The Annexus Pro-AM a Fan’s View
A Fan’s Experience to the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open and a Desert Getaway
Back in December, craving respite from the frigid, snowy climes of a Wisconsin winter, my friends and I yearned for sunnier skies and greener fairways. Thus, we charted a course for Phoenix, Arizona, targeting the off-season golf. Our plans were set for an early February escape.
Crafting the Ultimate Itinerary
Anticipating a week of Arizona’s fine desert, and sunshine with everlasting skies, we booked some tee times, along with tickets and promises of an exciting combination for one of golf’s most spirited tournaments: the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open. This is not just another golf event. It’s a festival. An occasion where the line between spectator and participant blurs as the who’s who of the business world, celebrities, together with PGA Tour professionals, create a whirlwind of green-side excitement.
Into the Heart of the Golfing Storm
The atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale during the WM Phoenix Open is obsessive in the best possible sense. Golf becomes an interactive medium, with crowds applauding good shots and cheering on the underdogs, a bit of drinking and some fashion attire not usually seen at other tournaments. This engagement is quintessential WM Phoenix Open and is not to be missed. Alas, when we arrived at PHX, we were greeted with unseasonably cold and rainy weather. However, we were determined to make the most of our getaway.
Warm Welcome to the “Valley of the Sun”: Rain, Cold and Hail
We arrived at TPC Scottsdale early on Wednesday morning, eager to check out the “Greatest Show on Grass” and take in as much golf as possible.
The star-studded field featured 34 of the top 50 from the 2022-23 FedExCup standings, alongside five of the top 10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, led by World No. 1 and two-time defending WM Phoenix Open champion Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark, who moved to No. 6 following his win at last week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Tee Off with the Stars
In addition to the pros, celebrities were out in full force, including seven-time national champion college football coach Nick Saban; three-time MLB MVP Alex Rodriguez; Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps; country music superstar Jake Owen; popular comedian Nate Bargatze, and “Top Gun” star Glenn Powell among others. It was great to soak in the electric atmosphere that builds as the day progresses.
We spent time watching groups tee off on Holes 1 and 10, hung out near the 18th green, visited the behemoth of a merchandise tent, posed for photo ops… and were just making our way to the iconic 16th hole when the weather took a turn for the worse. What began as a cool and windy day soon escalated into a full-blown tempest, with driving rain and hail pelting down upon us.
Navigating the TPC Scottsdale
As we climbed the steps to the public seating area behind the green of the famed “party hole,” we were met with the sound of the horn, signifying suspended play.
We paused there to take in the sight of what is known as the “Coliseum,” essentially a mini-stadium with a triple-decker grandstand and bleachers ringing the entire 163-yard par-3. TPC Scottsdale doesn’t disappoint. The catered food and cocktails of the 16th Hole and food pavilions around the course are a journey in themselves, offering a mix of traditional golf fare and gourmet indulgences. On this golf and culinary expedition, the music, cocktails and beer sales persisted despite the cold weather and rain
Exploring TPC Scottsdale turned out to be an unexpected journey. The golf play was paused indefinitely, leaving us shivering and drenched, facing the inevitable truth. As we retreated to the entrance, it became clear that the day’s events were called off. Yet, amidst the weather’s whims, a sense of appreciation lingered for having experienced a dream adventure. We couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to check off a bucket-list adventure.
Our Own On-Course Fun
Inspired by the pros’ play and intent on playing some golf ourselves, the next morning, we hit the links at Las Sendas in Mesa, AZ. We managed to squeeze in nine holes before more rain came rolling in. We headed back home to dry off, hoping to catch up on the action at the WM Phoenix Open, but soon learned the pros’ rounds had been cut short, just like ours.
With rain still beating down on the patio of the home in which we are staying and play still suspended at TPC Scottsdale, I know many fans choose their own 19th Hole.
Last time I visited Phoenix, Arizona I had an IV treatment from Element IV Therapy. Judging by the atmosphere of the WM Phoenix Open, I know others may need one as well. Whether you’re a golfer and want to recover from a long day on the course; you partied a little too hard at the tournament and want to prevent or cure your hangover; you spent too much time in the rain and/or on a plane and want to help boost your immunity, rehydrating with an IV treatment will help you feel better fast.
Element IV Therapy even has a treatment called “The Element 19th Hole,” which seemed fitting for our golf trip.
Thankfully, the forecast for the weekend looks much better, calling for sunny skies, warmer temps and 100% chance of golf and fun. Journeying through the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open is like no other trip even with the rain and cold. It’s a unique blend of sport, leisure, and the incomparable backdrop of Arizona’s landscapes. As you pack up your bags, the memories of fairways and friends will be tucked in for replay, etching an evergreen chapter in your golfing stories. Rise with the sun, keep your cool in the desert heat, and bask in the glorious crossover of life and sport that the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open epitomizes.
