Final Notes on the Phoenix Open

Scott Behmer, Southern Arizona Bureau Chief

February 4, 1999
SCOTTSDALE, Az - Many of the changes on and off the course prior to this year's Phoenix Open were questioned as to whether they were necessary. In the end, it appeared they were indeed improvements, making this a better tournament for both the players and the fans.

Course changes: In past years, the tournament was like a shootout: who could shoot the lowest on a course that really didn't penalize errant shots. This year, course superintendent Phil Shoemaker chose to reward accuracy. He grew the rough out to five inches, shaved the banks of the lakes, and put in approximately a hundred trees in what previously had been desolate waste areas. Tom Weiskopf came out and said that he didn't endorse the changes, and such players as Paul Azinger jumped on the bandwagon early in the week. However, as the players became used to the "U.S. Open" type conditions, the changes received rave reviews. This year's champion Rocco Mediate, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Justin Leonard all applauded the changes, with Leonard paying the ultimate compliment, saying it had become a thinking man's course.

Tiger Tales: One of the less-talked about changes was the addition of boulders in the waste areas. One of those, on #13, turned into one of the most-talked about events in Phoenix Open history. On Sunday, Tiger's tee shot came to rest behind the boulder. Appealing to the rules official, he was told that because it was not embedded, if he could get members of the gallery to move it, it would be permissible under the rules. Sure enough, about a dozen spectators volunteered to help move the one ton boulder out of Tiger's path, giving Tiger a clear shot at the green. Very grateful, Tiger shook each one's hand and thanked them for their assistance.

Autographs: Tiger was the biggest draw of the week, and it seemed that every fan wanted his autograph. Starting with his Tuesday practice round, Tiger would use his own Sharpie and go down the ropes behind #18 to sign. This continued through Sunday, pleasing at least a thousand fans who were lucky enough to get this treasured signature of golf's best player. It wasn't only Tiger, though. All of the celebrities, save Bill Russell, signed as many autographs as they could. Perhaps the most cherished autographs belongs to an Oklahoma couple. Vince Gill, who was having a tough day on Tuesday, was walking by himself away from the fans, when the couple yelled, "Vince, we came all the way from Oklahoma to see you. Can we please have your autograph." Vince graciously walked over and signed two personalized messages.

Players to look for: If you eliminate Friday, Justin Leonard was 16 under par on 58 holes, not counting several near misses on Saturday. Look for Justin to be a force when the Andersen Consulting Match Play comes around later this month. John Daly shot a 66 on Sunday to put him at even par and 12th in the standings. If Big John can perform this well under these tough conditions, look for him to be in the lead in Tucson, the tournament held opposite Andersen's. Finally, it appears that Hal Sutton has picked up from where he left off when he won winning the season ending World Series of Golf. Solid play all week earned him fourth place and valuable Ryder Cup points.

Notes: In a news conference held last Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that next year Xerox will take over as majority sponsor. Previously a minor sponsor, this will be their first foray into the main sponsorship of a PGA event....The new cashless Bank of America passport card seemed to work well. Complaints from uninformed consumers the first days were drowned out by praise for quick-moving lines. Looks like this will be the thing of the future.