Community Brings Holiday Cheer to San Vicente Resort’s 31st Annual Toy Story Golf Tournament

Dressed in holiday attire and Santa hats, players teed off in a popular Santa’s Scramble format under clear skies and 80-degree weather. With a record breaking 112 players on the course and a growing stack of donated toys, the spirit of giving was unmistakable.

The day wasn’t just about the game; it was about generosity. Each participant arrived with an unwrapped toy valued at $25 or more, benefiting local children through the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet’s Share Your Christmas Program. A record-breaking collection of toys was placed on the green. Matt Brumbaugh, head golf professional at San Vicente Resort, said that every Toy Story Golf Tournament is special, every year. It exists to give toys to kids in need in the community. People show up, and it’s a great excuse to play golf and receive a Toy Story branded hat or coffee mug. This year, record breaking  funds were raised from raffles led by Brumbaugh and his Golf Shop lead Tim Smith.

All records were broken. And, for the first time ever, (as in evuuuur), tournament founder John Rathbun joined Brumbaugh and Catering Manager Joyce Whelehon in the toy drop off to the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet Share Your Christmas Program, making sure these generous gifts reached the children and families who need them most.

“It’s the joy of Christmas,” said John Rathbun, Retired Head Golf Professional at San Vicente Golf Resort and organizer of the Toy Story Golf Tournament for 31+ years. “We don’t do first, second, or third place. Everybody is a winner.” For Rathbun, it’s all about the kids. “The nice thing about Ramona is that we can make an impact,” he added. “I didn’t even think it would go this far.” 

Santa showed up, also known as Nicholas “St. Nick” Deseno. He was also Santa at the Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting last Saturday. He has lived in the Estates for 38 years and has been a San Vicente golf member for 35 years. “It’s always about the kids,” said Deseno. “It’s what the season is all about.” Santa is about love, acceptance, and community, and the community really came together this season.

John Gidcumb was wearing a red shirt that read, "Jesus is King." He said it's why we celebrate Christmas and that Philippians 4:13 is a great verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He wanted to show support for the reason for the season. Gidcumb had a powerful swing and struck the ball with remarkable force. 

Homeowner Jodie Taylor enjoyed a special day on the course playing golf with her father, Steve Chambers. Both are golf members, and this marked their first Toy Story Tournament. Jodie was proud to share the experience with her dad, who moved from England in September 2024 to be closer and spend quality time with her and the family.

Golfer Darcy Sesma, a Players Club participant, who came up from Poway to play, and has played in Toy Story for nine years. In prior years when he couldn’t make it, he made sure to drop off two gifts. He is friends with Rathbun and sees him three times a week while golfing. He enjoys the ambiance and the community's generosity.

“I do it every year,” said Carlos Garcia from Alpine. He donated a bike last year. This year, he went shopping and planned to buy only a helmet for the event but ended up leaving with a blue Rock It bike. He was more than happy to do it and said that when he was a kid, he couldn’t afford a bike, and now he is paying it forward.

“It’s my first comeback,” said Gary Collins. He used to be a member and said the event brought him back after six years. He is from Lakeside and knows a lot of people here. He values the event's premise and its purpose of collecting toys for kids. 

After play, everyone gathered for refreshments, awards, and holiday camaraderie in the Par Lounge.

Congratulations to the tournament's winning team: John Buckley, Ross Cook, Chris Morin, and Brooks Roche.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s Toy Story Tournament a remarkable success. Your kindness and holiday spirit truly made a difference.

Photos by Heather McGhee.