The widely celebrated flagship of the PGA Tour’s fan experience is so much different this year. Covid-19 has affected so many of our daily life experiences in relation to how we interact with each other. This hasn’t been more evident in our transition to the ‘new normal’ than at this year’s Waste Management Phoenix Open (WMO).
The WMO has always been the most attended tournament on the PGA Tour, however, this year’s patron attendance was not even close to normal. Typical attendance has ranged from 500-750K over the course of the four-day event. Although crowds aren’t nearly as big this year, the fan experience has not changed, and even with the Covid protocols in place, the WMO should very much be added to any golf fans bucket list.
The sincerity to the commitment of safety and health of the fans by the Thunderbirds, staff, the Tour, and last— but certainly not least— the volunteers, was paramount through the tournament. All parties taking ownership and responsibility to ensure a safe return of fans to the event.
Even the volunteers that I spoke with who have worked the venue multiple years were just as happy as the fans that the WMO tournament would still at least have some fans in attendance. The 16th hole is one of the most recognized holes in golf and, could be an even more challenge to ensure fan safety than almost any other location on the course.
The excitement and electricity over the four days were still there— although subdued to a degree it still provided as much energy as could be mustered under the circumstances. The more you understand the history of this event the more appreciation you have for the work that is done behind the scenes to ensure that it could still exist in the new circumstances surrounding Covid-19.
It speaks volumes to the resistance of the human spirit. The tournament itself, and all involved, resonates service to the community.
The 2021 tournament was nothing short of a spectacular finish by the best of the best with multiple storylines interwoven through each round. We saw 53-year-old Steve Stricker surge to the top of the leader board early in round 2, trying to become the oldest player to win on tour.
A reemergence of Spieth of old sinking long putts and just scoring from unlikely positions. Riding a 61 to the top of the leaderboard to share the lead with Schauffele. The stadium back 9 provided plenty of opportunities for those within striking distance to make a move or the leaders to run away. The victory went to Koepka who played outstanding on the back 9 to move up the leaderboard shooting a 31 on the back 9 with a chip-in eagle on the short par 4 17th to secure the lead at -19.
Schauffele attempted to make a run getting to -18 going to the 17th but a costly bogey after going into the water from the tee meant he would have to hole out his approach on 18th to force a playoff. Schauffele would birdie 18 to get back to -18 enough for a tie for 2nd. The win by Brooks would be his second victory at the Waste Management Open and a return to the winner circle since his July 2019 WGC – FedEx St. Jude Invitational.
The Waste Management Open is a must for any fan of golf. There is a good reason why it’s nicknamed “The People’s Open.”
I would be remiss if I didn’t reflect on one thing that stuck with me during the tournament which happened during Rounds 1 and 2, as I followed Cameron Champ for the majority of the day. Typically during Black History Month Champ wears a black and white Nike shoe (one on each foot) to bring awareness to social injustice. I was able to hear actual conversations sparked by this act. The conversations, mainly sparked by actual curiosity, led to some dialogue that hopefully carried over to action.
The ultimate hope is that we as a whole can be as resilient to social injustice as we have been to Covid-19. The NIKE corporation’s (and several others) buy-in to do more to impact this change can be seen rippling through our society. However, it will take a collective effort that lasts longer than just one month to do all that we can to fully achieve for each citizen the reality of the constitutional words “all men are created equal.” It’s through individuals being the agent of change and voicing support that will be the ultimate catalyst for true change, and that can be something as simple as wearing 2 different colored shoes.
