Monday Recap from the
Touchstone Energy Tucson Open

By Scott Behmer, Southern Arizona Bureau Chief

Tucson, Az - On the PGA Tour Monday is known as arrival day. At the new venue players typically spend the day working out at the range and practice green. In Tucson, however, Monday is the day when golfers actually interact with the fans. And the fans, young and older, loved it!

Shot of the Day: In the Arizona Diamondbacks Special Olympic Tournament one youngster hit the shot of his life. On #17 30 yards right of the pin, he hit a beautiful pitch onto the green and into the hole. The incredible birdie was followed by cheers from the gallery and the remark from playing partner Jim Gallagher, Jr., "Now you're ready to join us on Tour."

The Special Olympics Golf Clinic: With over 30 kids at the chipping green, hometown Tour pros provided short game instruction. Meanwhile, the overjoyed juniors were entertained by University of Arizona mascot Wilma the Wildcat who kept smiles on all of their faces.The Pro-Am: While the Wednesday Celebrity Pro-Am is the more hyped event, Monday's Pro-Am provides the amateurs a much more relaxed atmosphere.

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Closest to a Career Ending Shot: On #10, Al Baccante, a member of Gallagher's group sliced his drive up and over to the adjacent practice putting green. A Tour rookie was putting when the ball landed a mere foot from him. So on Al's second shot all of the practicing pros stopped to watch. Gallagher commented, "It takes quite a good shot for 15 pros to stop and watch an amateur."

Course Changes: Today was the first opportunity for the players to test out the changes on #2, #10, and #11. #2's tee box has been moved back 30 yards, making the par 5 play at 530 yards. The move forces players to hit driver off the tee instead of three-wood. #10, perennially one of the most difficult holes on Tour, is now playing as a 500-yard par 5, just like the members play it, creating an easy birdie hole.

To account for the par change, #11 has been shortened to 431 yards and is now a par 4. Gallagher remarked, "Wow, this is a goofy hole." Then, instead of laying up short of the lake, as in the past, he said, "I think I can bust it over the water." Overall, these changes should make the course play a little easier than in the past.

A Look Ahead: I spent about six hours on the course today. Conditions were very soft, especially on the greens. With rain scheduled overnight, look for very low opening rounds and maybe even a number to rival David Duval's 1998 second round 62.

Parting Shot: With the Special Olympians having a fantastic time, as well as the Pro-Am participants, it shows that professional golf is not just a sport about playing well Thursday through Sunday and taking home a big paycheck. The pros who give something back to the fans help make the entire week of the Tucson Open a memorable one.