Phoenix Open
23 Jan 2003 - 26 Jan 2003TPC of Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona
On a side note, I have had some fun this week off of the golf course. I have a few friends down here from the Phoenix Coyotes, and had the chance to play some hockey with a few of them, including Brian Savage and Sean Burke. It was fun trying to get some shots passed Burke – it didn’t happen though!
Mike arrived on Monday, and we were able to get a few hours of practice in before an intense rain and lightening storm passed through, forcing everyone off the course. On Tuesday we played 18 holes, and Mike worked hard on his short game, focusing on sand shots, chipping, and putting. Mike also spent some time with his sports psychologist, Dr. Rich Gordin to sharpen up the mental aspect of his game.
Set in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by a backdrop of the McDowen Mountains, the TPC of Scottsdale is a beautiful golf course, both to play and just to take in. Open desert areas contribute to the courses difficulty, forming natural bunkers placed strategically around the course.
There has been some sporadic rain to the area, contributing to the condition of the rough, which is longer than usual this year. This may help to keep the scores from going ridiculously low this week. The course has generally played fairly easy for the Tour player, with it’s wide open fairways, true receptive greens, and practically no wind. The greens are in immaculate condition, which will lead to emphasis on the short game, and an absolute putting contest among the players.
Look for lots of birdies this week and fairly low scores. There may even be a scoring record.
My winning prediction this week is 25-under par.
