Sports360AZThe Waste Management Phoenix Open may be “The Greatest Show on Grass,” but look beyond the packed bleachers, flowing spirits, and late night entertainment you will find so much more.
Behind the scenes and away from the course, the week-long event helps local charities such as the Special Olympics, while pulling our community closer in the process.
“This is an amazing thing,” PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem explained to Brad Cesmat Wednesday on “Big Guy on Sports.” “This is the largest golf tournament in the world. It’s a tournament that represents charity and the $75 million raised. It shows what can happen if you put your mind to it. We’re very pleased about it.”
For Finchem, spending time at TPC Scottsdale this week is not only an opportunity observe how the Open is run and enjoy our near 80 degree days, it’s a chance to re-connect with what makes the PGA Tour such a big draw.
Its’ players.
“Having a working relationship with [them] is fundamentally key to move the tour forward,” Finchem told Cesmat. “It’s something we really pay attention to. We’re very hands on. We are a players’ organization.”
He later said he can’t envision working with a better group of individuals.
“When you play golf you’ve got to commit yourself to a shot. They tend to take a direct position. They’re the best athletes on the planet in terms of their integrity and what they stand for.”
Tournament first-round play begins Thursday morning on either the opening number one or ten hole. The field will be cut following Friday’s round.
