A Look Ahead at the
Touchstone Energy Tucson Open

By Scott Behmer, Southern Arizona Bureau Chief

Tucson, Az - Tucson's ultimate week of golf is upon us. It begins Monday with the Arizona Diamondbacks Special Olympics Tournament, continues with the Celebrity Shootout and Pro-Am on Tuesday and Wednesday, and culminates with four action-packed rounds of PGA Tour golf. Here's a look ahead at the 2000 Touchstone Energy Tucson Open.

The Veterans: Don't assume just because the top 64 players in the world are at the Andersen Consulting World Match Play that Tucson won't still have many of your favorite players. Tucson favorites and past major championship winners John Daly and Larry Mize will be in the field along with past Ryder Cup players Brad Faxon and Jean Van de Velde.

Gabriel Hjertstedt

The Future Stars: Tucson has become known as the tournament that launches careers. In the '90's Phil Mickelson, Robert Gamez, and Lee Janzen all captured their first Tour win at the Tucson Open. Further, Gabriel Hjertstedt cemented his place on Tour with last year's win.

Look for the trend to continue with 2-time rookie year winner Notah Begay and University of Arizona graduate Rory Sabatini in this year's field. Also, Casey Martin and Gary Nicklaus make their first non-sponsor-exempt start of the year. Finally, one can't forget Tucson's own Eric Rustand, who nearly won last year's tournament and is back again this year.

• Hjertstedt Prepares to Defend Tucson Open Title • GolfArizona.com coverage of the PGA Tour • Past articles by Scott Behmer

On the back, the 420-yard, par 4 #13 is one of the prettiest holes for watching. In 1998, David Duval took a comfortable three-shot lead to the tee only to leave the green in a three way tie after his out-of-bounds drive resulted in a triple bogey. But if you want to watch the action from the grandstands, #9, #12, #17, and #18 all have bleachers behind the green.

Looking Back and Ahead: Last year's fans were treated to one of the most exciting Tucson Open's in history. Hjertstedt's victory over Tommy Armour III on the first playoff hole ended a fantastic week of golf that saw Kevin Costner, Alice Cooper, and Robin Yount all make appearances. However, with this year's stronger field, more celebrities, and free admission days galore, it should be even better.

The Schedule:

Monday: Special Olympics Putting Clinic, Arizona Diamondbacks Special Olympics Tournament, PGA Tour Pro-Am.

Tuesday: Celebrity Shootout including Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Danny Ainge, Travis Lee, and Matt Williams.

Wednesday: Celebrity Pro-Am including Kevin Costner and Tom Smothers.

Thursday: Bank of America Day. Show your BofA card and receive free admission.

Friday: Senior Day. 55 and over receive free admission.

Saturday: ABCO day. show your ABCO card for free admission.

Sunday: Tobacco-Free Ways Youth Day. All kids 17 and under accompanied by a paying adult receive free admission.

Finally, daily tickets are only $15.