20 Jan Fore! The Waste Management Phoenix Open Returns This Year
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is right around the corner. It is one of the best events on the PGA Tour, played on one of the most interesting courses in the world. It’s four days of fun in the sun and it’s right here in our backyard. At Phelps LaClair, almost everyone in our Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix and Scottsdale offices loves the sport of golf, and golfing in Phoenix is a year round activity. It is a good way to stay active, and it’s a sport you can learn with only a handful of lessons and a lot of practice.
The winner
Last year’s winner was Rickie Fowler. Known for his unique sartorial taste, Rickie is a true professional who loves to compete against himself. But as he would tell you, golf is a sport that will challenge you to think outside the box and create shots with imagination. No shot is ever the same. Each lie of the ball is different. The layout of the course may not vary much year to year, but the placement of the hole on the green is constantly changing. Weather plays a part in it, too. Wind is unseen and unpredictable. It might be calm on the tee, blowing left to right on the fairway, and right to left on the green. It’s as if the course is daring you to beat it.
Who can play?
It is a sport for all ages and physiques. Tiger Woods began to imitate his dad’s golf swing when he was six months old. By the age of three, he had already shot a 48 on a nine hole course. He played in his first PGA tournament at 16 while he was still in high school. But he wasn’t the youngest to play a professional round. That honor belongs to Don Dunkelberger who was 11 years, 11 months and 10 days old when he teed off at the 1934 Chicago Open.
At the other end of the spectrum, Jerry Barber played the Buick Invitational at the age of 77 years, 10 months and nine days. Scott Hoch is the oldest winner on the Tour at 63 years and five months. And the average age of a tour professional is 35, so if you are young and dreaming of a pro career, it’s not too late to try.
Physically, golf is a low impact sport, so it is good exercise even if you aren’t in the best shape. In fact, there are many Tour pros who are over 240 pounds. John Daly might even be in the 275 pound range. This might explain why a lot of NFL players, including linemen, love to play. Tony Romo, retired Dallas Cowboys quarterback, is currently working on his PGA player’s card. Golf is a good long walk, though, with the courses averaging around 7300 yards—roughly four miles! Playing every day would get you in shape pretty quickly.
Volunteer
It is too late this year, but the Waste Management Phoenix Open needs volunteers for crowd control, security and courtesy every year. Keep this in mind if you fancy a day at the links. You might even get up close and personal with some of your favorite players.
Phelps LaClair is excited when our clients take steps to improve their health. It’s why we advocate for activities like golfing in Phoenix. We believe in a balanced life of faith, family, work and fun. Estate planning is our business and we want to see all of our clients live long, healthy and prosperous lives. Drop by one of our offices for a free first consultation with no obligation. We are always happy to sit down with you to discuss your estate planning options. Hope to see you on the course!
Images used under creative commons license (Commerical Use) 01/20/2020 Photo by Pixabay