Brennans Caddy Report-FBR Open

We are in Scottsdale, Arizona this week for the FBR Open.  Formerly known as the Phoenix Open, this is an event we really enjoy playing in, and is one of my top 3 favorite events of the year.  The atmosphere at this event compared to other PGA events is completely different.  The fans really get into this event and tend to be loud and very vocal, there is an excitement in the air. 

I love the Phoenix area and I love the course, the TPC of Scottsdale.  For some reason, certain courses are a lot of fun to caddy on, courses that you tend to know better than others.  This is one of them for me.  We have played here many times and there have been few changes to the course over the years, so I am very comfortable here.   I also enjoy the look of desert courses, beautiful green fairways right smack in the middle of the brown desert. 

Mike is feeling really good about his game going into this week.  His body feels fit and healthy, and he's very comfortable with his game right now.  I can see the excitement in Mike's eyes and he is fired up to play four weeks in a row.  He's had a lot of success on the West Coast in the past and is excited to get it going this season with the current state of his game. Mike also really enjoys this course-the TPC of Scottsdale sets up well for him.  This is the 8th time we have played here, and Mike has had 3 top tens at this event. 

We got in on Monday, and Mike put in some good work on the range.  He has been testing some new drivers from TaylorMade.  They have a new R7 425 that is suppose to be the next best thing, so Mike has been working on getting the correct set-up customized for him with the weights and loft of the club. 

I include myself in this group when I say for the average golfer, its amazing to see how great the service is from the different equipment companies each week out here with the players.  They typically bring out about 6 different drivers for the players to test.  This week TaylorMade brought out a launch monitor to measure the spin and carry of the golf ball, to match Mike's specifications up to create different drivers for him to try out. 

After finishing a good practice session on the range on Monday, Mike began working on his short game, chipping and putting for a while with his coach Mike Wilson before calling it a day.  On Tuesday, we teed off on the first hole before it was even light out.  Mike wanted to be the first one on the course so we went out at the crack of dawn and got in 18 holes, by ourselves, in 4 hours. Mike had a good day of work on the course.  He practiced lots of chip shots, as well as putting on the greens to the spots where we think they will put the pins this week.  After the round Mike went back to the range and worked on a few things with Mike Wilson, and then headed for the putting green for some more work.  The day on the golf course was over at 1:30 and then it was time for a workout.  This is what a normal tour player will do on the first few days of a tournament week. 
 
As far as the golf course this week, TPC Scottsdale is as mentioned one of my favorites.  Unfortunately this year the condition of the course isn't the best but since everyone has to play the same course it really shouldn't have much effect.  They had a tough time when they over seeded with winter grass and there are some patchy spots all over.  I tend to be quite tough on course conditions as I see the best courses every week and my standards are very high.  This course is still in fine condition just not by PGA Tour standards.

Despite the conditions, the course itself is very exciting and has some of the best finishing holes out there.  The 15th is a par 5 with a second shot over water.  It really encourages players to go for the green in two and is a good risk reward hole.  Number 16 is little par 3 that is the loudest hole in the world-the fans on this hole are unbelievable.  Feels like you are in a hockey arena and not on a golf course playing this hole.  The 17th is a drive-able par 4 with a tricky green with water bordering the back of  it.  This green can cause a lot of trouble if you aren't careful.  And the finishing hole number 18 has water down the entire left side off the tee.

The last few years at this event the Phoenix Coyotes have been on the road.  This week they are in Phoenix 3 times, so Wednesday night we are going to see them play against the Canucks.  It will actually be Mike's first NHL game this season, and probably my 25th (just ask my wife).  I think it's great when we can get a bunch of friends together and all go to a game and have a good night out.
 
I have to say I am really excited about this year.  Mike hit the ball as good as I have seen in years at the Bob Hope and it has been continuing.  I am really looking forward to some good finishes and maybe a win or two here on the west coast!!
 
This week I predict the winning score to be 25 under par. 

Thanks for reading,

Brennan Little

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