Profile: Geoff Ogilvy, Australia's Rising Star

By Scott Behmer,
Senior Writer

	Geoff Ogilvy

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - From a land that has produced Tour stars Greg Norman and Stuart Appleby as well as up-and-coming players Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddelay, comes another Australian, Geoff Ogilvy, who possesses all of the skills necessary to be a force on the PGA Tour.

In this, his rookie year on Tour, Ogilvy has already shown his potential to American audiences at the Touchstone Energy Tucson Open by capturing the first round lead and finishing in a tie for third. However, competing for titles is nothing new to this Australian remarking: "I played the Johnny Walker Classic in Asia last year and finished second to Tiger."

While Ogilvy has had success on the European PGA Tour, one question faces every international player when he comes to play the U.S. PGA Tour: Can he adjust to playing in America? Ogilvy may have already answered that question with his performance in Tucson.

Certainly, one characteristic that has aided his transition is the Arizona environment. "It is quite similar to Australia in a way. The Outback of Australia has the same sort of climate: very dry, very hot, not much vegetation. It's a good climate for Australians." As for answering this question outside of Arizona we'll have to wait for next week.

In fact, Geoff likes Arizona so much that on his second trip to Scottsdale he decided to buy a house here. Ogilvy went on to elaborate about his decision and his plans for the future. "A few other Australians, Craig Spence and Matthew Goggin, live in Scottsdale. My manager lives in Scottsdale. It's a pretty good place and the weather's nice. I'm better in dry heat so we'll have to wait and see." When asked where he'll play, he responded, "I'll practice and play at the TPC of Scottsdale."

	TPC of Scottsdale

Tour players annually rave about the course's immaculate condition and its playability. It's not just words, though, as the Phoenix Open consistently has one of the strongest non-major fields of the year. This year's includes the top 16 players on the 2000 money list and 27 of the top 30.

The pivotal hole at the Open this week may be the 503-yard, par 5 #15. Water lines the left side of the fairway and proceeds to cross the fairway at 100 yards and create an island green. Every player in the field can reach this green. The question is if they have the nerve to do it when the pressure's on. And if they do go for it, can their approach find the putting surface for a potential eagle, or will it sink to the bottom of the lake, spelling doom for any chance at victory.

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With an accurate second shot, the player will have a chance at birdie, but with either an errant drive or second shot there's an even greater chance for bogey. These possibilities help make for an exciting finish to one of the great tournaments on the PGA Tour.

Next week you, too, can play the TPC. And for $150 with cart, compare your game to the pros'. You'll experience terrific customer service, excellent practice facilities, delicious clubhouse specials, and a course that players at all levels can enjoy. Who knows, you may even run into Geoff.

TPC of Scottsdale
17020 North Hayden Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
(480) 585-3600
www.playatpc.com

Scott Behmer is the Southern Arizona Bureau Chief for GolfArizona.com. He can be reached at scott@travelgolf.com