Course of the Week: TPC Scottsdale- Stadium Course
From a player's perspective, the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is an extraordinary golfing experience. The course maintains top-notch playing conditions throughout the year, making it a pleasure to step onto the fairways. The added beauty of the Stadium course lies in its playability, as demonstrated by Mark Calcavecchia's impressive records during the 2001 Phoenix Open.
With 72 strategically placed bunkers and large greens featuring tricky twists and turns, the Stadium Course presents a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The desert vegetation, including saguaro cacti, mesquite, and Palo Verde trees, adds a unique touch to the landscape. Water comes into play on six holes, including the closing stretch, which offers the perfect blend of eagles, birdies, bogeys, and doubles. These final holes provide an exciting and memorable experience for both players and spectators.
As the home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale has witnessed some of golf's greatest moments. Designed specifically to serve as the stage for this renowned tournament, it continues to impress players with its superb layout and well-maintained fairways. The par-3 16th hole, known as "The Coliseum," provides an unforgettable setting for fans and players alike, creating an atmosphere that is unparalleled in professional sports.
Playing on the same course as the pros is a dream come true for many golf enthusiasts, and the Stadium Course offers this opportunity. With first-class treatment and a chance to challenge the tournament scoring record, every golfer can enjoy the thrill and prestige associated with this world-class course. Keep an eye out for professionals practicing throughout the year, as TPC courses are known for being popular practice stomping grounds.
The popularity of the Waste Management Phoenix Open brings immeasurable attention and respect to the Stadium Course. Renovated in 2014, the course continues to maintain PGA TOUR-quality standards year-round, allowing players to test their skills on pristine fairways just like their favorite professionals. Despite a minor hiccup on hole 15 due to ongoing preparations for the tournament, the overall experience of playing the course is phenomenal.
Finally, the highlight of the round comes at the iconic 16th hole, where the Coliseum is fully set up, complete with cheering fans. Hitting the green and making par amidst the electric atmosphere brings a true-to-life experience. While one unfortunate incident may have soured the previous hole, the cheers and applause from spectators at the 16th hole more than made up for it, turning the day into a memorable and enjoyable one on the course.
