Waste Management Phoenix Open Preview
The Waste Management Phoenix Open, widely known as “The Greatest Show on Grass” is consistently one of the most popular stops on the PGA tour every year. As the website for the tournament states, “The field has a mix of highly recognizable tour stars and future standouts just starting their careers on the PGA Tour”.
The tournament is being held at the TPC Scottsdale, whose 16th hole, named “The Coliseum”, is one of the loudest and most exciting holes in golf. An otherwise unassuming 162 yard par 3 is thrust into the spotlight due to the fact that it is completely enclosed by a grandstand that holds 30,000 raucous spectators. The gallery is by no means shy about expressing their approval or displeasure with each and every shot that comes hurtling towards to the green, as loud ovations and boos are intermingled with personal cheers and jeers about the players. The crowds that gather in the stands at the 16th hole are actually handed cheat sheets by the Tour that contains personal information about every player in the field, from the name of their pets to their high school and college mascots. This unique situation provides the players and the fans and opportunity to relate on a more personal level; or simply provides the fans an opportunity to make their shouts more creative.
Mark Wilson, the defending champion is projected by golfodds.com as a 30/1 shot to repeat as champion in Phoenix this week. The 6 favorites are: Webb Simpson (15/1), Matt Kuchar, Martin Laird, Rickie Fowler and Brant Snedeker (20/1) and Phil Mickelson (25/1). If I had to pick a champion, my money would go on Phil Mickelson, who went to school at Arizona State. That, combined with the fact that he played so poorly last week at Torrey Pines (missed cut) indicates to me that he spent some extra time this week working on his game, putting him in perfect position to grab the trophy and his share of the $6 million plus purse.
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