Celebrating the Magic of Christmas: 30th Anniversary Toy Story Golf Tournament

The 30th Annual Toy Story Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, Dec 2. In addition to the entry fee, players must bring a new unwrapped toy valued at a minimum of $25 on the day of the tournament that Ramona Food and Clothes Closet will distribute to children and families in need.

John Rathbun, Retired Head Golf Professional at San Vicente Golf Resort, oversaw golf operations, provided instruction, and organized events, including the annual Toy Story Golf Tournament, which collects toys for local children. He is also a member of the Southern California PGA, participating in various tournaments and contributing to the golfing community.

Rathbun was hired at the San Vicente Golf Resort on July 5, 2005, and retired in March 2020. He started the Toy Story Golf Tournament in 1994 and is still in charge of the event decades later. It has grown into a beloved tradition that continues to bring happiness and support to our community. Over the years, it has been held at five different courses, including Coronado, Cotton Wood, East Lake, Steele Canyon, and San Vicente Golf Resort. The Toy Story Tournament has brought in over 100 players every year since the beginning, and the numbers have remained steady.

The event features a unique "Santa scramble" format, where teams of four compete, but with a twist: one designated "Scrooge" plays their own ball throughout each hole, while the others play together, selecting the best shots along the way. The combined scores of the Santas and Scrooges determine the winners, ensuring a festive and fun competition.

Players dress up in Christmas-themed attire, and the golf shop personnel will all be wearing Santa Hats, making the tournament as colorful as it is joyful. Many of our participants have been with us since the early days, and it's heartwarming to see familiar faces return each year—some even traveling from as far as Arizona and Canada to be part of this special day. The tournament is for all ages and skill levels, with awards for the top performers.

After a day on the greens, the festivities continue in the Par Lounge with pizza, appetizers, awards, and plenty of holiday cheer. It's a time for players to unwind, celebrate, and share stories, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Rathbun's inspiration for starting the tournament came from the magic he experienced during Christmas as the youngest of three children in Nebraska. "I always loved Christmas as a kid," he says. "I had a wonderful Christmas and a big house." He remembers the smells surrounding Christmas, including the Christmas tree and the fireplace where their stockings were hung. He remembers thinking his stocking was so big as a little boy, and they would leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus. His childhood imagination was so vibrant, and he remembers it as such a fun time. He wanted to keep the magic of the season alive, continuing the tradition of an old-fashioned Christmas with his kids.

This event is truly a family affair—it started when his daughter, Morgan (now age 32), and his son, Taylor (now age 30), were very young and became captivated by the movie 'Toy Story.' At just two years old, Taylor insisted on being called "Woody," a beloved character in the Pixar masterpiece about friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of being a child's plaything. John's two children have grown up participating in the event, and Taylor is now expecting two sons of his own early next year.

The Toy Story Golf Tournament is more than just a game; it's an experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the spirit of giving. "It's all about the toys for me," says Rathbun. He says that it may not sound like much in the grand scheme of things, but it makes a significant impact here. Over the years, people have donated toys, big and small, even bicycles. Players have donated cash to him, which he used to purchase toys to donate.

Whether you've been a part of Toy Story for years or are joining us for the first time, we welcome you to celebrate the magic of the season with us. "A wish, a pleasure, a hope," says Rathbun. Let's come together to share the joy of giving and the love of the game.

In addition to the golf tournament toy drive, the lobby at the San Vicente Resort has a toy bin for homeowners and guests to donate toys to children that will be given to the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet for distribution.

Happy Holidays; here's to another year of spreading Christmas cheer on the greens!