of the event went to Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter for his double eagle on the 16th hole.

2001
Perhaps the most exciting performance in tournament history was by Trent Dilfer, quarterback for the 2000 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. Dilfer smoked the competition shooting a course-record 9-under 62 on the North and South nines during the final day at Morgan Run (the previous record was 63; he missed only four greens in two days, collecting 12 birdies and just one bogey on the par-71 layout). It’s a record that still stands for Morgan Run and the CPT. Dilfer finished 12-under par and earned $25,000 in prize money. Almost as impressive as the 9-under was a hole-in-one shot by San Diego newscaster Stan Miller, which came on the 2nd hole of Morgan Run’s South Course (11th tournament hole). Rick Rhoden and Peter Tom Willis (former NFL quarterback) tied for second with five shots behind Dilfer. Each won $15,000. Grant Fuhr (NHL Hall of Fame goaltender) finished fourth. Other notables: Playing in the tournament for the first time was NFL legend John Elway, who finished with a respectable score of 4-over par. Former Vice President Dan Quayle also played in 2001 for the first time.

2000
The 2000 tournament proved to be the most competitive with five players finishing within the top four. The most suspenseful moment occurred between Rick Rhoden and former NHL standout Darren Veitch on the final hole on Sunday. Veitch needed a birdie to tie Rhoden, who finished with a 7-under, and force a playoff. With Rhoden already in the clubhouse, Veitch’s birdie putt fell short. This gave Rhoden the one stroke victory and $25,000. Finishing third was NFL tight end Brian Kinchen with a 5-under, 137 and tied for fourth were NFL standouts AL Del Greco and Chris Chandler at 4-under. Tournament host Stan Humphries finished a respectable even par 142 along with former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon, who finished at +1. Other notables: Celebrities included future Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, former centerfielder Andy Van Slyke finished at 1-over and Olympic Hockey Gold Medallist Mike Eruzione also had a respectable finish.

1999
In the tournaments inaugural year, Dan Quinn set the stage by taking the win along with the $30,000 in prize money. Quinn’s score of 5-under-par 137 was one stroke better then Al Del Greco’s, who earned $17,000 for second place. NFL Hall of Famer Joe Theismann was leading the pack after the first day’s play but could not hang on through Sunday. Theismann finished tied for seventh at 1-over-par 143. Actor Jack Wagner would end up with his best finish with a 3-under-par good for third. The highlight of the 1999 tournament came on Sunday at the 18th hole when former CFL quarterback John Congemi hit the most coveted shot in golf, a hole-in-one. Congemi was rewarded with a $50,000 check from Maxfli. Other notables: Future tournament champion Rick Rhoden finished sixth, his lowest finish of his five years in the tournament. MLB Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Carlton Fisk also participated in the event along with NFL head coach Steve Spurrier.

History compiled by Nathan Newson