Waste Management Phoenix Open + Jan. 31-Feb. 2 T
his is the tour stop where just about any- thing goes and it’s all
about partying. It’s hands- down one of my favorites, not just for the people- watching, but for the Thunderbirds, the tourna- ment organizers who run a tight ship. Their only rule? That everyone has an (un)forgettable time. This event is unique
particularly for the in- famous par-3 16th Sta- dium Hole, which is fully encompassed by sky boxes and stadium-style seating. In other words, you feel like you’re in a real sports arena. Anything goes in terms of heckling, boo- ing and cheering. Fans are known to put together extensive “cheat sheets” on the play- ers—and sometimes their caddies— so when they’re on the tee, they have something creative to yell instead of the generic insults and niceties. Guys will tell you that walking from the 15th green through the tunnel to the 16th tee is one of the most gut-wrenching experiences, but also one of the most fun and thrilling of the year. There’s simply nothing else like it in golf. I highly recommend
trying to get into the grandstands on the famed Stadium hole. Go early to
The AT&T is the second pro-am format of the year.
The Waste Management Open is unique for the infamous par-3 16th Stadium
Hole, which is fully encompassed by sky boxes and stadium-style seating.
grab a seat near the green because then you have a chance at watching the tee shot on the risk-reward driv- able par-4 17th, as well. The last four holes at TPC Scottsdale are underrated when it comes to providing compelling fi nishes. A large majority of attendees never see a golf shot—or perhaps even a golf hole. These are the party goers who buy passes to the Greenskeeper tent for the day before heading over to the Bird’s Nest, the massive after-golf party tent that features alcohol and live music in the evening.
The best seat in
the house? Well, it’s defi nitely the special
Thunderbird VIP section to the left of the stage. There’s also the extra-VIP section called “The Coop,” located behind stage left. You’ll fi nd a scrump- tious buffet and open bar. There’s a catch, though. You need to be uber- special or be escorted in with one of the Thunder- birds, so it’s key to know a guy wearing a navy velour blazer.
+ Feb. 6-9 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Y
ou know you can always count on seeing Bill Murray, the tournament mascot, in weird outfi ts/costumes doing weird things to amuse the crowd.
This tournament is the second pro-am format of the year,
but it’s more “high-end” than the Humana Challenge, meaning there are more celebrities and CEOs. There are even some current professional athletes, like Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who is probably the best amateur golfer in the
fi eld, and San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain. There are three venues for the four-day event, with Pebble
Beach Golf Links being the host course. The other two aren’t so shabby, either—Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore Course. The vibe at this event is similar to any pro-am—it’s all
about having fun and a good laugh until Sunday rolls around and the top teams and pros are trying to win the tournament. I’d stay close to home base, even though it’s nice to explore 17-Mile Drive. It can be tough to get a shuttle ride back to Pebble Beach if you wander to one of the other venues. As for dining options, you can’t go wrong with the Lodge at
Pebble Beach, but it can get crowded and quite loud, not to men- tion pricey. I’m a big fan of the Inn at Spanish Bay, too, though I’m also a proponent of venturing outside Pebble Beach. For a more casual atmosphere, Little Napoli is a festive yet homey Italian joint, which has a good bar for after-dinner drinks. If you’re look- ing for a trendier, hipper spot, then check out 1833 in downtown Monterey. It’s got a chic yet chill atmosphere with an eclectic drinks’ menu. I’m drooling just thinking about the mac and cheese dish from 1833.
PHOTO: MONTEREY PENINSULA FOUNDATION
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