In my past life with AT&T, when this tournament was called the Phoenix Open, I entertained clients corporate tents, not really watching the game on the course, but chatting with people and thanking them for their business.

Several years ago, I was exposed to the Thunderbirds philanthropy and their support of Special Olympics.  My son was invited to play in the Tuesday Special Olympics putting tournament, and the event was life changing for him.  Sport figures, business leaders, parents, and more are out there cheering on these athletes, in a once in a lifetime opportunity.

 

photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale

 I’m not sure what was a bigger thrill for Matt, meeting Luis Gonzalez or hanging out with the Phoenix Suns cheerleaders!

photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale

This past Monday, I sat on my back patio overlooking McCormick Ranch Golf course, watching the golfers playing for the last three spots at this week’s tournament.  Watching good golfer’s on their approach shots, putting, and then teeing off on the next hole was quite a treat.

photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale

Matt attended the Special Olympics event again this year, as a spectator.  He watched one of his fellow classmates win the tournament, and got to meet Shaquille O’Neal who graciously attended the event and spent some good time talking with the high school kids. 

Wednesday, as I headed off to North Scottsdale for a final walk through with a buyer from Canada.  I found myself sitting in traffic on the 101, at a dead standstill for part of the trip.  I just forgot to plan ahead for how much traffic there around the golf course.

So you won’t get stuck, here are the road restriction posted by the City of Scottsdale:

The FBR Open golf tournament, continues through Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road.
To accommodate the large crowds drawn annually to this event, several local road closures and restrictions are required.

The following streets are closed to all traffic except shuttle buses and vehicles with event passes labeled “1″ and “2″:
** Bell Road from Greenway/Hayden Loop to Perimeter Drive
** 82nd Street from Bell Road to Princess Drive

The following streets are restricted, only pass holders and local residents will be allowed beyond checkpoints:
** Hayden Road from Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to Union Hills Drive
** Union Hills Drive east of Hayden Road
** Princess Drive from Hayden Road to Pacesetter Way
** 82nd Street from Union Hills and Princess drives
** Perimeter Drive from Union Hills Drive to Pacesetter Way

The following streets are restricted to residents and resort guests that have the appropriate passes:
** Princess Drive west of Hayden Road
** Princess Circle south of the traffic circle, east of Scottsdale Road

Area residents can avoid traffic congestion generated by the FBR Open by using the Loop 101 Freeway instead of surface streets near the Tournament Players Club.

My husband, Brian, went out to the tournament yesterday.  Ran into old friends and remarked on how well run the event is.  He even made in to the famous #16.  Came home joking that they might be able to add another story of sky boxes.

We are planning on heading out to the tournament on Sunday, wearing our Cardinal gear.  Admission is free if you do.

The FBR really is the kickoff event for our “winter” season.  Forecast for Sunday is 72 and clear. The weather is marvelous, so we hope to see you out there!

Directions on how to get to tournament general admission parking from @butterandme on Twitter:  Take 101. if N.; exit FLW through to Bell. Make rt. If S.; exit Pima/Prin. to Bell, make lft. continue E. on Bell to lot W

The temperature is expected to be cooler in the mornings and a perfect 85-90 degrees in the afternoon, with clear blue skies.  Just one more reason to get outside and enjoy our great fall weather!

(For more a detailed weather report, visit: AZCentral.com) 

Related Blog Post:  Check out Steve Belt’s perspective on the playing field.