'Important to give back': Patrick Warburton takes part in South Walton Celebrity Golf Classic

When he gets the opportunity to give back to charity and visit his family at the same time, Patrick Warburton doesn't mind flying from California to Destin.

"When things all come together like this, it's perfect," he told The Log. "My mom and dad live here, so I get to visit with them and play golf."

Warburton, who has played many notable roles during his 20-plus year Hollywood career, is in Destin to take part in the 17th annual South Walton Celebrity Golf Classic, an event that benefits the Working Warrior Nation.

Having played the courses at Sandestin before, Warburton said he is ready for this weekend's tournament. As for his golf game, Warburton said he has been shooting in the low 80s.

"I don't think my game has ever been better than it is now, which isn't saying much," he said with a chuckle. "I'm not that good, but as long as I can beat my brother-in-law once in awhile I'm happy."

As the son of an actress (Barbara Warburton) and a surgeon (John Warburton), Patrick followed in his mother's footsteps. His most notable roles include playing David Puddy on "Seinfeld," Johnny Johnson on "NewsRadio," Jeff Bingham on "Rules of Engagement," and the voice of Joe Swanson on "Family Guy."

While talking about his career and his family, Warburton mentioned that he and his mother don't always see eye-to-eye when it comes to his career choices. Back in 2011 his mother, Barbara, sat down with The Log to talk about how shows like "Family Guy" were corrupting youth.

"Boy, we can butt heads on things," Warburton said, adding that "Family Guy" creator Seth McFarlane hung an FCC complaint filed by Warburton's mother in his office.

As for the show, Warburton says "it's a cartoon, it's satire and offensive in nature." He understands why his mother may not like the program, but for him, it's just a job.

While they may not always agree on a specific topic, that doesn't stop them from being a family and sharing hugs at the end of the day.

"Nothing trumps love," he said.

As a family man with kids in college, Warburton told The Log his life as a "celebrity" isn't what most people would think, as he spends most of his time outside of Hollywood.

"My life is so different from other people I know who work in this industry," he said. "I literally have one of the most normal lives."

For example, when he celebrates his birthday, Warburton said there may be one or two other "actor-types" in attendance, which varies tremendously from some of his friends, such as "Rules of Engagement" co-star David Spade.

"Out of 125 people, 120 of them are famous," he said. "I remember going to his birthday party and Arnold Schwarzenegger was there, while he was the governor. I was like 'how could David know Arnold' "?

While he admits that he loves what he does and has made a good living as an actor, Warburton said he also enjoys being able to come to Destin, and other places for that matter, and walk along the streets and "fly under the radar."

"I don't have to worry about walking around and having people taking candid photos of me where I look like an idiot," he said. "Sure, people will stop me and ask for pictures, but I don't mind."

After spending the better part of the week with his parents, Warburton said he would be ready to hit the course at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for a good cause.

"These men and women that serve this country all make a sacrifice," he said. "Some pay the ultimate sacrifice, but others pay the sacrifice of being away from their family and friends."

To learn more about the South Walton Celebrity Golf Classic, visit www.southwaltoncelebritygolfclassic.com, or to learn more about the Working Warrior Nation, visit www.workingwarriornation.org.

"It's important to give back," Warburton said. "This is going to be a great week. I get to hang out with my mom and dad, and I get to play golf."

SEE THE STARS SHINE

Today is the finale of the South Walton Celebrity Golf Classic. The day will start with an on-course breakfast, then golfers get under way at 10 a.m., which will be followed by the awards ceremony and post-round cookout. The night comes to a conclusion with a live comedy show and concert at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Emerald Ballroom. For more information about the event visit www.southwaltoncelebritygolfclassic.com. The event benefits The Working Warrior Nation, which is an organization that provides "returning military personnel with customized skills and on-the-job training that will help them upgrade their existing skills and experience to meet the criteria of corporate employers." The group also reaches out to the business community to find appropriate job matches and general support "for our heroes."