Disco Ain't Dead at Phoenix Open

By Gayle J. McCarthy, Features Editor

February 2, 1999
SCOTTSDALE, Az - Normally, the Phoenix Open and disco don't mix. Typical attire at the Open today dictates neat, trimmed hair, a sporty, collared golf shirt and hemmed pants. But this past Thursday, hundreds of people threw caution to the wind, let their hair down and took a walk down 70's lane, where wide collars, bell-bottoms, and thick, gold chains ruled the scene. The Tour Wives Association and the Thunderbirds hosted the "Club 7-Tee's Disco Bash," a fundraising event for local Arizona charities, at the Canadian Pacific Scottsdale Princess. Pro golfers Phil Mickelson, Mark Calcavecchia, Payne Stewart, Paul Azinger, and Billy Mayfair showed their support by dressing up in full costume as the Village People. Approximately 75 percent of the money raised on Thursday night will be donated to three local charities- the Girls Ranch, Crisis Nursery and Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. The remainder of the profits will benefit TWA's National Emergency Account for survivors of natural disasters.

Amy Mickelson, wife of PGA Tour star Phil, played a key role in the organization of the disco bash. "This is one of three annual fund-raisers we do on tour, and it's the first time we've ever done it in Phoenix," she said. Mickelson also hoped that the event would be remembered as the party of the week, no small feat considering how much partying goes on at the Open.

Of course, no disco party would be complete without authentic 70s tunes. The band "Boogie Knights" kept the crowd grooving all night long, even for the disco contest, judged by the PGA Tour "Village People" themselves. Judges based their decision on disco attitude, '70s disco garb, and disco dance ability.

But dancing wasn't the only activity on the agenda. Guests enjoyed unlimited gourmet food and drinks from many of the finest restaurants in town, including Oba Chine Asian Restaurant and cuisine from The Grill at the Ivy. A Live Auction allowed bidders to choose from such items as his and hers Rolex watches; a Muhammad Ali Robe collage featuring a signed Everlast robe, a pair of signed boxing gloves and autographed satin shorts; and a trip for four to the Masters. There was also a Silent Auction with over 100 items on display, featuring an IBM ThinkPad, an exclusive invitation to a Tom Hanks Premiere Party, a framed Brett Favre jersey, to a set of Yonex clubs, and a signed and framed Tiger Woods Master's Flag.

If you missed this year's event, don't worry. Based on the overwhelming success of the party, it looks like Disco Mania is here to stay at the Open. So start rummaging through your closet now to pick out your best outfit for next year. And don't forget your dancing shoes.