Issuu

Ta ble O f C o ntents

Thunderbirds Welcome . . . . . . . . .

America West Airlines Expo Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PGA TOUR Welcome . . . . . . . . . .

150

Mayors Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Xerox Silver Pro-Am . . . . . . . . . . .

152

Xerox Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Pro-Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

156

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 18

Avaya Communication Celebrity-Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Defending Champion . . . . . . . . . .

160

The Thunderbirds . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sun Microsystems Pro-Am . . . . . . .

162

Local PGA TOUR pros . . . . . . . . .

Cox Communications Clubhouse . .

164

TPC of Scottsdale . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Star System Greenskeepers . . . . . . .

168

Spectator Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Members Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

184

TPC Course Map . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

190

TPC hole-by-hole . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Patrons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

194

Phoenix Open Hall of Fame . . . . . .

A Special Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

196

Tournament Management . . . . . . .

198

Thunderbirds Council & Advisory Board . . . . . . . . . . . . .

199

Phoenix Open Champs at TPC 1987-2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phoenix Open Champions 1932-86 . . . . . . . . . . .

112

Active Thunderbirds . . . . . . . . . . .

200

Phoenix Open Records . . . . . . . . .

124

Thunderbird Staff & TPC Staff . . . .

203

Volunteer Of The Year . . . . . . . . . .

134

Life Thunderbirds . . . . . . . . . . . . .

204

PGA Tour West Coast Swing . . . . . .

136

Advertiser Index and credits . . . . . .

222

Special Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

140

America West Airlines Corporate Village . . . . . . . . . . . . .

144

Sky Box Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

148

Thund erbi rd s W elco me

he Thunderbirds welcome you to the Valley’s premier sporting event, the 66th annual Phoenix Open! Congratulations to Tournament Chairman John Perkinson and all of the dedicated Active Thunderbirds who have worked so hard for the past year planning this exciting tournament week. Every year, the Phoenix Open community—corporate sponsors, volunteers, spectators and friends of the tournament— devote tremendous time and energy to make our event one of the finest in all of professional golf. The most impressive aspect of the Phoenix Open is the profound and lasting impact it has on Arizona-based charities. As a result of the 2000 Phoenix Open, we raised more than $3.3 million for local charities, and have raised nearly $17 million dollars for charity since moving to the TPC of Scottsdale in 1987. We annually help hundreds of worthwhile causes, and thanks to your support, during the past year two special milestones were achieved. In May, we celebrated with Homeward Bound the opening of The Thunderbirds Family Village. This five-acre campus in Phoenix is the new base of operation for a national model transitional housing program, serving hundreds of single mothers and their children. We also started construction on The Thunderbirds Golf Course in the foothills near South Mountain Park in Phoenix. Soon we will fulfill our dream to have a home for The First Tee of Phoenix and the other junior and amateur golf programs we support. We also extend a special welcome and thank you to our friends at The Document Company, Xerox, who are the Presenting Television Sponsor of our tournament. Xerox has been a major sponsor of the Phoenix Open for many years and they make it possible for the tournament to be seen on television by millions of people worldwide. On behalf of The Thunderbirds, thanks for being here, and we wish you a fun and enjoyable week.

Sincerely,

Steve Matteucci Big Chief The Thunderbirds

P G A TO UR W elco me

n behalf of the PGA TOUR, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2001 Phoenix Open, one the leading PGA TOUR events. One of the reasons the game of golf is enjoying tremendous growth today is because of the long history of support from communities like yours. Since 1932, when the tournament was first played at Phoenix Country Club, 66 tournaments have taken place at various courses in this area with past champions that include Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Hal Sutton, Paul Azinger, Vijay Singh and local favorite, Phil Mickelson. An important highlight of the 2000 season took place at the Phoenix Open when another local resident, Tom Lehman, sank a par-saving 9-foot putt on the final hole to earn his first PGA TOUR title since 1996. We hope the 2001 tournament will produce equally memorable moments. The Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale has been the home of this event since 1987 and offers an ideal natural setting and challenging design for the talented field assembled this week. A key ingredient at every TOUR event is the dedicated volunteer force that puts in countless hours to ensure a first-class event. A major part of the unprecedented success and growth the TOUR has enjoyed is attributable to the hard work and unselfish nature of the tournament volunteers. Throughout the years, the PGA TOUR has focused on its commitment to local communities. Thanks to continued support from sponsors and fans, the Phoenix Open and The Thunderbirds have contributed nearly $17 million to local charities since moving to the TPC of Scottsdale in 1987. Overall, PGA TOUR events have raised more than $550 million for charitable organizations since 1938, the first year such records were kept. Our sincere thanks to Thunderbirds Big Chief Steve Matteucci and 2001 Chairman John Perkinson for their leadership efforts with the local First Tee project, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2001. The First Tee is dedicated to impacting the lives of young people by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities that primarily serve kids who have not previously had exposure to the game and its positive values. Our thanks also to Xerox for their support of the USA Network and CBS Sports broadcasts of the tournament. Thank you for supporting the Phoenix Open. Enjoy watching some of the world's greatest golfers compete in your community this week.

Sincerely, Timothy W. Finchem Commissioner PGA TOUR

M ayo rs’ W elco me

t is my pleasure to once again welcome you to Phoenix and the 66th annual Phoenix Open. I’m invited to many events every year, but this is one I really look forward to. And I’m obviously not alone, because each year record numbers of golf fans flock to the TPC. And who can blame them? This is golf at its finest. Our own Tom Lehman has been a wonderful champion, and it will be fun to watch him defend his title. But in order to do that, he’ll be facing the best golfers anywhere. No doubt we’ll enjoy another exciting finish that our Phoenix Open is famous for. As always, a special “thanks” must go out to The Thunderbirds for the spectacular job they do in making this the PGA TOUR’s most popular stop. I also salute you- the volunteers, fans and sponsors whose support of the Phoenix Open helps raise millions of dollars for charity each year. So to all the players and all the fansWelcome! Have a great Phoenix Open.

Sincerely,

n behalf of the Scottsdale City Council and the citizens of Scottsdale, I am delighted to welcome everyone to the 66th annual Phoenix Open in Scottsdale. This is golf at its absolute best. The best players, the best fans and the best game-played with a Western flair. This year, we’re celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of ‘The West’s Most Western Town.’ It’s true that we no longer see cattle drives down Scottsdale Road or find it necessary to ask gentlemen to remove their spurs on the dance floor. We’re now part of the New West: vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan, while still celebrating the spirit of the Old West. We’re proud to host one of the nation’s finest rodeos and the world’s longest horse-drawn parade. We also have legendary shoot-outs – with six irons rather than six-shooters. Scottsdale is grateful to The Thunderbirds and the PGA TOUR for the hard work and the care they put into the Phoenix Open year after year. We’re proud to host a history-making tournament. There is no other tournament in the world quite like the Phoenix Open!

Sincerely, Skip Rimsza Mayor of Phoenix Mary Manross Mayor of Scottsdale

X ero x W elco me

n behalf of all Xerox employees and their families, wecome to the 2001 Phoenix Open. Xerox is proud to serve as the Presenting Television Sponsor for the second consecutive year. As a result of the hard work, dedication and persistence of The Thunderbirds, the Phoenix Open has become more than just a great golf tournament. It is an event held in the community â€“ for the community. Thousands of people from dozens of local charities will benefit from the efforts of The Thunderbirds. We are inspired by their enthusiasm and unselfish efforts and commend them for their commitment to this event. Xerox takes similar pride in working to enhance the lives of those in the Valley of the Sun. Our employees spend countless hours supporting community events such as the Xerox Southwest Salsa Challenge, which benefits the Hemophilia Association of Arizona, the Xerox Ladiesâ€™ Invitational and KideXecs, an education-based mentoring program. Xerox extends a warm welcome to all of the Open and Pro-Am participants, as well as all of the golf enthusiasts, who have joined us for this outstanding event. We feel privileged that with the support of our Xerox customers and partners, we are able to bring you the Xerox Silver Pro-Am and the Phoenix Open. Enjoy this premier golf event in the Valley of the Sun.

Sincerely,

Anne M. Mulcahy President and Chief Operating Officer, Xerox Corporation

C a lend a r o f Ev ents

Sun

Mo 8:30 am Xerox Ladies Invitational (by invitation only) Morning Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR pros only 9:30 am Cox Communications Dream Day activities begin 10:15 am PING Junior Golf Clinic TPC Stadium Course Driving Range 12 noon U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Pro-Am shotgun start on TPC Stadium Course

Sunday, January 21

Tue

Sunday, Monday,January January2122

Morning Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR pros only

12:00 noon Infinity OutdoorJanuary Special Olympics Open Monday, January 22 Tuesday, 23 TPC Stadium Course Putting Green

Thu and

Tuesday, January 23 24 Wednesday, January 2:00 pm MCI WorldCom Skins Game TPC Stadium Course, holes 3-9 Wednesday, January Thursday, January 2524

Sat and

and Friday, January 26

7:00 pm Thursday, January 25 Phoenix Open Celebrity Dinner, and Friday, January sponsored by Xerox Saturday, January 2726 Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Sunday, January 28 (by invitation only)

Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January Monday, January 29 28 Monday, January 29

Sun We Monday, January 22 Tuesday, January 23 9:30 am Avaya Communication Celebrity-Am shotgun start on Grayhawk Raptor Course 10:30 am Xerox Silver Pro-Am shotgun start on TPC Stadium Course 11:00 am Sun Microsystems Pro-Am shotgun start on Grayhawk Talon Course

7:50 am Phoenix Open 1st and 2nd rounds

Wednesday, January 24 Phoenix Open 3rdJanuary and 4th rounds Thursday, 25

Sunday, January 21 and Friday, January 26 Oldsmobile Challenge closest 2nd shot on par-5 15th Hole Monday, January 22

Saturday, January 27

Oldsmobile Hole-in-One contest and Sunday, January Tuesday, January 23 28 16th hole (Sunday only)

Monday, January 29 24 Wednesday, January

8:30 am Thursday, 25 The MONY GroupJanuary Invitational and Friday, January 26 TPC Stadium Course (by invitation only)

Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January 28 Monday, January 29

Mo Thu and Tue Sat We and

Thu Mo and

Sat and

D efend i ng C ha mp i o n

Tom Lehman there is, indeed, a “home-course advantage.” “If there’s a local guy in the hunt, he has a good chance to win,” Lehman said. “It doesn’t matter who he is, the fans really get behind him. He’s a hometown guy and they are going to support him. When Phil beat Justin Leonard (in the 1996 playoff), it was like a Ryder Cup, with the attitudes and enthusiasm of the fans pulling for Phil. “It might be interesting to see what would happen if it was Lehman, Mickelson, (Billy) Mayfair and Calcavecchia coming down the stretch.” Whether he is a hometown favorite or not, Lehman said, the Phoenix Open has a special appeal with its 400,000-plus fans, the largest on the PGA TOUR, during tournament week and its fun atmosphere. “The Thunderbirds should be commended for the job they do, not just with the tournament but with the civic-minded attitude they have,” he said. “It’s not just a golf tournament, it’s an event on the social calendar. People try to duplicate it, but they can’t because they don’t have the same fans, the same enthusiasm amongst the people in their city. “From a players perspective, I think this is one of the great events on TOUR. I am biased being that I live here, but even if I didn’t I would enjoy this tournament. The atmosphere of the Phoenix Open is unlike any other and it’s a week I always look forward to.” This year’s event features a record purse of $4 million, and there will still be a festive atmosphere on the course, like the par-3 16th

By John Davis Golf Writer,The Arizona Republic

hole, which has become well known throughout the golf world for its exuberant, boisterous fans. The scene at 16 might not appeal to all golfers, but Lehman is among those who get a kick out of the experience. “I love 16, I really do,” he said. “It is a unique hole on TOUR. There are a handful of guys who don’t enjoy it, but as a whole I think golfers really love it and love this tournament. “There is going to be a great feel at the Phoenix Open this year, without question. There always is and always will be, and no matter where I finish, I will always enjoy playing here.” ❖

s hard as it might seem to imagine, there were times not that long ago when Tom Lehman questioned whether he belonged on the PGA TOUR. The Scottsdale resident and defending champion of the Phoenix Open annually ranks among the top players on the PGA TOUR and in the World Golf Rankings, and has become a fixture in international competitions like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. That status is one Lehman doubted he would ever achieve a little more than a decade ago, when he didn’t think he could even tee it up with the big boys. “I never really dreamed, to be honest, if you asked me 12 or 13 years ago whether that kind of thing was even possible,” he said. “When I first got back on the Tour in 1992, I didn’t feel like I deserved to be out here for awhile, but you never know what’s going to happen.” What has happened, unquestionably, is success and the former University of Minnesota golfer found little of that when he first began playing on the PGA TOUR. Between 1982 and ‘85, he earned just $20,232 and never finished higher than 158th on the money list. Unable to keep his TOUR card, he played in Asia, South Africa and other foreign events for the rest of the decade, finally deciding in 1989 that it might be time for a career change. Lehman returned to his alma mater to interview for the job of college golf coach, and it was that interview that ultimately convinced him to follow his real dream of being a TOUR pro. Coaching at Minnesota, Lehman envisioned that he would be allowed to play mini-tour events and work on his own game during the cold-weather months. When he was told he would be renting cross-country skis at the pro shop during the winter, it didn’t take him long to make a career decision. “I decided I didn’t train to do that, and as a student I didn’t get an education to do that,” he said. “So in both ways I was striking out, and I walked away.”

Instead of the ski slopes, he headed for the Hogan (now Buy.com) TOUR, where he won one event in 1990 and three in ‘91 to lead that tour and regain his PGA TOUR card. Since then, he has emerged as one of the world’s top pros, finishing no lower than 33rd on the money list and as high as first, when he was the TOUR’s Player of the Year in 1996. He even held the No. 1 ranking in the world in 1997 after finishing fourth in the MCI Classic, at the time becoming the only American golfer to reach that pinnacle besides Fred Couples. A five-time winner on the Tour, Lehman’s big breakthrough, and the one that convinced him he belonged, came in 1994 when he won the Memorial Tournament. After finishing second to Jose Maria Olazabal at the Masters six weeks earlier, Lehman shot four straight rounds of 67 to set a tournament-record 268 and earn a 5-shot victory over Greg Norman. Another win followed in 1995 and two more in 1996, including the British Open at Royal Lytham and St. Annes – the same site that will host this year’s event in July – as he became the first American to win at that venue since Bobby Jones in 1926. Lehman capped that ‘96 season by winning the TOUR Championship, but while those two victories might rate the highest on the prestige scale, his Phoenix Open title a year ago always will rank as one of his most special moments. “Next to the majors and the TOUR Championship, this is the one I wanted to win,” Lehman said. “The thrill of winning in your own backyard is unique, with all your family being there and my wife (Melissa) and kids, and to have the kind of support the fans give local golfers here .

it doesn’t get much better than that.” “I had to make a putt on the last hole to have a chance, about a 9-footer, and I could just feel the crowd willing that ball into the hole. That kind of positive energy is something you feel and it really does make a difference in how you play. I really wanted to make that putt, and when it dropped in, it was just a . . . a very emotional moment for me.” Lehman’s victory, his first since the ‘96 season, was one that mirrored his career of determination and perseverance as six golfers held or shared the lead at various times during last year’s final round. Phil Mickelson, Hal Sutton, Robert Allenby, David Toms and Frank Lickliter all were on top of the leaderboard on Super Bowl Sunday, but in the end it was Lehman who had the best aim among the six-shooters. Lehman, who shared the lead with Mickelson after the first round and led after the second, went into Sunday’s final round trailing Lickliter by 3 shots, Mickelson by 2 and Allenby by 1. Starting the day at 10-under, Lehman made the turn at 11-under, then knocked in a 20-foot birdie putt at No. 11 and an 18-footer at No. 14, and got up and down for another birdie from behind the green at the short par-5 15th to grab a share of the lead with Allenby. Playing ahead of Allenby, it all came down to the 18th hole, where Lehman’s errant tee shot found the rough and settled into a hole, leaving him no choice but to hit a lay-up shot. From 50 yards out, his pitch and run stopped 9 feet to the left of the pin.

Lehman had watched Nolan Henke make the same putt to win the ‘91 event and recalled that it had a slight left-to-right break even though it appeared to be more severe. Relying on that past experience, he nudged a soft putt that caught the right edge of the hole and fell in as he pumped his right fist (see cover photo) and the hometown crowd of more than 70,000 fans erupted. “I knew I had to make it,” Lehman said. “I looked at the board to see where everybody was standing and if I had any chance of winning outright I had to make that putt. I knew it was a big putt. I thought about all the big putts in my career and those are the same ones I have missed many times, so it meant a lot to step up and knock it in.” The up-and-down par kept Lehman in a tie with Allenby as the Australian came to the 18th. Figuring that Allenby would either birdie or par the hole, Lehman headed for the driving range to prepare for a possible playoff. After a perfect drive, Allenby’s 9-iron approach shot rolled off the back of the green. His chip shot checked up in the fringe, leaving him a 7-footer to force a playoff, but his putt caught the left edge of the hole and spun out. Allenby settled for a bogey and, at 14-underpar 270, Lehman was a champion once again. “With the back, right pin, 18 is the kind of hole where you can make a mistake and make a bogey, but you can also put it in close and make birdie,” Lehman said. “My feeling was that most likely we were going to tie. So I was on the range, trying to gear myself up mentally. When I was told he missed his putt for par, I was stunned. I didn’t want to be thinking about that possibility at all.” Not only did it end his victory drought, the win also allowed Lehman to join the list of local pros who have captured the Phoenix Open. Steve Jones (1997), Mickelson (‘96), Mark Calcavecchia (‘89 and ‘92) and Tom Purtzer (‘84) all have been hometown winners. Valley golfers have won five of the 14 Phoenix Open titles since it moved to the TPC of Scottsdale in 1987, and Lehman says

T he Th und erbi rd s

hrough their mission to promote the Valley of the Sun through sports, The Thunderbirds attract a global spotlight to Phoenix every January, as the world’s best golfers venture west to participate in the Phoenix Open. The tournament has matured greatly since its very humble beginnings, and no one has benefited more from this growth than the children of the state of Arizona. In all, more than 150 charitable beneficiaries each year receive direct support from The Thunderbirds. With each tournament and the international notoriety it brings, The Thunderbirds have become more and more synonymous with the Phoenix Open. Yet, as popular as it has become, the Phoenix Open is only part of what The Thunderbirds are about. The exciting by-product of this successful golf event is the money raised by The Thunderbirds for Arizona charities and an incredible positive BOB GOLDWATER, SR. economic impact on the Valley of the Sun. When the Phoenix Open first began in the 1930's, The Thunderbirds certainly did not envision that one day they would raise more than $3.3 million in one year for charity, as they have recently. And, according to economic impact studies by the Arizona Department of Commerce and the City of Scottsdale, the Phoenix Open makes an annual contribution to the Valley economy of more than $75 million.

While the Phoenix Open remains The Thunderbirds primary fundraising activity, other golf events require a significant commitment of the group’s time and energies, including the Thunderbird-ASU Collegiate Invitational, the Thunderbird Junior and Senior Golf Classics and the prestigious AJGA Thunderbird Junior International. The Thunderbirds also direct the First Tee Chapter for central Arizona, and are developing The Thunderbirds Golf Course in South Phoenix as a prototype First Tee facility. All of this is made possible by the continued community support of the Phoenix Open, allowing The Thunderbirds to make Arizona a better place for all of us. The accelerated growth of the Phoenix Open and its contributions to charity are a direct result of the tournament relocating to the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale in 1987. As early as 1983, The Thunderbirds began working with the PGA TOUR on developing a “stadium golf ” facility to host the

T he Th und erbi rd s

Phoenix Open, which was quickly outgrowing its home at Phoenix Country Club. The project became a reality when then Scottsdale Mayor Herb Drinkwater invited the course to be built in his city and secured the necessary land for the project. The design of the TPC of Scottsdale Stadium Course has allowed the Phoenix Open to host more than 400,000 fans during tournament week, making it the best-attended golf tournament in the world, and annually one of the top charity fundraisers on the PGA TOUR. The Phoenix Open began in 1932 but was discontinued after the 1935 event. The tournament was revived thanks to the energy and vision of one man, Bob Goldwater, Sr. An avid golfer, he cajoled his fellow Thunderbirds into running the event, and his persuasive manner was successful. So in 1939, Bob Goldwater’s new fledgling golf tournament was the official rebirth of the Phoenix Open. Goldwater was left with most of the work, as his fellow Thunderbirds were not yet as enthusiastic about the event as he was. Never one to back down from a challenge, Goldwater printed the tickets, sold sponsorships and obtained use of the Phoenix Country Club. He even invited a few of his friends to tee it up at the tournament. Those friends just happened to be Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and a golfer by the name of Ben Hogan. “I loved those early years,” said Goldwater. “I look back on those days with a sense of pride mixed with wonderment.” And, yes, after a few more persuasive talks and the success of the 1939 Phoenix Open, The Thunderbirds came around and lent their full support. That year, 27-year-old Byron Nelson won the $700 first prize. Hogan finished second, 12 strokes back, and collected $450. Since then, The Thunderbirds have sponsored an Open every year except 1943, when wartime travel restrictions forced a one-year hiatus.

The list of professional golfers who have won in Phoenix is like a golf Hall of Fame: Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret, Walter Hagen, Billy Casper, Gene Littler, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Miller Barber, Johnny Miller, Ben Crenshaw, and more recently Lee Janzen, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, Steve Jones and Tom Lehman, to name just a few. There are now more than 300 Thunderbirds. The 55 “Active” members are all between the ages of 30 and 45. Each has demonstrated a sincere interest in community service and is willing to help coordinate one of the finest sporting events in the United States. Once an Active member turns 45, his status changes to that of “Life” member and he is relieved of continuous duties, though remaining a voluntary participant in the organization’s activities. The number of 55 Active members dates back to the group's formation in the 1930's, when the original five members were each asked to recruit ten additional members. They called themselves The Thunderbirds after the emblem at the time of the local Chamber of Commerce, and adopted the uniform of blue velvet tunics and silver concho belts and pendants in honor of the earlier Indian civilizations which inhabited the area. ❖

T he Th und erbi rd s

The Thundberbirds Raise $3.3 Million For Arizona Charities he Thunderbirds, sponsors of the annual Phoenix Open, continue to offer one of the best helping hands in Arizona. Thanks primarily to the success of Phoenix Open 2000 last January, along with several other Thunderbird fund-raising

programs, Big Chief Steve Matteucci announced recently that the organization will contribute $3.3 million in cash and in-kind support to hundreds of Arizona charities in the coming year. “This is a very exciting time for The Thunderbirds,” said Matteucci. “Thanks to the tremendous support of our fans, sponsors and volunteers, we’re raising significant funds to help make a real impact on the quality of life in our community.” Matteucci identified the recent openings of Homeward Bound’s Thunderbirds Family Village and the Thunderbirds Grayhawk Branch of the Boys and Girls Club, as well as the start of construction on the Thunderbirds Guadalupe

Branch of the Boys and Girls Club and The Thunderbirds Golf Course, which is the home of The First Tee in South Phoenix, as high profile examples of the organization’s work. According to the PGA TOUR Tournaments Association, the Phoenix Open is third in charitable giving among all of the 45 PGA TOUR events. Last year, PGA TOUR events combined to give more than $44 million to charity. Since moving to the TPC of Scottsdale in 1987, the Phoenix Open has raised $16.7 million for charity. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 Active and 250 Life members, made up of Valley community leaders who volunteer thousands of hours every year to stage the Phoenix Open. In addition, The Thunderbirds sponsor or host other events, including a variety of successful junior and collegiate golf programs, such as the AJGA Thunderbird International Junior, The Thunderbird Junior Classic, The Thunderbird Junior Invitational and the ASU-Thunderbird Invitational, to name just a few. They are also the premier sponsor of the annual Arizona Special Olympics Summer Games. ❖

T he Th und erbi rd s

The following is a representative list of some of the many beneficiaries who have received support from The Thunderbirds: • Aid to Adoption of Special Kids • Arizona Friends of Foster Children • American Junior Golf Association • Arizona Golf Association • Arizona Interscholastic Association • Arizona Special Olympics • Arizona State University • Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix • Carl Hayden Community Foundation • Carver Museum and Cultural Center • Center Against Sexual Abuse • Christian Family Care Agency • Crisis Nursery

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation • Desert Mashies Golf Foundation • The First Tee • Grand Canyon State Games • Grand Canyon University • Heather Farr Foundation • Homeward Bound • John C. Lincoln Health Foundation • Junior Golf Association of Arizona • Juvenile Diabetes Foundation • Make A Wish Foundation • March of Dimes • Neurofibromatosis Foundation • Payne Stewart Memorial Fund • Prevent Blindness America • Samaritan Foundation • Santa Claus Classic

• Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation • St. Mary’s Food Bank • SW Autism Research Center • United Methodist Outreach Ministries • United Way • Upward Foundation • Young Life • YMCA • YWCA Haven House • The Wellness Community and many others.

B est F ri end s

Phoenix Open Bonds The Thunderbirds and Local PGA TOUR Pros

By Bill Huffman East Valley/Scottsdale Tribune Golf Writer

hen The Thunderbirds embarked last year on The First Tee of Phoenix project, perhaps the biggest undertaking in the history of the organization, it was a “fore”gone conclusion that they would need lots of help. Fortunately, PGA TOUR stars Tom Lehman, Billy Mayfair and Howard Twitty were waiting in the wings, eager for a chance to help The Thunderbirds.

“This is the perfect fit for us,” said Lehman, who along with Mayfair and Twitty will donate their time and design fees to The Thunderbirds Golf Course, a 27-hole facility in South Phoenix that will offer area youths, particularly those who can’t afford it, access to the game. “I’m just happy for the opportunity to give something back to the community, and I know that Howard and Billy feel the same way," said Lehman. "Especially when it comes to a project that The Thunderbirds are so heavily involved in, because you just know that it’s going to turn out great.” Of course, what else would you expect from one of Phoenix’s most philanthropic groups?

Andrew Magee

Howard Twitty, Billy Mayfair and Tom Lehman hit ceremonial first drives at the recent groundbreaking ceremony for The Thunderbirds Golf Course, home of The First Tee of Phoenix, which they have volunteered to help design.

“The Thunderbirds always have been so unselfish with their time and money,” said Twitty, who grew up in Phoenix. “These guys are some of the biggest business leaders in the Valley, yet they always find time to give and give and give. That’s why we jumped at the chance to help them out for a change.” It’s a labor of love, added Mayfair. “I remember when I was a kid growing up in Phoenix,” he said. “The Thunderbirds sponsored the first tournament I won, the 1977 Thunderbird Junior at Mountain Shadows. I think I was 8, and that was the first time I laid eyes on them in their blue tunics and silver beads. I didn’t know it then, but their mission is so important to this community.You look at all they do for various charities, especially what they’ve done for kids who want to play golf, and it is truly an amazing story. “I’m just thrilled that they asked me, Howard and Tom to be part of The First Tee project. With The Thunderbirds’ involvement, you can count on it being one of the best — if not the best — First Tee golf course facilities in the country because they always do such a tremendous job.” According to Tim Grant, who is chairman of The Thunderbirds Junior Golf Foundation, the feeling is mutual. “We are so lucky to have these guys as our local (PGA TOUR) pros,” Grant said. “They do so much for us, and with their time restraints, that caring attitude is really appreciated. And when you consider we’ve got about 20 or 30 of these types of relationships, it really makes it a lot easier for us to do our job.” Yes, The Thunderbirds and the local PGA TOUR players have always been tight, going way back to 1937, when Bob Goldwater, Sr. and a few of his colleagues formed the civic-minded group to promote the Valley of the Sun through sports and to support charitable causes. “The Thunderbirds and the (PGA TOUR) players who live here have always been close friends, and that goes way back,” said Goldwater, who is regarded as the Father of

Kirk Triplett caddied for his wife Cathy during last year's PGA TOUR Wives Golf Classic.

the Phoenix Open. “I think that’s the reason that we’ve always been able to attract such quality fields for Phoenix. The pros always have a good time and they’re always well taken care of. Over time that’s produced strong relationships between The Thunderbirds and the players based on trust and loyalty, and those are two (attributes) that are really hard to beat.” In many cases, those ties that bind begin from the moment a player moves to the Valley. Or, for the natives like Twitty and Mayfair, “forever.” Andrew Magee, a transplanted Texan who relocated here in 1986, remembers his first experiences with The Thunderbirds vividly. And, no, they didn’t occur via the Phoenix Open. “When (my wife) Susan and I first moved here, we needed to trust someone to help us get situated, and so we turned to The Thunderbirds for a lot of our decisions,” related Magee. “That’s why my accountant is Pete Scardello, a Thunderbird, and my banker is Pete Ladigo, a Thunderbird, and my doctor, Wayne Kuhl, also is a Thunderbird. I put a lot of trust in those guys, because I’m just not the kind of person who relies on the Yellow Pages to fill those kinds of needs.”

Phil Mickelson has been a loyal participant in the annual Infinity Outdoor Special Olympics Open during Phoenix Open week.

“Over the years, it’s just gotten better and better. In fact, it was The Thunderbirds who helped us with an early donation for our Santa Claus Classic. Guys like John Perkinson, and Ed and Tim Grant, and all of the Big Chiefs who gave us confidence, those were important first steps." Magee is not alone, as every local player seems to have a special memory of the Thunderbirds. For Twitty, it was his rookie season of 1975. “I remember I finished third at the Tucson Open in my very first tournament, then I missed the cut the next week at Phoenix,” he said. “I was feeling a little down about missing the cut in my hometown, but Bob Goldwater came to me and asked me if I’d like to get a sponsor’s exemption into Pebble Beach the next week. I said I’d love it, and so he called Bing Crosby and got me in the tournament. Can you imagine that? Bing Crosby giving an exemption to a rookie he didn’t even know? That couldn’t happen today.” Lehman also was a virtual unknown when he walked into The Thunderbirds office in 1992 seeking tickets to the tournament for family and friends. “I went in quivering, asking for 10 tickets but knowing I needed 35,” said the Scottsdale resident. “I ended up getting the 35, and that was just the start of a long relationship that has led to a lot of friendships with The Thunderbirds. It’s really become a personal

bond that is rare on the PGA TOUR.” Jim Carter, who grew up in Mesa and now lives in Scottsdale, can relate. “I’ve known them since junior golf, and they’ve always treated me with the utmost respect, a feeling that is mutual,” Carter recalled. “What I’ll always remember is that they were there for me when I needed them most. In 1987, the first year I got my card, they gave me an exemption into the tournament. And in ‘92, when I lost my card, they also came through. For them to remember me, especially when I needed to redeem myself, that was such a good feeling.” Gary McCord had a similar experience. In the later years of his playing career, with visions of the Senior PGA Tour dancing in his head, he got “five or six exemptions” from The Thunderbirds as a perk for emceeing their Skins Game. “They also needed me to be their liaison to the stars, and I was more than happy to return the favor,” said McCord, who helped bring in such celebrities as Kevin Costner, Michael Douglas, Vince Gill, and Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish. “They helped me and I helped them. It’s a relationship that goes way beyond the week of the tournament.” John Perkinson, the tournament chairman for the 2001 Phoenix Open, is quick to point out that it’s a two-way street. “The relationship is so unique, in fact, I don’t know of another tournament on the PGA

The unpredictable Gary McCord has been a popular emcee for Phoenix Open special events.

Jim Carter teamed with NBA legend Bill Russell to raise money for charity at the WorldCom Wireless Skins game during Phoenix Open week.

TOUR that has such close ties with its local players,” Perkinson said. “I mean, how many guys would donate their time and skills like Tom, Howard and Billy are doing for our First Tee project? These are busy guys, but whenever we ask, they’ve always come through. “And there are so many other examples of that attitude. For instance, I remember when Phil Mickelson went with Tim Grant to a meeting we were having with Motorola to become our presenting sponsor, and Phil’s presence really helped seal that deal. Or, more recently, when we had to deal with all the negative things being said about our fans’ behavior. In that regard, Kirk Triplett really came to our defense, telling a players’ advisory committee meeting that things had been blown out of proportion. He even challenged David Duval and Hal Sutton on some of the remarks they had made. That support really helped.” No problem, said Triplett, pointing out that “any of the guys who live here would do the same thing for The Thunderbirds. In my opinion, they do the best job possible.” Yes, through thick and thin The Thunderbirds and the local pros have stuck together to ensure that each year the Phoenix Open and the charities it supports are successful. Look no further than the $16.75 million that has been raised for local organizations since the tournament was moved to the TPC of Scottsdale in 1987. “We’ve really developed some unity here in

Phoenix,” Perkinson added. “I give a lot of credit to our local players for the support they’ve given us. It certainly makes our job as Thunderbirds a whole lot easier.” The pleasure “is all ours,” countered Magee. "If people out there only knew how much The Thunderbirds do, how they work their butts off to put on the tournament, and all the money they raise for charity, it would blow them away,” he added. “But for the players, it’s even more than that. The Thunderbirds, in many cases, are our best friends.” “Now, I look at Perk, and he’s the tournament chairman, and he’s so sharp in the way he’s handling this year’s tournament, because there’s been a lot of pressure from the TOUR and the media and all regarding the fans. All I can say is, boy, he’s come a long way since parking lot sign duty, which is where I first met him.” Yes, it’s not always glamorous, and the work never seems to end. But when it comes to The Thunderbirds and the local pros on the PGA TOUR, both can relate as brothers in a common cause. ❖ Notable PGA TOUR Pros Who Live In Greater Phoenix: Jonathan Kaye Jim Ahern Joel Kribel Aaron Baddeley Tom Lehman Miller Barber Andrew Magee Danny Briggs Billy Mayfair Curt Byrum Gary McCord Mark Calcavecchia Mike McCullough Jimmy Carter Phil Mickelson Paul Casey Sean Murphy Brandel Chamblee Mike Nicolette Joe Daley Peter Oosterhuis Dale Douglass Dan Pohl Todd Demsey Ted Purdy R.W. Eaks Tom Purtzer Danny Edwards Doug Tewell Tim Herron Kirk Triplett Hale Irwin Howard Twitty John Jacobs Tom Weiskopf Bobby Kalinowski Tom Kalinowski

T he Tou rna ment Players C lu b of S cottsd a le

15th HOLE

Tournament Players Club of T he Scottsdale is a resort/daily fee facility offering 36 holes of championship golf for local residents and visitors. Designed by the team of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, both the Stadium and Desert Courses opened for play in December 1986. As home of the Phoenix Open on the PGA TOUR, the best-attended golf tournament in the world, the Stadium Course has earned immeasurable attention and respect. The signature hole on the Stadium Course is the outstanding short par-5 15th. At just 501 yards from the TPC (Phoenix Open) tees and 468 yards from the Championship tees, it is a classic risk-reward hole with an island green. The playability and aesthetics of this hole are excellent for all levels of play. The award-winning Stadium Course Golf Shop has been recognized for 12 consecutive years as a Top 100 Golf Shop by Golf Shop Operations magazine. Additional TPC of Scottsdale awards include Golf Digest’s Top 25 Best Courses in Arizona, Top 10 Public Courses in Arizona, Conde Naste’s Top 40 Golf Resort Destinations and Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World, to mention a few. The facility has also been recognized for environmenal excellence as certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Recent enhancements have continued to improve this model facility. In 1997, all 18 greens of the Stadium Course were completely rebuilt resulting in outstanding playing surfaces praised by Phoenix Open participants who compared them to US Open quality. In

addition, all 72 bunkers were renovated, several championship tees were lengthened and the Clubhouse, Grill Restaurant and locker rooms underwent substantial remodeling. In 1998, over 13,000 plants and 100 mature desert trees were added to reflect more of the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and add new challenge to the course. The Desert Course Clubhouse and Grill Restaurant also enjoyed remodeling and improvements in 1999, including all of its greens being completely rebuilt and resurfaced using Bermuda grass to match the playability of the Stadium Course greens. This year, the Stadium Course bulkhead project was completed with the replacement of all wooden railroad ties and pylons with inlaid rock formations on all water holes and many tee boxes. Included was the replacement of the wooden bridge to the 15th hole island green with a rock bridge. Operated by PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties, Inc., the facility is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert on land owned by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation and leased by the City of Scottsdale. An agreement with the prestigious Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort appropriately aligns the facility with a 5-diamond resort renowned for its accommodations and service. The TPC of Scottsdale has recently partnered with the Nicklaus/Flick Private Tee Program to provide guests with an individualized instructional program that is designed to maximize each golfer's potential. Both courses combined host more than 120,000 rounds each year, and serve as the West Coast flagship of the TPC Network of clubs nationwide. The TPC of Scottsdale continues to provide a great golf experience with the goal of exceeding the expectation of each guest with a quality product and unsurpassed customer service. ❖

S p ectato r Tips

hether it’s your first time out at the tournament or you’re a seasoned veteran, here are some helpful tips to make the most of your experience.

Check the Weather

Check the weather forecast before you visit the Phoenix Open and dress appropriately. Expect cool mornings and sunny afternoons, so dressing in layers is the best idea.

Must Have Items

Sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, water bottles and a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Anything you can’t carry can be stored for free at the UPS Shipping & Storage Center.

Create a Plan of Action

There are basically two ways to watch a golf tournament. Parade style is where you pick a spot and watch the field pass by or cross-country style where you follow a particular player or group around the course.

Arrive Early

Arrive early to reserve a spot, especially if you plan on watching the tournament parade style. On Thursday and Friday, groups are simultaneously starting on the first and tenth holes. Most people watch the action on the back nine holes which may give you the opportunity to get a better view of the players on the front nine.

Golf Etiquette 101

Stay quiet and stand still when the players are about to hit the ball. For your own safety, follow the directions of tournament marshals.

Daily Pairing Sheet & Map

Pick up a free daily pairing sheet, courtesy of Xerox and The Tribune, to find out when the players tee off and the order of the groups. Pairing sheets include a course map, and are available near the entrances and at selected other locations on the tournament grounds. The pros usually play in threesomes on Thursday and Friday and in twosomes on the weekends. Check the scoreboards to find out who the leaders are, and where they are on the course. One way to tell the players from a distance is to look for their caddies, who wear color coded vests (red, white or blue), which will be indicated on the daily pairing sheet.

Don’t Bring Cameras or Cell Phones

Cameras are allowed Monday through Wednesday for the special events and pro-ams but are prohibited Thursday through Sunday, during the actual tournament. (Remember to only photograph after contact on a player's follow-through, never during his backswing). Cell phones are not allowed at any time. Bring binoculars to catch all of the action and take advantage of the many hillside vantage points.

Autographs

Players are more receptive to requests for autographs after they have completed their round, so don’t interrupt them before or during their round. A good place to catch them is at the practice area, as most players will return there after they play their round.

Food/Drinks/Souvenirs

Concession stands are located throughout the tournament grounds. For lunch or dinner, visit the Fry’s Food Court. Souvenirs are located at the TPC Merchandise Tents, near the 1st tee and the main entrance. Remember, if you leave a spot, it will most likely be gone when you get back. ❖