WM Phoenix Open – 90th Edition
Thirty-eight years of attending the Phoenix Open has yielded many fond memories, to say the least. You never know what you might witness, like Tiger’s hole in one on 16 in ’91. This year at the 90th edition of the People’s Open, we sat on the grassy hill by nine’s green for a few groups in round one and saw Detry sink a birdie to tie for first place at 8 under. We quipped that he looked like a winner, and win he did. The 31-year-old Belgian marched through the next three rounds like a Waymo self-driving car on a Phoenix street, finishing with a whopping 7 shot margin.
Back in 1988 at AT&T, we had barrels of badges for the corporate tent that sat on the corner of the lake with views of 17 and 18. There were only a few other corporate tents there and a few stands at the now fully enclosed coliseum 16. We doled out those golden badges to customers, worth then $50 a piece for the day of eats, drinks, laughter, and golf. It was mainly golfers who cared about it then, while today it’s on everyone’s wish list, and 16 Skybox packages start at $75k. A general admission ticket is $150 without f and b on Saturday. In our early years after the day’s round, we walked into the adjacent Bird’s Nest tent, free of charge to continue the party into the night, dancing to the Duck Soup band from Texas, thrilled when players joined in. And the Thunderbirds were like rock stars of the Nest. Today, it’s another separate, pricey event starring top current performers like Jelly Roll.
Those Thunderbirds are still rocking it though. While some might be aging and a whole page of the annual Phoenix Open program honors their deceased, the ranks continue with young businessmen ready to serve, like this year’s Tournament Chairman, Matt Mooney. The Thunderbirds have 55 “active” members and over 280 “life” members involved with the tournament, eclipsing $208 million in charity since 1932. Last year’s WM Phoenix Open raised a single tournament record $17.5 million for charity.
The Evolution of the WM Phoenix Open
Rickie Fowler in full camo at the WM Phoenix Open
The WM Phoenix Open has evolved with exponential growth in sponsorships, tickets, and venues to produce those significant charity dollars over the years. There have been many headline sponsors, but none with a more substantial impact than WM. Since 2010, they have made a profound difference in the tournament’s success and, as the title sponsor, instituted Zero waste for the grand event long before it became popular to try.
After last year’s rainy debacle that caused a temporary closure of the entrance and alcohol sales, leaders put their heads together. They came up with successful solutions that made this year’s WM Phoenix Open flow flawlessly. A second entrance with digital access for tracking, a moonwalk for the players to bypass walking paths, assigned days for tickets rather than any day, and more tricks led to a happy crowd. It seemed less congested and more civil somehow as it was the first year in many that we did not see any stumbling drunks. We even noticed police politely asking for IDs from two young patrons and said congratulations when they panned out.
The program noted a fan code of conduct which was unlikely read and yet seemed to be heeded. It advised wearing comfortable shoes, and there were more Hokas than stiletto heels. The sunshine did bring a parade of fashionistas with swingy short skirts, floral, flirty sun dresses, and tops with plunging necklines as well as a foreshadowing of the new summer fashion trend – long fitted dresses. Groups conveyed the usual array of personal themes from bananas to shining knights, and then there was Rickie Fowler in full camo golf polo and pants. In his early years, the girls flocked to walk his holes dressed in matching Puma gear.
Backspin the Golf Show on iHeart radio from the WM Phoenix Open
It’s hard to believe this was the 90th Phoenix Open. It was Bill Huffman’s 40th and his final as attending media. With a storied career in sports writing and sportscasting, his last Backspin the Golf Show on iHeart radio aired from the Ak Chin Southern Dunes Suite in The Cove on 17 Saturday morning. Taking over for Bill and leading the show now are Mike Bauer, Cori Matheson, and Brady Wilson. The Arizona Golf Hall of Famer passed his mic to the next generation.
It’s a younger crowd at the WM Phoenix Open; that’s the cycle of life. One couple who have also attended for the last 38 years missed this one. They texted, “Unfortunately, too many people for us old folks at WMPO, even on our traditional Wednesdays.” We recall many departed friends with whom we enjoyed the #greenest show over the years while we made new friends in the media center, in the hospitality tents, or anywhere along the TPC Stadium Course.
We may not stay the whole day and party like it’s 1999 anymore, but we are not ready to pass the baton just yet. God willing, we look forward to the 91st WM Phoenix Open (WMPO).
