ZONA
02-23-2010, 12:14 AM
There are plenty of beautiful and challenging holes on some of the most amazing courses that host PGA tour events. For example, there is Amen Corner, where #12 and #13 could possibly be the most beautiful holes there are. And there is #17 at TPC Sawgrass, the island of death, which certainly could be the most frustrating hole in golf. But there is one hole and one hole alone that stands out as the most unique hole in golf. A hole that offers something that no other hole on any tour can provide.
That "something" would be 25,000 screaming lunatics at hole #16 at TPC Scottsdale (and that's with no Tiger Woods playing). A 360 degree ampitheater of stadium seats that make the golfers feel like they are playing golf inside a stadium. Indeed it's a hole that gives the golfers a feeling they will never get anywhere else. It's almost as if they were a gladiator out in the middle of the Roman Coliseum. A hole that takes 166 volunteers to manage (yes, for just 1 single hole on the course). In previous years it was almost 360 degree stadum seating but they always left a back section open for standing fans. Now, it's fully enclosed.
Lets' hear what some of the Pro's have to say about it.....
Villegas said, "There's only one place on Earth, one hole on Earth like that. The fans are crazy. I know there's a lot of alcohol being served there. . . . "
Tom Lehman said, "It's like playing a golf shot in the Rose Bowl".
Cink said, "I love it. It's one of the great spectacles in golf, especially Saturday and Sunday when they really get going. It makes golf feel like a true stadium sport. In a way, it adds a lot of pressure, because you don't want to be a goat there."
Yes, this is not your typical golf crowd and by all means this is something that probably wouldn't work each weak on the tour, but for one special week, it's welcomed by the players, the fans and the media. The players have grown to appreciate the spectical that is #16 at TPC Scottsdale.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/3414621644_e623a2100b_o.jpg
http://www.golfwrx.com/BagChatter/wp-content/uploads/16th_TPC_Scottsdale_2.JPG
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/3098104131_34d908efcd.jpg
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/pgatour/2009/r/01/28/awtrey_column/awtrey_16_dunn.jpg
http://media.nowpublic.net/images//59/4/594f121d4241e95c71a7e6c5934d796a.jpg
And #18 doesn't do a bad job itself with attendance. The course sees well over half a million spectators over the 4 days, by far the largest of any PGA tour event. I've gone to this several times and trying to park is always a major pain in the ass but it's a major party and fun as hell. The food is awesome and of course, the drinks are even better !!! If you get a chance, watch it this weekend. If you've never seen #16 before, it's pretty awesome to watch.
http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/valleygirlblog/wp-content/uploads/7280443deelivers1272009125531pm.jpg
That "something" would be 25,000 screaming lunatics at hole #16 at TPC Scottsdale (and that's with no Tiger Woods playing). A 360 degree ampitheater of stadium seats that make the golfers feel like they are playing golf inside a stadium. Indeed it's a hole that gives the golfers a feeling they will never get anywhere else. It's almost as if they were a gladiator out in the middle of the Roman Coliseum. A hole that takes 166 volunteers to manage (yes, for just 1 single hole on the course). In previous years it was almost 360 degree stadum seating but they always left a back section open for standing fans. Now, it's fully enclosed.
Lets' hear what some of the Pro's have to say about it.....
Villegas said, "There's only one place on Earth, one hole on Earth like that. The fans are crazy. I know there's a lot of alcohol being served there. . . . "
Tom Lehman said, "It's like playing a golf shot in the Rose Bowl".
Cink said, "I love it. It's one of the great spectacles in golf, especially Saturday and Sunday when they really get going. It makes golf feel like a true stadium sport. In a way, it adds a lot of pressure, because you don't want to be a goat there."
Yes, this is not your typical golf crowd and by all means this is something that probably wouldn't work each weak on the tour, but for one special week, it's welcomed by the players, the fans and the media. The players have grown to appreciate the spectical that is #16 at TPC Scottsdale.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/3414621644_e623a2100b_o.jpg
http://www.golfwrx.com/BagChatter/wp-content/uploads/16th_TPC_Scottsdale_2.JPG
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/3098104131_34d908efcd.jpg
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/pgatour/2009/r/01/28/awtrey_column/awtrey_16_dunn.jpg
http://media.nowpublic.net/images//59/4/594f121d4241e95c71a7e6c5934d796a.jpg
And #18 doesn't do a bad job itself with attendance. The course sees well over half a million spectators over the 4 days, by far the largest of any PGA tour event. I've gone to this several times and trying to park is always a major pain in the ass but it's a major party and fun as hell. The food is awesome and of course, the drinks are even better !!! If you get a chance, watch it this weekend. If you've never seen #16 before, it's pretty awesome to watch.
http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/valleygirlblog/wp-content/uploads/7280443deelivers1272009125531pm.jpg