Golf and fun at the WM Phoenix Open

Don’t miss the 2013 Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale. It’s being called “The greatest show on grass!” Phoenix Open dates are Monday, Jan. 28 to Sunday, Feb. 3. Tee times for the pro golfers are Thursday, Jan. 31. This is one of the PGA Tour’s top events. It attracts the largest crowds, and the draws the finest golfers in the world. The money purse for this PGA Tour tourney is $6,200,000.

Each year crowds of golf fans and partygoers enjoy the sunshine and green, spacious surroundings of the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. For the first time at any PGA Tour event, the entire course area will be a hot spot with free Wi-Fi. There’s a free WM Phoenix Open app that can be downloaded free.

The WM Phoenix Open always generates excitement and more than $200 million which is spent in the Valley. Normally, about half a million spectators attend the Open. Because of the course’s size and layout, everyone who wants to attend can go.

When you’re not cheering on your favorite golfer – such as perennial favorite Phil Mickelson, a former ASU Sun Devil – you can wing it over to the loudest golf party of the year at the Birds Nest. The Nest features Valley bands, food, and plenty of drinks. It’s located at 82^nd Street and Bell Road. Hours are 3:30-10:30 p.m., with the entertainment kicking off at 5 p.m. Headliners this year are Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, and Dierks Bently on Jan. 31; O.A.R. on Feb. 1, and DJ Roonie and Metalhead on Feb. 2. Tickets start at $35.

Another special event occurs Saturday, Feb. 2: The Phoenix Open’s third annual GREEN OUT. Tournament hosts The Thunderbirds organization encourage all fans to wear something green to show their support for the green/eco-sensitive efforts of the Open. For every person who wears something green, the T-Birds will donate some green money to three nonprofits. In 2012, the GREEN OUT raised $50,000 for nonprofit Keep America Beautiful.

Here’s the 2013 Waste Management Phoenix Open Calendar of Events: Thursday: First round starts. Friday: Second round begins. Saturday: Third round rolls out. Sunday: The final round determines who the big money winners will be!

General Admission tickets are $25; children 17 and under free with a paid adult. Free public parking is at Loop 101 and Hayden Road, and at Westworld.