The long-delayed new clubhouse at Newport Beach Country Club is now a glittering reality. Suffice to say, the wait was worth the 21 months it took to complete the $44 million, 56,000-square-foot complex the PGA Tour Champions pros are certain to enjoy when the Toshiba Classic returns to Newport Beach in early October.
A year ago, the clubhouse was still under construction when the pros arrived, so they had to dress and dine in temporary trailers. This year, they’ll be treated to fine dining – indoors and outdoors – as well as resort-style amenities.
“Now we have the best facility on the (Champions) tour,” said Jeff Purtzer, executive director of Hoag Charity Sports and the Toshiba Classic. “There are some nice events on this tour, but now they don’t compare. This clubhouse is pretty incredible, and the players I’ve talked to are excited about it.”
Defending champion Duffy Waldorf, who was inducted in the Toshiba Classic Hall of Fame during an August presentation in the new clubhouse, was equally impressed during his first visit.
“This is a great new clubhouse,” Waldorf said. “It’s like coming to a Ritz Carlton.”
The two-story facility, designed in California coastal Craftsman style, can accommodate up to 900 people. It features two dining venues, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a 4,000-square-foot ballroom on the second floor with views of Newport Harbor, a 2,500-square-foot fitness center, three treatment rooms for massages, chiropractic needs and facials, a breakout room for Pilates or yoga, a wine-stocked boardroom and an equipped golf shop with a pool table. A lap pool and swimming pool with a sundeck and cabanas are scheduled for completion this fall.
To go along with golf memberships, a limited number of social memberships were offered for the first time, with access to all of the clubhouse amenities.
