Tee-Off Luncheon

OFFICIAL BEGINNING OF THE WM PHOENIX OPEN

Each year driving along Frank Lloyd Write Boulevard, it still comes as a surprise to see the 16th hole’s coliseum framework jutting into view – even with the tournament several months away. “Seven months of the year, it’s either being put up or taken down,” 2022 Tournament Chairman Dr. Michael Golding said at the Tee-Off Luncheon, held Dec. 1, 2021, at Chase Field.

The Thunderbirds start early with most of the preparations for “The People’s Open,” so when does the tournament truly begin? On an “epic day,” as Golding described it. The 2022 Tee-Off Luncheon “marks the beginning of Open season, we are two months out and the WM Phoenix Open is back,” he said to the 1,800 fans in attendance. “This town is so ready and so energized, today we hosted all of our partners, all of our friends, all of our colleagues, all in one room to celebrate this event and the philanthropic reach it has on the community.” In addition to the extraordinary generosity expected to climb back to lofty levels, the historical significance of this year’s tournament appears to be rhyming. Keynote speaker President George W. Bush addressed the audience gathered at Chase Field. The parallels between his post9-11 leadership and a pandemic-weary America were not lost on Golding and The Thunderbirds.

“Every single time I watch that video I get chills,” Golding said, referring to the clip of President Bush throwing out the first pitch at Yankee stadium shortly after 9-11 during the 2001 World Series.

“This event shows the ability to bounce back and do the things we want to do in the face of the greatest adversity,” Golding said. “Last year put so many challenges on the table for everybody in the world, and specifically our event – and we’re back.”

As meaningful as the context is, the competition is sure to sizzle. Golding broke news at the event that Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas had already committed to play in 2022.

“First two announcements couldn’t be bigger,” he said. He also announced a new event this year, starting two days before the first Monday Pro-am and something that has never been done before. A live concert featuring Country Music superstars Thomas Rhett and Old Dominion will take place at the tournament’s iconic 16th hole on Feb 5. Bringing together 12,000 fans, The Thunderbirds are dropping a stage right in the middle of the fairway. The event is “surely to be a tradition for years to come, this really shows the relationship the WM Phoenix Open has had with music,” Golding said. Not to mention that it “provides another way we can impact our community philanthropically.” With so much activity swirling around the WM Phoenix Open, the event’s exact beginning depends on one’s personal approach to “The People’s Open.” Fans gravitate towards week-of fun, but if you ask The Thunderbirds, open season begins with the Tee-Off Luncheon. It’s been that way since the first was hosted in 1978, a mere neophyte for a tournament reaching back to the ‘30s, but a critical tradition nevertheless. “We’ve been ready for two years, we can’t wait to see this event back to the way we know it,” Golding concluded. “Here we go. Open season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited.” n