AZ GOLF INSIDER Digital Edition
WINTER 2023
Holiday Gift Guide
N O R T H S C O T T S D A L E H Y U N D A I . C O M
IT’S A HOLE IN ONE. PROUD SPONSORS OF THE ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale is proud to partner with the Arizona Golf Association to bring you the latest in automotive technology. We offer a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles to fit your lifestyle and budget. Our knowledgeable sales team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect car or SUV to suit your needs.
480-922-5200 “It’s a family tradition, that’s here to stay!”
8445 E FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD. SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260
WM Phoenix Open
2024 WM Phoenix Open Preview If you have had the chance to drive down Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard over the past few weeks, you might have noticed the familiar sight of white vinyl reaching into the sky just of the Central Arizona Project canal. It can only mean one thing - construction is underway on the “city” that will host the 89th playing of the WM Phoenix Open presented by Taylor Morrison. Don’t we all wish we could look this good at 89? Affectionally known as “The People’s Open” for its eclectic and enthusiastic patrons and commitment to an over-the-the-top fan experience, the WM Phoenix Open will bring the best golfers in the world to TPC Scottsdale February 5-11 where they will vie for 500 FedExCup points and the Wa-
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terford Crystal Thunderbird trophy. As part of the world-class field, Scottie Scheffler will be on hand to once again defend his WM Phoenix Open title as he seeks to become only the fourth three-time winner of the event (Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Mark Calcavecchia) and only the second player to win three times in a row (Palmer). While the PGA TOUR action begins Thursday of tournament week, for the third straight year, festivities at TPC Scottsdale begin the Saturday before with a one-of-a-kind concert experience unlike anything in professional sports – the aptly named Concert in the Coliseum. The first playing of the concert brought country music superstars Thomas Rhett and Old Dominion to the rotating stage in the middle of the iconic 16th hole. Last year’s festivities featured future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Maroon 5 as they played to a packed house
Winter 2023
of 12,000 strong inside one of professional golf’s most recognizable holes. What’s in store for year three? Well, tournament officials say that will be announced soon. While the famed 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is certainly one of the main attractions at “The People’s Open” (get in line early), it is by no means the only “must-see” venue at the event. There are plenty of awesome general admission viewing areas throughout the course including the Fairway House presented by Taylor Morrison where fans can catch the action on the par-3 12th, 13 teebox and approach shots into 6 green. And just a light walk east is the new and improved Fan Zone which got a facelift last year and includes spacious areas for gathering with friends and family, grabbing a bite to eat or to find a little shade and recharge before heading back out to the action. “As hosts, we challenge ourselves every year to innovate and take our fan experience to new heights,” said 2024 Tournament Chairman George Thimsen. “The WM Phoenix Open is known as ‘The People’s Open’ because we have the greatest and most dedicated fans in golf. This is why we take
immense pride in consistently finding ways each year, to elevate the fan experience throughout the entire week, in all areas of our event.” One of those fan-favorite events outside of the actual golf tournament kicks off Wednesday, February 7. We’re talking of course about the ever-popular Coors Light Birds Nest, a four-night concert series located inside an enormous tent across the street from TPC Scottsdale. The Birds Nest, with its wide variety of music stars, beautiful patrons and enthusiastic nightlife, is not only a staple of the WM Phoenix Open, but also one of the most unique special events on the PGA TOUR. The lineup for the 2024 Coors Light Birds Nest is starting to take shape as officials confirmed that 2022 ACM award winner HARDY and country music’s latest sensation Bailey Zimmerman have committed to kick things off with a bang on opening night (Wednesday, Feb. 7). More information on the rest of the lineup will be released soon, once more musicians confirm to perform at this year’s Coors Light Birds Nest. The WM Phoenix Open generates an enormous economic impact for the State of Arizona, but
WM Phoenix Open
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more importantly, has been one of the State’s largest philanthropic engines for nearly a century. The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – announced the 2023 edition of “The People’s Open” raised a record $14.5 million ($14,533,000) for Arizona charities. This marks the sixth time in tournament history The Thunderbirds and the WM Phoenix Open have raised more than 10 million in charitable dollars in a single tournament. The previous record was set in 2020 ($14 million). The Thunderbirds raised $10.5 million in 2022. “Giving back to our wonderful communities and helping people and families in need is easily the best part of being a Thunderbird,” said Pat Williams, President of Thunderbirds Charities and Tournament Chairman for last year’s WM Phoenix Open. “We’re immensely proud of once again topping our previous record of charitable donations and reaching the $14 million mark for the second time. We understand the vital importance of an incredible support network including the best title sponsor in sports in WM, the resolve and commitment to excellence of the PGA TOUR, and, of course, the greatest fans in golf. Enormous charitable impact doesn’t happen without everyone working together, and we’re incredibly thankful to be a part of something so impactful.” Whether you’re a golf fanatic, prolific partier, concert connoisseur or you just have the fear of missing out (FOMO as the kids these days call it), the WM Phoenix Open has something for everyone. Don’t miss the 89th playing of “The People’s Open” February 5-11 at TPC Scottsdale.
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Winter 2023
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Luxurious living right on the golf course. Step out your back door onto a Jack Nicklaus designed fairway. Golf-course homes and homesites are currently available with views of the 27-hole course at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain and the two 18-hole courses at The Gallery Golf Club. Expertly crafted homes in a resort-lifestyle community. • New luxury homes from the low $400Ks to 1M+ • Golf-front and private, custom lots available • Three award-winning clubs and 81 holes of golf • Home of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Resort & Spa • 50+ miles of Tortolita Mountain trails
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WINTER 2023
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