SCOTTSDALE – The Waste Management Phoenix Open was all about giving back Tuesday.
Seven-time PGA TOUR champion Justin Thomas still remembers going to junior golf clinics, hanging on to every word the pros said, and watching every shot they hit. Today it was his turn to impact more than 500 kids attending the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day and PING-sponsored First Tee clinic.
Under sunny Scottsdale skies a the TPC Champions Course, Thomas talked about attending similar clinics when he was a kid, telling his young audience to learn as much as they can from the pros they encounter. He also stressed the importance of patience – in school and friendships, not just in golf.
“You’re going to get frustrated,” he said. “But accept it and wait for good things to happen. Just be ready for them. And most important, just have fun.”
Thomas was joined by his good friend, All-Pro Cardinals fan favorite Larry Fitzgerald. The two tag-teamed on a lively Q&A with the kids and each other.
In answer to “what would it be like to do the other person’s sport,” the slightly-built Thomas quickly replied, “Well, I wouldn’t be able to live to tell you about it!” Laughing, Fitzerald countered with, “I’d make it to Friday, at least.”
The two also spoke about sportsmanship, one of the First Tee’s Core Values. Both agreed that respect is an important part of their sports.
“It’s very competitive out there and we all want to win,” said Thomas. “But, at the same time, how you lose defines you as a person. You need to be supportive of your friends, and be gracious and happy for them when they win.”
While the clinic kids continued their morning with the Trick Shot Boys, lunch, and chipping and putting games, over at the TPC Stadium Course putting green, the San Tan Ford Special Olympics Open was underway. Celebrities including Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley and announcer Tom Candiotti, former Sonic Tom Chambers; recently-retired Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, former MLB stars Kyle Lohshe and Mark Mulder, and basketball legend Ann Meyers Drysdale teamed up with Special Olympians to master a tricky nine-hole putting course.
The day ended with a Shower – not from the sky, but in a box … for babies. Operation Shower was held for the sixth consecutive year in the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost located on the 18th hole. Presented by PRO EM, the event honored military moms-to-be, most of whose husbands or significant others were currently deployed.
The non-profit Operation Shower, based in St. Louis, hosts baby showers for military families across the country. Today, the expectant mothers were treated to lunch, raffle prizes, and an extraordinary array of gifts, including the original Shower in a Box that included everything from stuffed animals to baby shoes.
Operation Shower founder LeAnn Morrisey, who started the organization in her basement in 2007, was thrilled to be celebrating the milestone 100th Shower today.
“Being our 100th makes today a little different, and adds a little specialness to it,” she said.
When she began the initiative, Morrisey did not envision the eventual growth and success of Operation Shower.
“I had no idea. It was always just getting to the next one. It started with individual boxes, the Shower in a Box, and we started with those being sent. Then we decided we needed to bring the moms together and do a really nice shower for them.”
Now, 100 Showers and 5000 moms-to-be later, Morrisey’ vision for the future is simple.
“More showers! We have 10 more scheduled this year across the country, about half taking place at PGA TOUR events.”
Shower guests were unanimous in expressing their shock at the quantity and quality of gifts received, and their sincere appreciation for it all.
Raquel G., an Air Force wife whose baby is due in April, said “It’s amazing! This is like above and beyond!”
Bridge H., attending with her three-week old daughter Zoe, was also able to bring her husband Kendal, who leaves next week for a year-long deployment.
“I’m just overwhelmed and really appreciative,” she said.
Operation Shower continues to have star-power support from six-time PGA TOUR winner (and 2010 Waste Management Phoenix Open champion) Hunter Mahan and his wife, Kandi. The couple supports the initiative through The Hunter Mahan Foundation, and attends Showers whenever possible.
We caught up with the Mahans (with their three children in tow) and asked Hunter – dubbed the “nicest guy on TOUR – why he and Kandi continue to not just write a check, but show up at the Showers whenever possible.
He explained, “When my wife heard about this, it’s just something that spoke to us. We appreciate the military so much, it’s not just the men who go overseas, but it’s the women who are making that sacrifice as well, and being torn apart as a family is a very difficult thing. We leave for two weeks at a time and it’s hard. And these men leave for months or a year at a time.”
Mahan, whose last win was the 2014 Barclay’s, said he’s excited about his game and looking forward to competing and playing at a high level this week.
Hunter and Kandi Mahan address the guests:
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- Kids waiting for Justin Thomas and Larry Fitzgerald.
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