AZCENTRAL.COM ❚ SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 ❚ 1WM
WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN 2019 PREVIEW
‘PHIL FACTOR’ STRONG AS EVER Fan-favorite Mickelson returns to Valley for his 30th Phoenix Open Later that year, he would win the first of his three NCAA championships, but at the Phoenix Open he wasn’t widely recognized beyond the ASU fans who began to gather at the now-famous 16th hole to cheer him on.
John Davis Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK
He was just a lanky, 18-year-old freshman at Arizona State when he made his debut in the Phoenix Open with modest fanfare 30 years ago, but what Phil Mickelson has done for the event since then has “put it on the map” in the view of some organizers. Mickelson, who will tee it up for a record 30th time in the Waste Management Phoenix Open this week, first appeared at TPC Scottsdale in 1989, which was just the third event to be played at that venue after a rich history at Phoenix Country Club.
‘They took to him right away’ “That first year, he was just a young guy and maybe the fans, and even the ASU people, didn’t know him all that well at that time, but it didn’t take long for that to change and for them to recognize how speSee MICKELSON, Page 4WM
PHOTOS BY ROB SCHUMACHER/REPUBLIC AND USA TODAY SPORTS; ILLUSTRATION BY BILLY ANNEKEN/USA TODAY NETWORK
New at the Phoenix Open
Defending champion
On a screen near you
The WM Phoenix Open makes it a goal to improve the fan experience each year. Those attending in 2019 will see several signs of those efforts. Page 3
Last year’s win in Phoenix was a benchmark moment for Gary Woodland and also the beginning of his next chapter. Page 5
Golf fans and gamers can once again play the video-game version of TPC Scottsdale thanks to a new game. Page 7
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2WM ❚ SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 ❚ THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
Waste Management Phoenix Open 2019 Preview
HOLES-IN-ONE AT TPC SCOTTSDALE
IF YOU GO When: Monday-Sunday, Jan. 28-Feb. 3. Where: TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road. Admission: Free on Monday and Tuesday. $45 Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; $60 Friday and Saturday. Free for attendees ages 17 and younger when accompanied by an adult. Free for first responders and military; information found below. VIP, sponsor and corporate packages available. Ford Free Days This is the fourth year that admission will be free for everyone on Monday and Tuesday, thanks to Phoenix Open sponsor Ford Motor Co. Attendees can participate in the closest-to-the-pin tournament to win a Ford Edge ST and supply a local charity with its own new vehicle. Military veterans and emergency personnel Military veterans, police officers, firefighters and EMTs can take advantage of Birdies of the Brave freebies. Register online to receive two free tickets to the Phoenix Open good Jan. 30-Feb. 3. The offer is for active-duty and retired service members. You must show a Department of Defense ID or photo ID
along with your ticket voucher at the main entrance. That there is a $1 verification fee per military service member and first responder. Public parking Free public parking is available at Lot H through the duration of the tournament. It is located near Mayo Boulevard and Hayden Road (exit Loop 101 at Hayden Road and head south to the lot). Free shuttles will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Beginning Wednesday, motorists can also find free parking, found at Lot W, is located at Westworld. Exit Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, drive north to Bell Road on 94th Street and enter the parking lot. Free shuttles run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. PGA Tour spectator mobile device policy Mobile devices must be on silent at all times. Devices may be used to take photos, shoot video and capture audio throughout the week at the tournament. No live streaming or real-time coverage. Take phone calls in designated areas only.
DAILY SCHEDULE The 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open is Jan. 28-Feb. 3, with the first round of the tournament on Thursday, Jan. 31 at TPC Scottsdale. Monday, Jan. 28 Practice rounds for PGA tour pros 7:45 a.m. — Waste Management Phoenix Open Monday qualifier, McCormick Ranch Golf Club, Scottsdale 9:30 a.m. — Kadima.Ventures Pro-Am, TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course Tuesday, Jan. 29 Practice rounds for PGA Tour pros 10 a.m. — R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day Activities; Motivational Speeches by PGA Tour pros Trick-shot show Junior Golf Clinic Presented by PING on the TPC Scottsdale Champions course practice range. 11 a.m. — San Tan Ford Special Olympics Open at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course Putting Green. This event features Special Olympian athletes, celebrities or sports stars as well as business leaders from the community. Open to all ticket holders. Wednesday, Jan. 30 8:30 a.m. — Annexus Pro-Am, TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course
3:30 p.m. — Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory, TPC Scottsdale 16th hole 3:30 p.m. — Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Thursday, Jan. 31 7:30 a.m. — Waste Management Phoenix Open 1st round 3:30 p.m. — Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Friday, Feb. 1 7:30 a.m. — Waste Management Phoenix Open 2nd round 3:30 p.m. — Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Saturday, Feb. 2 9 a.m. — Waste Management Phoenix Open 3rd round 3:30 p.m. — Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Green Out: All fans are encouraged to wear green in support of the event's eco-sensitive efforts. Sunday, Feb. 3 9 a.m. — Waste Management Phoenix Open final round Monday, Feb. 4 9 a.m. — Ewing Post Open, TPC Stadium Course
There have been 24 holes-in-one in tournament play at the Phoenix Open held at the TPC Scottsdale. The first hole-in-one in the Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale came in 1987 on the 12th hole. There were two in 2016. The last ace on the 16th hole came in 2015. The most memorable hole-in-one came in 1997 when Tiger Woods aced the 16th hole. The only ace on a par-4 hole came in 2001 on the 17th hole by Andrew Magee, who is the only golfer to card an ace twice in tournament play at the TPC Scottsdale.
The list 2016 - Chad Campbell, 7th hole, 194 yards, 6-iron 2016 - Jack Maguire, 12th hole, 206 yards, 7-iron 2015 - Francisco Molinari, 16th hole, 133 yards, PW 2011 - Jarrod Lyle, 16th hole, 150 yards, 8-iron
2011 - Brendon Steele, 12th hole, 174 yards 2008 - Wil Mackenzie, 12th hole, 185 yards, 6-iron 2007 - Health Slocum, 4th hole, 179 yards, 7-iron 2003 - Bob Burns, 4th hole, 175 yards, 6-iron 2003 - Tim Herron, 4th hole, 182 yards, 7-iron 2002 - Mike Sposa, 16th hole, 7-iron 2001 - Andrew Magee, 17th hole, driver 1998 - Wayne Levi, 12th hole, 4-iron 1997 - Steve Stricker, 16th hole, 6-iron 1997 - Tiger Woods, 16th hole, 9-iron 1992 - Bruce Lietzke, 4th hole, 8-iron 1992 - Mark Calcavecchia, 4th hole, 8-iron 1991 - Jay Delsing, 16th hole, 9-iron 1990 - Brad Bryant, 16th hole 1990 - Andrew Magee, 4th hole 1990 - David Edwards, 16th hole 1990 - Bill Sander, 4th hole, 9-iron 1989 - Billy Pierot, 7th hole 1988 - Hal Sutton, 16th hole 1987 - Larry Rinker, 12th hole, 5-iron
PHOENIX OPEN ATTENDANCE YEAR
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
2018
18, 514
41,125
83,034
104,375
191,400
216,818
64,273
TOTAL
719,179
2017
11,743
29,801
77,906
103,420
169,004
204,906
58,654
655,434
2016
4,030
27,864
58,702
101,021
160,415
201,003
65,330
618,365
2015
9,455
36,305
75,380
118,461
81,309
159,906
83,552
564,368
2014
6,577
32,456
62,234
88,113
123,674
189,722
60,232
563,008
2013
6,420
33,052
47,103
79,532
21,901
179,022
58,791
525,821
2012
7,515
36,003
49,735
77,035
116,299
173,210
58,447
518,262
2011
5,120
25,300
15,003
38,323
74,225
131,627
61,923
364,554
2010
6,246
35,795
47,476
69,475
101,709
121,221
43,983
425,905
2009
4,795
14,325
43,380
71,901
111,013
164,455
60,425
470,294
2008
4,947
29,045
57,209
83,657
120,891
170,802
71,805
538,356
2007
7,420
17,920
40,425
72,950
113,050
162,750
93,475
507,990
2006
7,100
30,380
54,036
77,234
117,540
168,337
82,150
536,777
2005
7,150
27,150
47,835
78,864
115,733
165,168
75,947
517,847
2004
7,130
28,272
43,989
71,796
113,088
148,521
90,768
503,564
2003
15,100
31,200
50,700
65,400
102,300
140,700
71,600
477,000
2002
14,150
28,520
49,610
56,600
95,830
164,900
119,600
529,210
2001
22,520
26,650
45,850
72,650
17,000
78,500
65,760
428,930
2000
14,190
17,160
27,560
62,800
98,500
124,600
70,500
415,310
1999
12,000
28,750
51,300
61,500
89,250
114,450
65,400
422,650
1998
19,250
29,750
58,100
71,750
94,850
129,150
64,750
467,600
1997
14,500
24,400
38,900
69,400
97,500
121,500
57,800
424,000
1996
10,240
20,840
37,500
55,040
97,350
156,875
23,650
421,095
1995
5,025
45,000
18,500
41,275
89,018
119,353
74,369
392,530
1994
2,500
16,000
46,250
49,500
68,700
114,200
68,400
365,500
1993
2,300
31,000
44,000
47,250
72,050
98,000
66,500
361,100
1992
2,000
23,000
42,500
48,750
86,000
112,500
73,250
388,000
1991
5,000
30,000
44,000
52,500
72,500
105,000
56,000
365,000
1990
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
362,000
1989
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
347,000
1988
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
325,500
1987
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
257,000
1986 n/a n/a *-Bold numbers are records
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
186,000
TV SCHEDULE The Waste Management Phoenix Open TV schedule First round: Thursday, Jan. 31, 1–5 p.m., Golf Channel Second round: Friday, Feb. 1, 1–5 p.m.,
Golf Channel Third round: Saturday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Golf Channel; 1–4 p.m. Channel 12 Final round: Sunday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Golf Channel; 1–4 p.m. Channel 12
Note: All times are Arizona times and are subject to change. In addition, PGA Tour LIVE will have exclusive live early-round coverage of two 'featured groups' on Thursday and
Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fans can get a free seven-day trial at pgatourlive.com.
AZCENTRAL.COM ❚ SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 ❚ 3WM
Waste Management Phoenix Open 2019 Preview
Tourney adds bleachers behind 10th green 18,000-square-foot platform, surrounded by three viewing platforms that will accommodate about 2,000 fans, who will be able to see parts of six holes.
John Davis Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK
The Waste Management Phoenix Open makes it a goal to improve the fan experience each year and those attending the 2019 event will see several signs of those efforts.
More bleachers, suites
southwestern theme, situated at the highest point on the course, now has an
A bleacher with seating for 350 fans behind the 10th green is designed to help relieve one of the most congested foot traffic areas on the course. “The general admission ticket to our event has never been better,” Cozby said. “When you look at what we have now with El Rancho, plus the Fan Zone and the Craft Beer Haus at the seventh hole, I think people are going to be blown away with what’s available with just that single ticket.” Eleven suites were added along the right side of the 17th hole and the size of the Members Club on the left side has been increased. On the 18th hole, previ-
Jan. 31-Feb. 3 – Waste Management Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale Feb. 7-10 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Monterey Peninsula (Shore Course), Pebble Beach, Calif. Feb. 14-17 – Genesis Open, Riviera CC, Los Angeles Feb. 21-24 – WGC-Mexico Championship, Chapultepec GC, Mexico City Feb. 21-24 – Puerto Rico Open, Coco Beach Golf & CC, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico Feb. 28-March 3 – Honda Classic, PGA National (Champions), Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. March 7-10 – Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill Golf & Lodge, Orlando, Fla. March 14-17 – The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. March 21-24 – Valspar Championship, Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead), Palm Harbor, Fla. March 27-31 – WGC-Dell Match Play, Austin CC, Austin, Texas
March 28-31 – Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship, Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic April 4-7 – Valero Texas Open, TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks), San Antonio April 11-14 – Masters, Augusta National GC, Augusta, Ga. April 18-21 – RBC Heritage, Harbour Town GL, Hilton Head Island, S.C. April 25-28 – Zurich Classic, TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La. May 2-5 – Wells Fargo Championship, Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, N.C. May 9-12 – AT&T Byron Nelson, Trinity Forest GC, Dallas May 16-19 – PGA Championship, Bethpage State Park (Black), Farmingdale, N.Y. May 23-26 – Charles Schwab Challenge, Colonial CC, Fort Worth, Texas May 30-June 2 – Memorial, Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, Ohio June 6-9 – RBC Canadian Open, Hamilton Golf & CC, Hamilton, Ontario June 13-16 – U.S. Open, Pebble Beach GL, Pebble Beach, Calif.
Expanded El Rancho area For general admission fans, the El Rancho area near the 12th hole has been greatly expanded and bleachers have been added behind the 10th green. On the hospitality side, the 17th and 18th holes will feature 41 new suites. “We are really excited about some of those changes and fans are definitely going to take notice,” tournament chairman Chance Cozby said. El Rancho, a concession area with a
Justin Thomas walks off the 10th green at last year’s Waste Management Phoenix Open . Organizers say new bleachers will ease congestion. CHERYL EVANS/THE REPUBLIC
ously there was a single level of 30 suites along the right side. It now has two levels and 60 suites. “Moving forward, you’re really going to see 18 take shape,” Cozby said. “This is like phase one and you’re going to see that expand in the coming years.” TV viewers will experience technology that is being introduced at this event by NBC through a new multi-year agreement with Topgolf, allowing it to trace shots over a graphic representation of each hole. “Toptracer” tracks the flight of a golf ball within a camera feed, as well as provides real-time 3D ball flight data analytics such as ball speed, apex, curve and carry that is integrated into virtual graphics. Along with tee shots, it will be featured on some fairway shots via two radio frequency cameras that can travel anywhere on the course.
2018-19 PGA TOUR SCHEDULE Oct. 4-7 – Safeway Open (Kevin Tway) Oct. 11-14 – CIMB Classic (Marc Leishman) Oct. 18-21 – The CJ Cup (Brooks Koepka) Oct. 25-28 – WGC-HSBC Champions (Xander Schauffele) Oct. 25-28 – Sanderson Farms Championship (Cameron Champ) Nov. 1-4 – Shriners Hospitals for Children Open (Bryson DeChambeau) Nov. 8-11 – Mayakoba Golf Classic (Matt Kuchar) Nov. 15-18 – RSM Classic (Charles Howell III) x-Nov. 29-Dec. 2 – Hero World Challenge (Jon Rahm) Jan. 3-6 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (Xander Schauffele) Jan. 10-13 – Sony Open, Honolulu (Matt Kuchar) Jan. 17-20 – Desert Classic (Adam Long) Jan. 24-27 – Farmers Insurance Open, Torrey Pines GC (North and South), San Diego
June 20-23 – Travelers Championship, TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Conn. June 27-30 – Rocket Mortage Classic, Detroit GC, Detroit July 4-7 – 3M Open, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn. July 11-14 – John Deere Classic, TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Ill. July 18-21 – British Open, Royal Portrush GC, Portrush, Northern Ireland July 18-21 – Barbasol Championship, Keene Trace GC (Champions Trace), Nicholasville, Ky. July 25-28 – WGC-FedEx Invitational, TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tenn. July 25-28 – Reno-Tahoe Tournament, Montreaux Golf & CC, Reno, Nev. Aug. 1-4 – Wyndham Championship, Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, N.C. Aug. 8-11 – The Northern Trust, Liberty National GC, Jersey City, N.J. Aug. 15-18 – BMW Championship, Medina CC (No. 3), Medinah, Ill. Aug. 22-25 – Tour Championship, East Lake GC, Atlanta x-unofficial event
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4WM ❚ SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 ❚ THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
Waste Management Phoenix Open 2019 Preview Mickelson Continued from Page 1WM
cial he was,” said Jim Frazier, who at the time was executive director of the host Phoenix Thunderbirds. “He had so much appeal, not only as a great golfer, but he was a good-looking kid who was personable and related well to fans. They loved him and took to him right away.” He missed the cut in that debut but the 43-time winner on the PGA Tour has played every year since, except 1990, and has virtually rewritten its record book. In 29 appearances, he has a record-tying three wins, 11 top-10 finishes and a record $4,198,677 in earnings, which is the most he has won at any event in the world. He has shot two rounds of 60, including one with a lip-out putt on the final hole that would have given him a 59, and has recorded 479 birdies or eagles.
‘An environment unlike any other’ “It’s been a big part of my career,” Mickelson said at last year’s event. “Having gone to Arizona State, starting out being able to play in this tournament as an amateur and play with the professionals, see what I need to do and play on the biggest stage meant a lot to me at a young age. “I cherish every time that I’ve had success here. I cherish coming down the back nine having an opportunity to win. It’s an environment unlike any other and it’s just really fun to get in the thick of it here in Phoenix.” That first year, 334,500 fans attended the event, which was won by Ahwatukee resident Mark Calcavecchia, marking the first of his three victories. Since then, it has grown exponentially, easily becoming the most-attended golf event in the world. Last year, a record 719,179 fans attended, including a singleday record of 216,818 for Saturday’s third round. By comparison, only 10 PGA Tour events drew 200,000 fans for the entire week.
Phil Mickelson has earned $4,198,677.57 in 29 trips to the Phoenix Open. ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC
‘Phil factor’ sparked tournament popularity Several elements have contributed to that growth, but Frazier thinks the “Phil factor” has been one of the biggest. “What he has done for the Phoenix Open has been as impactful as anybody,” Frazier said. “He was the hometown hero and our fans have always embraced that. “At the time, we had Mark Calcavecchia and Billy Mayfair, who was a homegrown product, and fans loved them. But Phil took it to a new level. When he came along, he changed the game. He is the guy who put the 16th hole, and maybe the tournament, on the map.” The par-3 16th, which has become one of the most recognized holes in the world with its rowdy fans and stadium setting, was a fairly non-descript hole 30 years ago, with grassy mounding that made for an attractive gathering spot, especially for ASU students. It now features 275 skyboxes and seats an estimated 16,000 fans. It has been referred to as “the hole that Phil built,” although Mickelson has deflected credit for its amazing expansion. “I don’t know to what extent I was involved in that,” Mickelson said when he played in the event for the 25th time five years ago. “It was so different back when I started playing as an amateur. “There were no corporate tents. It was just an amphitheater effect of grass mounds around the green. A lot of college fraternities and sororities would come out, and they had beer stands right there. So it was pretty rowdy back then, even though there weren’t as many people.”
In 1991, Phil Mickelson approaches the 16th, now known as “the hole that Phil built.” THE REPUBLIC
Mickelson’s marks at the Phoenix Open Mickelson has just about done it all at the TPC Scottsdale. When he plays the first round on Thursday, he’ll officially set the mark for most events played (30). If he makes the cut and plays on Sunday in the final round, he’ll set the mark for most rounds played. About the only thing Mickelson hasn’t done is make a hole in one. Low 72 256: 2013, 60-65-64-67 (tied with one other) Most strokes under par for 72 holes 28: 2013 (tied with one other) Most birdies in 72 holes 29: 2013 (course record is 32, Mark Calcavecchia, 2001) Phil Mickelson celebrates his 2005 win with daughters Sophia and Amanda (left). Mickelson is one of four three-time Open winners. ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC
Phil Mickelson: 1996, 2005, 2013 Mark Calcavecchia: 1989, 1992, 2001
‘See you at the 16th’ Mickelson returned to play in 1991, two weeks after winning his first PGA Tour title in Tucson as an ASU junior, and signs started popping up along ASU’s fraternity row each January as the tournament neared, with the message “See you at the 16th.” “That was the first year that the 16th hole really started to get cranked up,” said Larry Wilson, who was tournament director in 1989. “Phil had a huge impact on that and the tournament as a whole. “What I always liked about him and the fans liked about him was the way he just goes for it. He attacks. He was extremely popular in college and still is. “Back at Phoenix Country Club, Arnold (Palmer) was always very popular and so were Jack (Nicklaus) and Fred Couples, but nobody has been more popular than Phil. Everybody loved him.” Mickelson cemented his love affair with the fans by winning the first of his three titles in 1996. Because the Valley was hosting its first Super Bowl that year, the event moved to a Wednesday-Saturday format, and Mickelson emerged victorious at sunset after a riveting threehole playoff with Justin Leonard before a record crowd. “One of my most memorable wins, outside of the majors, was here in ’96,” he
Three-time Phoenix Open winners
Gene Littler: 1955, 1959, 1969 Arnold Palmer: 1961, 1962, 1963 Most years played 29: Phil Mickelson, Gene Littler, Jerry Barber, Jim Ferrier Most rounds played 107, Gene Littler 104, Phil Mickelson Most money won at Phoenix Open
Once a star at Arizona State, Phil Mickelson has been packing in the fans at TPC Scottsdale since 1989. ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC
said. “Having that field and that environment coming down the stretch and hitting some shots and hearing those roars, it’s been a lot of fun here throughout my career.”
‘Different than any other that we have on tour’ “Lefty” has continued to add to his legacy since that event and most years is
one of the earliest commitments the tournament receives. He holds or shares 15 tournament scoring records. “Every year I look forward to this event,” Mickelson said after he rallied down the stretch in the final round in 2018 to finish tied for fifth place. “I think everybody appreciates what this tournament is and that it’s a special week, different than any other that we have on tour.
Mickelson is the all-time money winner in the Phoenix Open with $4,198,677.57, thanks to three wins, five top-5s, 11 top-10s, 23 out of 29 cuts made. Mickelson would lose that designation if a) he misses the cut in 2019 and b) two-time winner Hideki Matsuyama wins for a third time.
“It is so cool to come down those last five, six holes, feel the crowd and feel that energy. There’s no question that I play better down the stretch with people here because I can feel their energy and it helps me focus, it gives me a little bit of strength. I really love being around these fans.” As those fans have shown, that feeling is certainly mutual.
AZCENTRAL.COM ❚ SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 ❚ 5WM
Waste Management Phoenix Open 2019 Preview
Woodland’s win came after tough time Nate Fain Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK
“Get him to the driving range! No media,” golf agent Mark Steinberg barked. “There’s going to be a playoff,” caddie Brennan Little whispered. Steinberg’s client and Little’s player, Gary Woodland, had just walked off the 18th green at the 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open after tapping his ball in for a par to finish -18 for the tournament. He was in first place, on the verge of winning his first PGA Tour event in four years. His closest competition, former ASU golfer Chez Reavie, had just bogeyed the par-3 16th to fall two shots behind. Woodland was in the driver’s seat. “I hadn’t won in a long time, but the people around me didn’t let me think about the lead,” Woodland said. Steinberg, the most notable agent in the sport, saw distractions closing in from the rear view mirror. The 17th and 18th holes on the Stadium Course both offer birdie opportunities, and Reavie had hundreds of thousands of the loudest fans in golf cheering him on. “It would have been easy to sit down and think about all that comes with a win, but I was able to get to the range and prepare,” Woodland said. “I probably hit more balls before the round and after the round.” Little was right. Reavie birdied his final two holes. The crowd was going bonkers. There would be a playoff. But Woodland, 34, had become all too familiar with the distractions that his agent and caddie were trying to protect him from. The year before, Woodland endured the “toughest year” of his life. Pressure putts and negative swing thoughts were the least of his concerns. Woodland had a solid 2017 season. He finished fourth at the RBC Canadian Open and navigated his way through the playoffs to reach the Tour Championship tournament. But off the course, he was living through a nightmare. In March of that year, Woodland withdrew from the WGC-Dell Technol-
Gary Woodland was thrilled to celebrate his Waste Management Phoenix Open victory with his son, Jaxson, and wife, Gabby. MICHAEL CHOW/AZCENTRAL SPORTS
ogies Match Play. Days later, he announced that his wife, Gabby, who was pregnant with twins, had lost one of the children due to complications. Three months later, Gabby gave birth to their son Jaxson 10 weeks premature. Gabby and Jaxson spent much of the months that followed in the hospital. The little one’s condition weighed heavily on Woodland as he continued playing. Over time, Jaxson’s health began to mirror his father’s game. Both gradually improved. Jaxson was released from the hospital. Woodland was a playoff hole away from capturing a win that had eluded him for years. And as the Kansas Jawhawk made a short putt to beat the Sun Devil and win the Phoenix Open, Jaxson and Gabby rushed out to the green to share the moment with him. “Seeing my son come out onto the green surprised me. I didn’t even know he was there,” Woodland said. Jaxson had been traveling with the family. But because of all he’d gone through, his parents were hesitant to expose him to large, loud crowds. But fellow father and golfer Matt Kuchar saw an opportunity to help create a special family moment. While Woodland was still focusing on closing out the tournament, Kuchar had driven to the hotel Jaxson was staying at, picked him up and brought him to TPC Scottsdale.
“It meant more than I can ever explain, having my family there. The emotions just kind of boiled over and got the best of me. You don’t plan for that,” Woodland said. “That was something I’ll never forget.” The win in Phoenix was a benchmark moment for Woodland and also the beginning of his next chapter. He put the tumultuous 2017 behind him and played solidly in 2018, finishing with four top-20 finishes in the final two months of the season, including a sixth-place finish at the PGA Championship. He’s also enjoying fatherhood and his son’s improving health. “He’s doing great. He’s walking and talks a bunch and is into everything right now,” Woodland said. “He’s honestly a miracle with all that he’s been through.” This year, Woodland’s goals are even loftier. “I’m excited about playing more consistent, I’d love to win multiple times this season,” he said. “My main goal is to contend on Sundays of major championships.” Some envisioned bigger things for the big-hitting, two-time tour winner by this point in his career. But a PGA Tour golfer’s early and mid-30s are typically his prime years, and Woodland is committed to making the most of them. He played basketball in college before transferring to Kansas to focus on golf. His athletic build and dedication to fitness exemplify the physical evolution of the golfer. Woodland also carries himself cordially and with a friendly outlook. He likes meeting new people, reuniting with old buddies and, most importantly, forging strong alliances. His team includes Steinberg, renowned swing coach Butch Harmon and putting guru Phil Kenyon. Plus, Woodland isn’t afraid to ask tour veterans like Tiger Woods for advice. “He’s really become a mentor for a lot of guys,” Woodland said. “You can ask Tiger anything. He’s way more revealing in conversations than he is his press conferences, and that’s pretty special for me.”
PAST CHAMPIONS 2018 - Gary Woodland, $1,242,000 2017 - Hideki Matsuyama, $1,206,000 2016 - Hideki Matsuyama, $1,170,000 2015 - Brooks Koepka, $1,130,000 2014 - Kevin Stadler, $1,116,000 2013 - Phil Mickelson, $1,116,000. 2012 - Kyle Stanley, $1,098,000 2011 - Mark Wilson, $1,098,000 2010 - Hunter Mahan, $1,080,000 2009 - Kenny Perry, $1,080,000 2008 - J.B. Holmes, $1,080,000 2007 - Aaron Baddeley, $1,080,000 2006 - J.B. Holmes, $936,000 2005 - Phil Mickelson, $936,000 2004 - Jonathan Kaye, $936,000 2003 - Vijay Singh, $720,000 2002 - Chris DiMarco, $720,000 2001 - Mark Calcavecchia, $720,000 2000 - Tom Lehman, $576,000 1999 - Rocco Mediate, $540,000 1998 - Jesper Parnevik, $450,000 1997 - Steve Jones, $270,000 1996 - Phil Mickelson, $235,000 1995 - Vijay Singh, $235,000 1994 - Bill Glasson, $216,000 1993 - Lee Janzen, $180,000 1992 - Mark Calcavecchia, $180,000 1991 - Nolan Henke, $180,000 1990 - Tommy Armour, $162,000 1989 - Mark Calcavecchia, $126,000 1988 - Sandy Lyle, $117,000 1987 - Paul Azinger (first year at TPC Scottsdale), $108,000 1986 - Hal Sutton (final year at Phoenix Country Club), $90,000 1985 - Calvin Peete, $81,000 1984 - Tom Purtzer, $72,000 1983 - Bob Gilder, $63,000 1982 - Lanny Wadkins, $54,000 1981 - David Graham, $54,000 1980 - Jeff Mitchell, $54,000 1979 - Ben Crenshaw, $33,750 1978 - Miller Barber, $40,000 1977 - Jerry Pate, $40,000 1976 - Bob Gilder, $40,000 1975 - Johnny Miller, $30,000 1974 - Johnny Miller, $30,000 1973 - Bruce Crampton, $30,000 1972 - Homero Blancas, $25,000 1971 - Miller Barber, $25,000 1970 - Dale Douglass, $30,000 1969 - Gene Littler, $30,000 1968 - George Knudson, $30,000 1967 - Julius Boros, $14,000 1966 - Dudley Wysong, $9,000 1965 - Rod Funseth, $10,500 1964 - Jack Nicklaus, $7,500 1963 - Arnold Palmer, $5,300 1962 - Arnold Palmer, $5,300 1961 - Arnold Palmer, $4,300 1960 - Jack Fleck, $3,150 1959 - Gene Littler, $2,400 1958 - Ken Venturi, $2,000 1957 - Billy Casper, $2,000 1956 - Cary Middlecoff, $2,400 1955 - Gene Littler, $2,400 1954 - Ed Furgol, $2,000 1953 - Lloyd Mangrum, $2,000 1952 - Lloyd Mangrum, $2,000 1951 - Lew Worsham, $2,000 1950 - Jimmy Demaret, $2,000 1949 - Jimmy Demaret, $2,000 1948 - Bobby Locke, $2,000 1947 - Ben Hogan, $2,000 1946 - Ben Hogan, $1,500 1945 - Byron Nelson, $1,000 1944 - Harold McSpaden, $1,000 1943 - No tournament 1942 - Herman Barron, $1,000 1941 - Ed Oliver, $1,000 1940 - Ed Oliver, $700 1939 - Byron Nelson, $700 1938 - No tournament 1937 - No tournament 1936 - No tournament 1935 - Ky Laffoon, $500 1934 - Pro-am only: Ky Laffoon and Barry Goldwater 1933 - Harry Cooper, $400 1932 - Ralph Guldahl, $600
AR-0008857147-01
6WM ❚ SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 ❚ THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
Waste Management Phoenix Open 2019 Preview
1
2
Par 4 403 Yards
3
Par 4 442 Yards
Par 5 558 Yards
A bunker lurks in primary, left-side landing area. Many hit 3-wood or 5-wood off the tee on this hole with a slight dogleg-left.
This hole was lengthened by 30 yards three years ago. Fairway bunkers are in play, and there’s a slight downhill approach to the green.
This long par 5 was the easiest hole in last year’s tournament. A tiered green and a wash cutting in front of the green can make for a tricky approach shot.
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
4
3.975 12 0 69 281 50 3 1
5
Par 3 183 Yards
4.106 4 0 62 247 87 6 2
6
Par 4 470 Yards
4.601 17 8 175 194 24 3 0
Par 4 432 Yards
Golfers will play to a slightly elevated green shifted about 30 yards left of the original location.
Tough par 4 features expanded bunkers and out-of-bounds down the preferred right side.
Wind can be a big factor on this hole with expanded cross bunkers and green reshaped to add back-right pin.
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
7
3.045 6 0 49 291 62 1 1
8
Par 3 215 Yards
4.168 3 0 40 275 73 13 3
9
Par 4 475 Yards
4.035 8 0 68 260 70 6 0
Par 4 453 Yards
Longest par 3 is heavily bunkered on both sides of a green with an abrupt slope along the front edge.
Slight dogleg left features a daunting greenside bunker that was wrapped around the right-front edge.
Bunkers were expanded in primary landing area on a hole with a wide but shallow green guarded by bunker.
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
10
3.059 5 0 42 298 62 2 0
Par 4 428 Yards
11
3.988 11 1 52 303 47 1 0
Par 4 472 Yards
12
4.000 10 0 67 275 57 5 0
Par 3 192 Yards
Dogleg right has an expanded bunker down right side and a directional bunker on the left.
Trees on right and a lake down the left make this a demanding driving hole with a well-bunkered green.
Shots to a long, narrow green need to avoid water down the left side.
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
13
3.973 13 0 66 284 53 1 0
Par 5 558 Yards
14
4.178 1 0 38 273 78 13 2
Par 4 490 Yards
15
3.040 7 0 49 296 53 6 0
Par 5 553 Yards
“Tiger boulder” par-5 features a tight fairway and a “coffin” green-front bunker with awkward stances.
Toughest hole on the course is a par-4 beast at 490 yards, uphill, to a heavily-bunkered, elevated green.
Risk-reward par-5 entices golfers to go for an island green on a second shot that is harder than it appears.
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
16
4.592 18 13 169 195 24 3 0
Par 3 163 Yards
17
4.178 1 0 38 265 93 7 1
Par 4 332 Yards
18
4.777 15 9 153 179 50 9 4
Par 4 442 Yards
It’s only 163 yards, but the stadium setting and raucous fans make tee shot a nerve-racking experience.
Drivable, birdie-fest par-4 has ruined several championship hopes with sand and water hazards
“Church pew” bunkers will dissuade left-side bombers, and back-right pin placement is always tricky on Sundays.
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2018 Statistics Scoring average Rank Eagles Birdies Pars Bogeys Double bogeys Triple-plus:
2.948 14 0 77 277 44 6 0
3.626 16 10 184 158 51 1 0
4.035 8 0 76 252 64 11 1
AZCENTRAL.COM ❚ SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 ❚ 7WM
Waste Management Phoenix Open 2019 Preview LIST OF COMMITMENTS
The Golf Club 2019 features TPC Scottsdale. 2K GAMES
Golf video game brings TPC Scottsdale to screen Nate Fain Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK
Golf fans and gamers can once again play the videogame version of TPC Scottsdale. The host course of the Waste Management Phoenix Open was a yearly feature on EA Sports’ PGA Tour series. However, the video game developer left the golf market in 2015 after the release of Rory McIlroy PGA Tour, due to declining sales. In recent years, HB Studios, a Canadian developer, has attempted to take over the golf video-game market EA Sports gave up on with its release of The Golf Club. The first version of the game was released in 2014. A few months ago, HB Studios release its third version of the game, The Golf Club 2019. For this new version, which hit retailers last November, HB partnered with the publisher 2K Games and struck a deal with the PGA Tour. The agreement allows several famous PGA Tour golf stops to be featured as playable courses, which includes TPC Scottsdale. “Those are huge additions to the game. You can’t put a value on them. Scottsdale brings so many aspects of golf together, so much so that people who don’t even follow golf know that tournament,” said Josh Muise, Creative Director at HB Studios. EA Sports originally hired HB Studios to help create its 2016 PGA Tour game. Shaun West, a producer at HB Studios, assembled a team of designers for the project. Soon after, EA Sports pulled the plug on golf. “We kind of had to work in the shadows until we got their attention. It was always something we really want-
ed to do,” West said. HB Studios decided to the the team it had assembled to and embarked on its own golf game. Recapturing EA Sports’ golf magic won’t be easy for HB Studios. In its prime, the PGA Tour golf series featured over a dozen championship courses and had a stable of playable professional golfers, including Tiger Woods. But the evolving capabilities of video games has given game designers the chance to create different variations of golf games. West and Muise see this as an opportunity to appeal to a wider range of costumers. In South Korea, screen golfing has been a craze for nearly a decade. Koreans pile into golf cafés and hit shots with golf clubs onto screens that have virtual golf courses projected on them. There are versions of The Golf Club 2019 for the Oculus VR headset and and fullswing simulated version for ProTee. “The biggest deterrent for us right now is market size for (virtual reality) gaming,” Muise said. “As it continues to grow it’s going to become more feasible for us to pursue that avenue.” Muise and West want The Golf Club to be an experience with mass appeal. But for now, they’re primarily focused on growing the games’ popularity on in-home video game consoles, like Xbox and PlayStation. HB Studios’ new publishing partner, 2K Games, seized control of the basketball video game market from EA Sports’ NBA Live by penning a deal with Michael Jordan that made the legend a playable avatar on NBA 2K. HB Studios will look to emulate that model by enlisting the help of not just PGA Tour courses but PGA Tour stars for The Golf Club’s fourth act.
The field will consist of 132 golfers. There is still one sponsor exemption to be handed out and three spots will be filled via the Monday qualifier. This list is as of 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, the deadline to enter. A Anders Albertson Byeong Hun An Abraham Ancer Ryan Armour B Aaron Baddeley (exemption) Sangmoon Bae Daniel Berger Ryan Blaum Jonas Blixt Keegan Bradley Bronson Burgoon Sam Burns C Roberto Castro Bud Cauley Alex Cejka Cameron Champ Stewart Cink Austin Cook D Joel Dahmen Cameron Davis Jason Dufner Tyler Duncan E Harris English F Tony Finau Rickie Fowler G Brice Garnett Brian Gay Lucas Glover Cody Gribble Emiliano Grillo H Bill Haas (exemption) Chesson Hadley Adam Hadwi Brandon Hagy James Hahn Brandon Harkins Brian Harman Tyrrell Hatton Russell Henley Jim Herman Charley Hoffman Morgan Hoffmann Tom Hoge J.B. Holmes Billy Horschel Beau Hossler Mackenzie Hughes John Huh I Sungjae Im J Freddie Jacobson Stephan Jaeger Zach Johnson K Sung Kang Martin Kaymer Michael Kim Si Woo Kim Whee Kim Chris Kirk Kevin Kisner Patton Kizzire Colt Knost Russell Knox
Satoshi Kodaira Jason Kokrak Kelly Kraft Matt Kuchar L Martin Laird Andrew Landry Danny Lee Luke List Jamie Lovemark M Hunter Mahan (exemption) Peter Malnati Steve Marino Hideki Matsuyama Denny McCarthy Troy Merritt Phil Mickelson Keith Mitchell Ryan Moore Trey Mullinax Grayson Murray N Kevin Na Joaquin Niemann Alex Noren O Carlos Ortiz P Ryan Palmer C.T. Pan Kenny Perry Scott Piercy J.T. Poston Ted Potter, Jr. Seamus Power Andrew Putnam R Jon Rahm Chez Reavie Patrick Rodgers Sam Ryder S Rory Sabbatini Xander Schauffele Adam Schenk Ollie Schniederjans Charl Schwartzel John Senden Webb Simpson Cameron Smith Brandt Snedeker J.J. Spaun Scott Stallings Kyle Stanley Brendan Steele Robert Streb Kevin Streelman Steve Stricker Chris Stroud Brian Stuard T Nick Taylor Vaughn Taylor Justin Thomas Kevin Tway U Peter Uihlein, V Harold Varner III Jhonattan Vegas W Jimmy Walke Nick Watney Bubba Watson Richy Werenski Aaron Wise (exemption) Matthew Wolff Gary Woodland Chase Wright
How close is Maravilla Scottsdale? You can almost reach it in two.
And that’s no exaggeration. Maravilla Scottsdale Senior Living Resort is tantalizingly close to TPC Scottsdale golf course. It’s just next door. A dogleg southeast, if you will. It truly is a great location to live for golfers and non-golfers alike. In fact, most folks can’t help but feel a bit inspired when surrounded by the beauty and glamour of north Scottsdale. And Maravilla Scottsdale itself? With its resort lifestyle you can be sure you’ll feel right at home. Just look at those photos up there. And assisted living and memory care services are always available if needed. We invite you to see Maravilla Scottsdale for yourself at a complimentary lunch and tour. (It’ll be a great walk unspoiled.) Please call 480.359.3195 to schedule.
7325 E. Princess Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 480.359.3195 MaravillaScottsdale.com Casitas | Court yar d R esidences Independent & Assisted Li v ing | Memory Car e
8WM ❚ SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 ❚ THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
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