Phoenix FBR Open

I am heading to Phoenix for the FBR Open next week. Has anyone else ever been to this tournament? I am looking for any tips or suggestions on best holes to watch etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Good luck man. I live here and I won't be going. The best advice I can give you is get there early. The traffic in that area is bad as it is, then with the tournament it's just murder. The crowds are huge too. Oh and bring sun screen!

Thanks, I'm not going Sunday for just that reason. The person who got me the passes said to avoid Sunday at all costs.

..and prepare for the 8th most hated athlete to kick ass.

at least one of the round you have to experience the 16th... the craziest hole in golf.

The 16th comes as close to true stadium theatrics as is possible in this ridiculous sport. I can't wait to watch it on the weekend!

Absolutely agree, Erik.

In addition to the points you made, one of my main objections to the FBR frenzy is that, unlike in football or basketball, the 16th hole spectacle is not a sincere, spontaneous response to or appreciation of the golf taking place. It's just an excuse to get drunk, take your shirt off and yell your lungs out -- much like the college kids that populate the infield on Derby Day in my native Kentucky. Trust me. The vast majority are not horse racing fans.

No one has ever adequately explained to me how golf benefits from appealing to this constituency. Does anyone really believe that more people are taking up the game or attending other PGA events because of a screaming horde at the FBR?

And does professional golf not provide enough high drama in its current form? Tiger sunk a chip at the 16th at Augusta last year, and the patrons went nuts. How would that moment have been improved by a dozen drunks yelling "You da man!" as he set up over the ball prior to the shot?

Doesn't work for me.

Crowds busted records, and there's room to grow

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