This past Sunday, February 12th, Scottie Scheffler won the 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open by two strokes over Nick Taylor at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Last year, the WM Phoenix Open and The Thunderbirds raised $10,500,000 for Arizona charities. Since Waste Management became the title sponsor of the Phoenix Open in 2010, the tournament has raised a staggering amount of money for local charities, over $110 million. Do you live near a PGA Tour event and want to serve through volunteering? Since the money raised stays local, the easiest way to volunteer is to check the PGA Tour schedule and go to the website for the tournament you’d like to volunteer at.
Scottie Sheffler’s final round 65 was bested only by Beau Hossler’s 63. Not only did Scottie win $3.6 million in the first full field PGA Tour designated event, but he also recaptured the number one Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), overtaking Rory McIlroy.
A major turning point was on the iconic 163-yard par 3 16th hole. All three players in the final group missed the green, with Scottie missing long and left. He pitched on leaving himself a 15-foot putt for par which at the time was to maintain a one stroke lead. With over 16,000 fans watching, he drained the putt to save par, and ultimately take a two-shot lead to the 17th hole after Nick Taylor missed his par putt.
Take away the huge crowd and crazy environment, and the 16th hole is just a shorter length par 3 with a couple bunkers. Although I struggle to make 15-foot putts anywhere, I have a much higher chance alone on a practice green than in front of thousands of vociferous spectators. Professional golfers like Scottie Scheffler rely on their experience in those situations – they’ve been there before.
The 16th hole at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course has been dubbed “The Coliseum”. The loud fans and frenzied environment remind many of the ancient venue in Rome, where many early Christians were martyred for refusing to acknowledge the gods of the Roman Empire. Their faith in Jesus delivered these early Christians through their trials, just as it does for so many who are persecuted in the world today.
The Bible tells us through the apostle John that we have overcome the world through faith in Jesus.
Be bold in your faith. Serve others, allowing the light of Jesus to shine through you. Exercise your faith, grow in your faith, allow God to use you in amazing ways for His glory.
Next week is The Genesis Invitational from The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California! We hear some guy named Tiger is playing. 😊