Day 1 of the 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open was remarkably tranquil … and cold … and blustery. Blankets, ponchos, and hats were the uniform of the day, as ominous dark clouds covered the usual blue skies of Scottsdale, and the temperature remained below 50 degrees. The place was deserted, except for the Coors Light Pro-Am participants and a few pros. Tuesday’s warmer temps and “Dream Day” activities for kids will no doubt draw more spectators and golfers getting in their practice rounds.
Of Note:
* The event surpassed the $100 million in all-time charitable giving in 2015.
*Last year’s champion, Brooks Koepka, went on to claim five more top-10 finishes, making eight total for the season.
*Three-time WMPO champion Phil Mickelson is back for his 27th start.
*Three of the event’s last four winners were first-time winners on Tour – Books Koepka (2015), Kevin Stadler (2014) and Kyle Stanley (2012).
*20-somethings to watch: Emiliano Grillo, Smylie Kaufman, Justin Thomas, Petre Malnati and …… wait for it ….. Jordan Spieth.
*Celebrity watch for Wednesday’s Annexus Pro-Am: Larry Fitzgerald, Bruce Arians, Dierks Bentley, Greg Maddux, Bode Miller, Justin Upton, Emmit Smith, and more TBA.