Category Archives: Golf

Waste Management Phoenix Open and Rickie Fowler a hole-in-one for golf fans, partiers

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I had the freaking best time this past weekend at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. It’s a PGA golf tournament, and I chose an awesome year for my first time out–my favorite pro golfer, Rickie Fowler, was playing. He was decked out in head-to-toe bright green glory on Saturday when I went, and the 22-year-old had one of the best days out of all the golfers in the tournament that day.

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I only got into playing golf around the past year and a half, and it was so amazing to be able to walk the course with professional golfers throughout the day. I basically just followed Fowler and his threesome, and I wasn’t alone–like Phil Mickelson, he had a huge following of fans who cheered for him along the way (including me!)

This was my first time watching a live golf competition at all, so I really had no idea what to expect. I thought I’d be stuck behind masses of people at one hole just trying to get a glimpse of people hitting. Instead, it was fairly easy to walk alongside whomever you were following and see all their shots. It was so much fun to be that close to such awesome players, and Fowler didn’t disappoint with his playing, finishing off the day tied for fifth place out of dozens of competitors.

Saturday was also “green day”, where athletes and fans were encouraged to don green fashions on the course. I was surprised to see so many ladies in high heels, but they weren’t really the ones walking, anyway. The fashions I saw were really cool, including brightly patterned golf pants and preppy argyle sweaters. The crowd was almost as fun to watch as the players!

If you’re not really a golf fan, the WMPO would still be a blast to attend. There are lots of food and drink areas and plenty of seats around the course so you can just take in the madness and party. This was also my first year checking out the Birds Nest, the after-party spot of the WMPO. Thursday night, I saw O.A.R., which jammed out Dave Matthews Band-style. I’m not really a huge fan of their music, but the members played enthusiastically and made for a fun show.

Back on the course, for fans of the actual sport, there are huge screens on the holes making it easy to keep track of standings and find your favorite players. It’s a great opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with professional athletes, and following around Fowler was almost as fun as actually playing. Hopefully he’ll be back next year, and I can’t wait to see what he wears!

Bunker Indoor Golf great for novices like me

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I’m a pretty inexperienced golfer, having swung a club maybe five times in my life. So, really, who would have the patience to have me walking around a course and slowing down people’s games?

Thankfully, there are a few places in the Valley that offer indoor golfing, where you can hit 14-stroke holes and no one will get mad at you for holding them up. That’s because at places such as Bunker Indoor Golf in Goodyear, you hit the balls into a virtual screen, and they immediately come rolling right back to you. And you and whoever you are with get your own private screen, meaning there aren’t groups of people on your tail.

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The spot, which offers 18 holes for about $20, allows golfers to play courses from all over the world, which have been recreated using video technology, not animation. That means that what you see on the screen looks exactly like the real thing, and you can play beach-y or forest-y spots while it’s raining at night in Phoenix.

The place also offers beverages, including beer and wine, just like you can get on a real course. The atmosphere is relaxing, the staff is friendly and willing to help with just about anything, and I can shoot a 152-stroke game in less than 3 hours. Score!

If you live in the Chandler/Gilbert area, Crosswoods Indoor Golf offers a similar service. I haven’t played there myself, but a friend recommended the locations.

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Hitting around some balls

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I went golfing for the first time in more than a year at the Valley Golf Center in Avondale, whose driving range and putting green is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

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If you’ve never golfed at night, I highly recommend it, especially in the summer–it’s so cool, literally!!

According to my golfing buddy, Chris, it’s one of the nicest driving ranges in the Valley, with two levels and lots of mock holes to aim at.

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The tee-ing-off points are also automated, so you just swipe your golf credit card and the balls automatically pop up.

Here are Chris’ tips on how to have an awesome swing. He’s an amazing golfer, so listen up!

1.  Visualize the shot- Always know how you intend to hit the ball. Pick a shot that you know you will give you the best chance to stay out of trouble. Pick a target line and then locate a spot a few feet in front of your ball to aim at.

2. Grip the club correctly- Place the club more in your fingers than in your palms. Wrist action is a power source and gripping the club too much in the palm of your hand reduces wrist action. The V’s created by your thumb and forefinger should point at your right shoulder.

3. Get your stance right- Take an athletic stance, feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Stick your a%& out and let your arms dangle about a hand’s-width from your groin area. In general, you want your weight to be slightly on the balls of your feet, about a 60/40 ratio. Press the club forward and hide your right knee.

4. Hit down on the ball- Most amateurs try and “scoop” the ball, which can actually decrease distance. The loft of the club will do the work for you. Try and think about hitting down on the ball first, then contacting the turf and making a dollar bill sized divot.  And remember to keep your head still during the entire swing!

5. Hold your finish- This is the fun part where you get to pose and look good even if you hit a bad shot. Seriously though, holding your right arm straight and pointed down the target line after you swing will help increase accuracy. Finish balanced with the club behind your head and your belt buckle facing the target.