Behind the Scenes at The WM Phoenix Open
It's crazy to think that the WM Phoenix Open is 90 years old having started in 1932. It was pioneered by Barry Goldwater Sr. along with the local Thunderbirds Charity Group. It was played at both Phoenix Country Club and Arizona Country before finding a home at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. It's easy to forget the history and lore of the Phoenix Open as it's often overshadowed by large ruckus crowds and an iconic 16th hole. Past champions include the likes of Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Phil Mickelson. Like it or not the Phoenix Open is becoming the biggest and most talked about golf tournament in the sport.
The Phoenix Open has always had a soft spot in the hearts of the Grass Clippings Team. Hell it's "the greatest show on grass" and it's in our backyard. So when the greenskeeper from TPC Scottsdale reached out wanting to have us out to spend a few days with the grounds crew, we jumped all over it. The aesthetics of the golf course is such an important element to a tournament that attracts the crowds and the TV coverage The Phoenix Open does. Keeping the course in mint condition isn't a job for the faint if heart. It's often grueling and stressful. We had the chance to film a behind the scenes look on what it takes to run a grounds crew of 100 + people prepping and maintaining a golf course for the biggest golf event in the world. As we've been saying, it's all about the keepers.
This video is the first of many as we go behind the scenes looking at Greenskeepers of not only golf courses, but of many different sports and venues. Make sure to follow along on the journey.
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