Inside Track: Phoenix Open

By Harry Emanuel Last updated: 24th February 2010

Waste Management Phoenix Open

Course: TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Since: 1987
Yardage: 7,216
Par: 71
Low Winning Total: 256 Mark Calcavecchia (2001)
Course Record: 60 Phil Mickelson (2006) Mark Calcavecchia (2001) Grant Waite (1996)
Field: 144
Cut: After 36 holes, low 70 and ties
Tee Off: Thursday BST: 15:10

Overview

For the 24th consecutive year, TPC Scottsdale is hosting the tournament that dates to 1932 when Ralph Guldahl won at Phoenix Country Club. This marks the first year for Waste Management as the tournament's title sponsor.

Set in the Sonoran Desert the purposely built TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course provides excellent viewing for the 500,000 spectators who make this the largest attended golf event in the world.

A unique feature of this tournament is the 16th Hole which is now entirely enclosed by stands giving a stadium like effect. It attracts 40,000 wild golf fans each day during the tournament.

Last Time Out

Kenny Perry playing in his 22nd straight Waste Management Phoenix Open started off slowly with a one over par 72 and was in danger of missing the cut. He moved into contention with a blistering second round 63 and a solid third round 66 saw him lead by two strokes from Kevin Na and Charley Hoffman.

A bogey at the final hole was only good enough to force a play-off with Hoffman who shot 67. Perry rolled in a long putt on the third extra play-off hole to win his first Waste Management Phoenix Open and his 13th PGA Tour title.

The Course

The Stadium Course was designed by the team of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish in 1986. This par 71, which has only three par fives, features 79 bunkers and 6 water hazards.

The rough is not as thick as last year and the generous fairways often widen beyond 300 yards allowing the longer hitters to really attack the course.

The holes are divided by large swathes of desert which should not penalise the really wayward unless they are unlucky enough to find themselves behind one of the cactus trees.

The greens are fast and smooth set to run around 12 on the stimpmeter. They are slightly raised, open fronted and feature run off areas. Accurate approach play is important but solid putting is the key.

Key Hole

The par five 15th is the course's signature hole. This dramatic, 552 yard hole is reachable for the players in two. Water to the left comes into play off the tee shot, while the second shot requires precision to the island green.

Scores range from eagle threes to double bogey sevens, making this hole pivotal to the outcome of the tournament.

They said

"It looks good. I think the fairways are looking good. The rough is not so thick. I was expecting a little thicker rough, little more difficult. But I think you can make it difficult with tough pin positions." - Martin Kaymer.

"Most TPCs I've done pretty well on. They're usually pretty generous off the tee, give you some room to hit it, and then the greens are usually smaller with runoff areas. It's a pretty traditionally design TPCs have." - Charley Hoffman

Horses for Courses

Phil Mickelson attended nearby Arizona State University and is a local favourite with the crowds. He has not disappointed with wins in 1996 and 2005.

He has a further six top tens but his form in recent years has been mixed with a second place sandwiched between two missed cuts.

J.B. Holmes has the best recent record with wins in 2006 and 2008 but has failed to make the cut when defending his title the following year.

Weather Conditions

It is often cold in the mornings and the start of each day's play can be disrupted by frost.

Good golfing conditions are forecast for the first few days before a wet and windy Saturday with winds up to 20mph expected. Conditions should once again be favourable for the final round with light winds and partly cloudy weather.

Conclusion

This is a unique tournament which features huge crowds. Over the years longer hitters have fared well and with less rough this year they will once again have an advantage.

The course has the best greens seen on tour so far this year and the player with the hottest putter usually wins.

Harry Emanuel