Images of the Phoenix Open

I haven't missed many years at the Phoenix Open, dating back to when it used to be played at Phoenix Country Club! In my previous corporate life, I used to attend almost every day, hosting clients in a corporate tent which was located on the infamous 16th hole. The last time I did that was the year that Tiger Woods got a hole-in-one on that hole. He doesn't visit 16 here anymore, and neither do I -- we have something in common!

With special events and practice rounds coming in the days before, Thursday is always the opening day of tournament play, and it is the first chance to see the entire field before they make the cut after Friday's round. Yesterday couldn't have been a more perfect day. Sunshine, wispy clouds, no wind, not too hot. It was shorts weather for many, especially those that weren't out very early in the morning. I don't think I have ever seen more spectators on a Thursday than I did yesterday. Don't these people have to work?!?

Here are some pictures I took so that you can get a feeling for what a day out at the Phoenix Open is like. Camilo Villegas, pictured here, chipped in for birdie on his last hole to tie the tournament's opening-round record of 9-under 62. Can he hold on to the lead? We'll know on Sunday. Villegas, who is from Colombia, is easily recognizable on any green. Do you know why? Check out my picture of his trademark stance.

This Sunday's tournament will be the first time in many years that the final day will not be played on Super Bowl Sunday. I like the new calendar slot, and I am impressed with Waste Management as the new sponsor. There is an incredible amount of detail and effort that goes into putting on the best-attended tournament on the PGA tour, and they have done a terrific job. Even the event web site is vastly improved.

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