Soak up the Sun at the Phoenix Open

Photos by Rick and Janet Urbom

Photo from wmphoenixopen.com

Though I don't play golf, don't like crowds or big parties, I love Scottsdale's Phoenix Open.  Sorry, I just have a hard time calling it the Waste Management Open.  I am glad they have a sponsor, but couldn't we abbreviate it to WM, keeping it a bit of a mystery?  (Remember the FBR Open?)  This year's purse is $6.2 million, drawing some of the best names on the PGA tour, except Tiger Woods, who hasn't returned since 2001 when someone threw an orange onto the green when he was putting, and a heckler had to be wrestled to the ground by security where they found a gun in the heckler's fanny pack.  Though spectators can have seats at the 15, 16, 17 and 18th holes, the 16th hole, home of the Bird's Nest, seats 20,000, the only hole completely enclosed on the PGA Tour.  Back in the early days, drinks were unlimited, but now visitors are issued tickets (though I think too many, based on reports.)  Tiger Woods rocked the Bird's Nest in 1997 with a hole-in-one, but anyone that has trouble with that hole can expect boos and heckling.  Now, the home favorite is Phil Mickelson, who leads the pack with 17 under par after two days -- a strong lead.  The Phoenix Open hosts half a million spectators for the four days, bringing much excitement and revenue to Scottsdale.  The Thunderbirds, a local philanthropic group, generate millions for local charities from the Open.  With perfect 75 degree days this year, you can see for yourself why it is dubbed, "The Greatest Show on Grass!"WM Phoenix Open