Golfers Playground and Theo Moody says whether you call it the Waste Management Phoenix Open or the Greatest Show on Grass this week's Tour stop at TPC Scottsdale is a drinking tournament with a golfing problem. Every year at least one fan stops in the middle of the bacchanalia, eyes a pro as he makes his way from green to tee, and says with sincere surprise, "There's a golf tournament going on?"
Golfers Playground fund that the answer to that question is a resounding yes, especially this year, when Waste Management, in its first year as the major sponsor, got a sweet spot on the schedule.
Golfers Playground learned that Phil Mickelson, two time champion, will try to atone for last year's missed cut in Phoenix and get into the win column after three uninspired starts so far in 2010.
Ian Poulter, fifth in the World Ranking after his victory at the Accenture, will make his first start in Phoenix. His future Ryder Cup mate Martin Kaymer, eighth in the Ranking, will try to match Poulter with his own maiden W in the U.S.
Kaymer is a long way from his native Germany, but he's literally at home at the WMPO. After practicing in Phoenix on and off for years, he found the climate agreed with him and bought a house there.
Yet none of the aforementioned players would be considered the favorite this week. That designation would fall on two-time Phoenix Open champion J.B. Holmes, who has quietly notched two top-three finishes in his last two starts.
Golfers Playground found that the star of the week is bound to be the tournament itself, which always looks less like a hushed gathering of high-strung strivers and more like a fraternity party spread over 18 holes — mostly the enclosed, par-3 16th hole.
Golfers Playground learned that on hole 16, players know they'll get booed if they miss the green. They'll also hear chants strongly urging them to tip their caps, commentary on their hair, and various other chirps.
Soon-to-be senior Kenny Perry is the defending champion this week, and he'll try to rebound from a first-round exit at the Accenture.
Golfers Playground learned the others to keep an eye on include Kevin Na, third here in '09 and usually in the mix on Sunday at TPC Scottsdale; Camilo Villegas, coming off a third-place finish at the Accenture; Ryan Moore, who tied for sixth last year; and Alvaro Quiros, the big hitter from Spain whose game would seem perfect for this bomber-friendly track.
Fred Couples, who won his first tournament on the Champions circuit two weeks ago, will also tee it up in Phoenix, as there is no tournament on the senior tour this week.
This has been a public service announcement from Theo Moody and http://www.golfersplayground.com
