Garbutt named chair of Toshiba

Ira Garbutt, a Newport Coast resident, is the new tournament chairman for the Toshiba Classic, replacing Hank Adler, who had retired after 10 years with Toshiba, Orange County’s only PGA Tour event.

With that move, long-time Toshiba Classic supporter Brian Horn has filled the volunteer chair position that Garbutt left vacant.

Garbutt is aware he has a hard act to follow. During the last 10 years, the Toshiba Classic has raised more than 10.1 million for charity, the most on the Champions Tour. Adler also provided 18 years of involvement with Hoag Hospital-sponsored golf events.

“I hope to continue the high standards that Hank set for this tournament,” said Garbutt, who became a member of the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors in 2001, the same year he underwent heart surgery at Hoag. “I am honored to accept this new role and am looking forward to working with so many people in the community.”

Garbutt’s main responsibilities as Toshiba Classic chairman include reaching out to local business leaders for sponsorship support, and engaging individuals to get involved.

Horn, a seven-year Toshiba Classic volunteer, will oversee the volunteer operations committee and the recruitment of 1,000 volunteers to assist with tournament-related duties.

— From staff reports