Are you tired of your back acting up during or after your golf rounds? Golf involves repetitive movements with substantial power behind them. When was the last time you spent 4 hours doing the same movement after a week of not doing anything similar? Probably not often (or…. every time you get out there on the golf course.)

Core and glute strength are huge in not only improving your “power” and overall functional strength, but also decreasing your back pain! Training throughout the week will better prepare you for your sport. The stronger your core and glutes are, the more protected and resilient your back will be. Incorporating functional rotational and power movements, as well as pushing and pulling exercises, into your gym routine is crucial.

If rotation is bothering your back when you play, your core stabilizers might be too weak to control the high velocity of your golf swing. Then the starting point is core and glute stabilization. Think straight/flat spine exercises where your core/torso are resisting movement with an exterior force placed on it. You have smaller muscles along your spine that work very hard to keep us upright. 

Try these anti-rotation exercises: 

• Pallof Press
• Dead Bug
• Bent-Over Row

Try these core stabilization exercises: 

• Traditional Plank
• Seesaw Plank
• Side Body Plank
• Single Leg Bridge

Incorporating these exercises into your weekly routine should not only help decrease your back pain while playing, it should also make you stronger and a little better! Win, win here!

To further delve into the topic and discover additional ways to improve your condition, we offer a FREE e-book on glute strength. Download it today and take the next step towards a pain-free and stronger golf game!

Learn more about Streamline Performance Physical Therapy at www.ptstreamline.com, by calling 602-888-9348 and following on Instagram @streamlineperformancept.

Photos courtesy Streamline Performance Physical Therapy

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, announced today tickets are now on sale for the 2022 tournament, scheduled to be played Feb. 7-13 at TPC Scottsdale. 

Additionally, Tournament Chairman Michael Golding unveiled plans for the 2022 edition of “The People’s Open,” saying The Thunderbirds are optimistic and preparing to resume traditional tournament operations, build venues, welcome fans, and host activities are typically seen during tournament week.

We are excited to prepare for the 2022 Waste Management Phoenix Open and look forward to giving back in a big way to our community.

Last year brought extraordinary circumstances which required us to make some significant changes. It was difficult for everyone, but this year we plan on making a concerted effort to return to the normal operations of ‘The People’s Open’ our fans know and love.

– Tournament Chairman Michael Golding

General admission tickets are priced at $50 for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, while Friday and Saturday general admission tickets are $75. Additionally, a weekly sponsor badge that includes four daily general admission tickets (Wednesday through Sunday) and one good all week reserved parking pass is available for $750. 

Thanks to Arizona Ford Dealers, all patrons will once again receive free admission to Monday’s Pro-Am and Tuesday practice rounds as part of Ford Free Days.

All-inclusive hospitality packages also are on sale including Members Club, Clubhouse, Chairman’s Club Packages and the ever-popular Greenskeeper package. These packages offer a wide range of food and beverage options, VIP seating, enhanced viewing areas and other additional benefits.

The interest in 2022 hospitality packages has been off the charts. Every year sees strong interest from fans and sponsors, but with many people missing out on the 2021 event due to limited attendance, we fully expect to see even more interest than normal years. In fact, most of our hospitality venues are already on wait lists, and our other hospitality packages are going fast.

– Tournament Chairman Michael Golding

All of the hospitality venues that were present in 2020 will be back, including the three-level stadium at the iconic 16^th hole, as well as Bay Club and Cove on 17, and E18hteen and Scorekeepers on the 18^th hole. 

Fans can expect TPC Scottsdale to have the same look and feel to which they are accustomed for the 2022 playing of ‘The Greatest and Greenest Show on Grass.” But we are working on a few new updates here and there that should really get fans excited. Stay tuned on that.

– Tournament Chairman Michael Golding

Additional Information, pricing and purchase options for all 2022 ticket packages can be found on the tournament website at www.WMPhoenixOpen.com. 

The 2022 WM Phoenix Open will take place Feb. 7-13 at TPC Scottsdale. “The People’s Open” has been named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times in the past seven years (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf.

The 2022 edition will mark the 87th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 13^th with Waste Management as title sponsor.

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members who have helped the tournament eclipse $161 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932 (through the 2020 tournament). 

For more information on The Thunderbirds or the 2022 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. 

The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – announced 2021 Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins was elected Big Chief of The Thunderbirds for the 2021-22 fiscal year.  As Big Chief, Jenkins will serve as President of both the organization and Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable arm of The Thunderbirds that provides enormous financial aid to hundreds of Arizona charities and non-profit organizations every year.

Everything that we do – from the success of the tournament to the amount of money we give to those in need – all comes out of the incredible community support that we get from our loyal sponsors and the best fans in golf.

In a year like 2021 which saw unprecedented challenges, it was especially important for us as a group to support our charity partners so that they could continue to serve the Valley. It was a tremendous effort from everyone involved, and with the pandemic challenges continuing its downward trend, we’re crossing our fingers and looking forward to one of our best years ever at the WM Phoenix Open in 2022.

– Scotts Jenkins

Jenkins served as Assistant Tournament Chairman in 2020, was Tournament Chairman in 2021 and now Big Chief, taking over for 2022-21 Big Chief Tim Woods.  The 2022 WM Phoenix Open is being led by Tournament Chairman Michael Golding and Assistant Tournament Chairman Pat Williams. 

A new Big Chief is elected every year by The Thunderbirds.

It was a great honor to be Tournament Chairman for ‘The People’s Open’ and I look forward to serving as the 85th Big Chief of The Thunderbirds.

Now the fun continues and I get to be a part of the charity aspect helping award millions of dollars to hundreds of vital Valley charitable organizations.

– Scotts Jenkins

Mike Poe is the General Manager of Quintero for over 10 years.

Quintero Golf Club near Phoenix is a destination for any passionate golfer, whether locals or golfers visiting the Phoenix Scottsdale area from out-of-town. The course was designed by master architect Rees Jones, in the tradition of preeminent courses in the world – and goes a step beyond.

Carved out of a piece of lush Arizona desert, Quintero offers golfers the ultimate in seclusion, style, and service. Quintero has been ranked as #1 Best Public Golf Course by Golf Digest and Golf Weekly Magazine and ranked #1 in Arizona by Golf Advisor. 

How has the pandemic impacted the golf community?

Between mid-March and mid-May of 2020, we lost over half of our annual revenue, with people canceling their trips and tee times in the middle of prime golf season through the fall and winter. We adjusted our rates to serve the local clientele since no one was traveling here, but it took a while for people to notice our reduced rates and start securing tee times. We lost a lot of high-value bookings in prime season. It was tough. 

Things began to improve at the end of May. The state allowed golf courses to operate when surrounding states like California and Nevada were totally shut down. People began traveling from those nearby states and coming to Arizona, where things were more open and could golf. This created a significant surge in the Arizona golf industry, something we weren’t expecting.

What have you explicitly noticed at the Quintero Golf Club? Have you seen other changes throughout golf clubs in the country?

The pandemic increased our overall customer base, with other states migrating to Arizona. Additionally, many people took up golf that they hadn’t played before, or some people even revisited golf after not playing for a while because it was the only activity left. All of which is helping our future business. 

Over the summer, people came from other parts of the state and nearby states that had never played here. We keep Quintero in great shape even in those hot months, so we were ready to go. We’ve seen many of those same guests return already because they loved our course so much and wanted to come back. Overall, our customer service standards at Quintero are different from other courses, and that helps us retain guests.

Can you please describe this “shift in golf demographics?” How does it differ from the previous demographics of golf club members?

The past year, we’ve seen more of the business traveler and younger tech guys coming to the course during the workday. These people are conducting business on the course, doing things virtually and playing around, answering calls on the course, etc.

During the pandemic, that’s the only place they could go to do business outside of their home, and now they love it and don’t want to go back. 

What are some new methods of marketing towards these “younger” golf players? Any advice? 

We make sure they know we have strong Wi-Fi available, and they can use our restaurant and patio area to set up their computer if they need it. We also have “stay and play” options with six luxury condominiums located right on the course, perfect for business trips, families, groups of friends, or even just a couples vacation/staycation. They can book a condo, set up a shop there, and conduct business.

We can provide meals, grocery shopping, entertainment, our chef can cook in the fully equipped kitchen, whatever you want, we can make happen. 

Should clubs abandon their previous marketing techniques?

Definitely not. We successfully operated through a pandemic, and we’re slowly coming out of it, but this phase of returning to normalcy is just as challenging to predict. There are many unknowns, but we’ll keep our nose to the grindstone, keep an eye on data and pay attention to what’s going on with clients and future bookings. We’ll keep working hard and serving our customers to the best of our ability.

We know now is not the time to make decisions. 

Do you foresee an increase in these younger members? Or is this just a current fad because golf can be a “socially distant” form of outdoor recreation? 

We think we’ll continue to see younger members. They love working on the course and don’t want to go back to the old ways any time soon. We’re starting to see more female golfers than in the past, which is fantastic, as well as an influx in kids coming out with their families since it was one of the few hobbies they could do over the past year.

For more information on Quintero Golf Club, visit https://www.quinterogolf.com/.

Following the Arizona Legislature’s passage of HB 2772, which would authorize fantasy sports and sports betting in the state pending action from Governor Doug Ducey, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) today announced that they will expand their existing commercial relationship to provide DraftKings market access for retail and mobile sports betting in Arizona, pending regulatory approvals.

As part of this agreement, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings have also announced plans to operate a premium retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale.

When DraftKings became the first Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR last summer, a number of possibilities opened up to innovate together. This momentous effort to pursue a first-of-its-kind sportsbook with the PGA TOUR is a testament to the vision of both organizations that we believe will ultimately benefit Arizona sports fans who want to legally bet on sports.

– Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings

The PGA TOUR and DraftKings plan to create a visually stunning “19^th hole” experience at TPC Scottsdale where fans can gather year-round to place wagers, watch sports and enjoy quality food and beverage options.

The PGA TOUR and DraftKings are working closely with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds, the host organization of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, to develop the project and maximize economic, tourism, and charitable benefits to the local community. Several locations are being considered at TPC Scottsdale for the retail sportsbook, with details to be announced at a later date.  

The PGA TOUR commends the State of Arizona and Governor Ducey for their forward-thinking approach to legal sports betting. We are thrilled to work with DraftKings – along with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds – to explore a one-of-a-kind sportsbook experience at TPC Scottsdale and the world-class Waste Management Phoenix Open.

‘The People’s Open’ is one of the most attended events in golf and with this announcement we look forward to taking the fan experience to another level.

– Norb Gambuzza, Senior Vice President of Media and Gaming at the PGA TOUR

Pursuant to the expanded agreement, DraftKings will also become the exclusive sports betting partner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open hosted annually at TPC Scottsdale. Additionally, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings will collaborate on co-marketing initiatives and exclusive hospitality experiences to position TPC Scottsdale as a premier global destination for sports bettors and avid golf fans.

DraftKings is the Official Daily Fantasy Game and an Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR. Fans can find the latest available daily fantasy golf contests as well as golf betting markets by downloading the DraftKings apps via iOS and Android. 

This partnership is the latest in a string of progressive and industry-leading sports betting initiatives by the PGA TOUR. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the TOUR instituted a robust integrity program in collaboration with Genius Sports and later that year announced a global partnership with IMG ARENA to license its official, live scoring data to betting operators all over the world.

The TOUR’s Official Betting Operator category was launched in 2020 and the organization continues to evolve its innovative GolfBet partnership with The Action Network. The TOUR is a platinum member of the National Council on Problem Gambling and is aligned with the American Gaming Association as a Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly public service campaign partner to educate golf fans on responsible sports betting.

Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins and the host Thunderbirds are declaring Wednesday (Feb. 3) during tournament week of the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open as “The People’s Day at The People’s Open”. 

This day will be exclusively for anyone with a Wednesday general admission ticket and will allow those limited number of fans to experience the famed 16^th hole, subject to strict capacity limitations.  Limited tickets for Wednesday are still available at WMPhoenixOpen.com. 

Waste Management Phoenix Open fans are some of the greatest fans in all of golf. We are very excited to provide a special opportunity for our fans to experience the iconic 16^th hole in a socially distanced and responsible way.  

Our strict COVID safety protocols, such as the mandatory wearing of masks, will be enforced throughout the entire tournament, including the 16^th hole. 

– Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins

Wednesday’s event lineup includes the ever-popular Annexus Pro-Am, which features PGA TOUR professionals playing alongside community and business leaders, as well as celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment. 

Scheduled to appear this year include Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Phelps, Darius Rucker, Archie Bradley, Nolan Arenado, Alexandra O’Laughlin, Rob Riggle, Zac Gallen, Gerina Piller, and others.

Wednesday also showcases the Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory, which takes place on the famed 16^th hole after the Pro-Am and highlights charities, sponsors and celebs taking a shot at $1 million for charity.

The field for the 2021 tournament is one of the best ever and features five of the Top-10 golfers in the world and 21 of the Top-50, including first-time participant Rory McIlroy and defending champion Webb Simpson. 

Other world-class players and fan favorites in the field include Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Daniel Berger, Matthew Wolff, Gary Woodland, and Bubba Watson.

 The 2021 WM Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale February 1-7. “The People’s Open” was named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times in the past six years (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf.

The 2021 edition will mark the 86th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 12th as the WM Phoenix Open.

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members.  The Thunderbirds raised a record $14 million for charity from proceeds from the 2020 WM Phoenix Open and have eclipsed $161 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932.  For more information on The Thunderbirds or the 2021 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. 

Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins announced there are a limited number of general admission tickets are now available for the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open and can be purchased online at WMPhoenixOpen.com. 

General admission tickets are $100 per day for Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; and $125 for Friday and Saturday.  Ticket orders will be limited to 10 per transaction. 

Additionally, fans can now purchase individual daily tickets for the 16^th Hole and Clubhouse hospitality venues, which previously were only available as part of a weekly package. 

This announcement comes two weeks after the host Thunderbirds announced plans to move forward with limited fans and a scaled-down version of the 16^th Hole at the WM Phoenix Open, scheduled to be played Feb. 1 – 7 at TPC Scottsdale. 

We have been working closely with the PGA TOUR and local health officials and are confident that we can safely host a limited number of fans for ‘The People’s Open’ in 2021.’

We don’t have an exact attendance figure at this time but we will be conservative in all of our decision-making to ensure the health and safety of all involved with the event and our community.

Given the fact our venue is a 192-acre, open-aired facility that will allow for safe social distancing measures, combined with COVID safety protocols including the wearing of masks on-site, we are confident we will conduct a safe and responsible event in February.

– Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins

Limited weekly packages for the 16^th Hole and Clubhouse venues also remain available to the public and can be found at WMPhoenixOpen.com.

The 2021 WM Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale February 1-7. “The People’s Open” was named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times in the past six years (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf.

The 2021 edition will mark the 86^th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 12^th as the WM Phoenix Open. 

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members. 

The Thunderbirds raised a record $14 million for charity from proceeds from the 2020 WM Phoenix Open and have eclipsed $161 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932. 

For more information on The Thunderbirds or the 2021 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.  

The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – announced today fans of the tournament have the chance to virtually be seen at the iconic 16th hole during the 2021 playing of “The People’s Open” as part of the Faces on 16 Program for charity.

The placement of headshot images is $500 each for primary visibility and $250 for secondary visibility.

Fans are encouraged to make their donations at www.WMPhoenixOpen.com/faces-on-16 before January 15, 2021, to ensure their image will be ready for the 2021 event.

Proceeds from the program will directly benefit Arizona Helping Hands, Teen Lifeline, Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. 

Although the WM Phoenix Open footprint will look significantly different this year, we wanted to give our fans – the greatest fans in golf – another opportunity to be a part of the 2021 event if they are unable to attend.

The 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open is one of the most storied traditions in professional golf and it was important to The Thunderbirds to allow fans the chance to continue those traditions, albeit in a virtual manner, along with donating money to four great causes. 

– 2021 Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins

Fans can send in a headshot of themselves to be added to the donor banner on one of two placement options at the famed 16^th hole. Primary visibility  consists of banner structure surrounding the tee box and green of the 16^th hole.

Secondary visibility will be on the banner structure on the south side of the hole to the golfer’s right. Faces on 16 donor banner submissions will be authenticated by WM Phoenix Open officials and checked for suitability for the program.

All submitted images are subject to Faces on 16 Program rules, terms, and conditions.

The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – are moving forward with a scaled-down version of the 16^th Hole in anticipation of hosting fans at the 2021 tournament, scheduled for February 1-7 at TPC Scottsdale. 

Construction of the one-level, open-air venue that will surround the 16^th hole began in late November as tournament officials continue to prepare for the 86^th edition of “The People’s Open,” which is now less than 50 days away.  

For more information or to participate in Faces on 16, visit www.WMPhoenixOpen.com/faces-on-16.  

The 2021 WM Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale from February 1-7. “The People’s Open” was named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times in the past six years (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf.

The 2021 edition will mark the 86^th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 12^th as the WM Phoenix Open. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports.

The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members.  The Thunderbirds raised a record $14 million for charity from proceeds from the 2020 WM Phoenix Open and have eclipsed $161 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932. 

For more information on The Thunderbirds or the 2021 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.  

The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – are moving forward with a scaled-down version of the 16^th Hole in anticipation of hosting fans at the 2021 tournament, scheduled for February 1-7 at TPC Scottsdale. 

Construction of the one-level, open-air venue that will surround the 16^th hole began in late November as tournament officials continue to prepare for the 86^th edition of “The People’s Open,” which is now less than 50 days away. 

Limited ticket packages for the 16^th hole venue are currently on sale to the public at WMPhoenixOpen.com.  A decision on the availability of limited general admission tickets will be made in the coming weeks.

As we announced earlier this year, the footprint for the 2021 tournament will be entirely different due to COVID-19.

But we always hoped to have some kind of presence at our iconic 16^th hole with or even without our fans.  After many discussions with the PGA TOUR and local health officials, we are moving forward with a plan to have limited spectators at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. 

– Scott Jenkins, 2021 Tournament Chairman

Ultimately, if the decision is made by local health officials to allow spectators, it will be a small fraction of the normal capacity at TPC Scottsdale and not any different from what many other professional sports are currently allowing across the country.  The health and safety of fans is our top priority. 

The 192-acre layout of TPC Scottsdale and the outdoor nature of the tournament are conducive to social distancing. We will implement COVID safety protocols not only on the 16th hole but also throughout the entire tournament grounds in order to mitigate risk for the players, volunteers, and limited fans. 

As we work with The Thunderbirds in receiving approval from local and state governments in regard to the number of ticketed spectators and guests at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, we remain committed to health and safety as the No. 1 priority.

With that as a backdrop, we are examining a variety of options that will enable the tournament to continue its traditions as a one-of-a-kind fan experience while enriching the Greater Phoenix community through charitable giving.

– Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR Chief of Operations

The 2021 WM Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale February 1-7. “The People’s Open” was named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times in the past six years (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf.

The 2021 edition will mark the 86^th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 12^th as the WM Phoenix Open. 

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members. 

The Thunderbirds raised a record $14 million for charity from proceeds from the 2020 WM Phoenix Open and have eclipsed $161 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932. 

For more information on The Thunderbirds or the 2021 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. 

The 2020 Pro-Am Golf Tournament, presented by Cigna Healthcare of Arizona, pushed the 22-year total raised for Hospice of the Valley to nearly $883,000. Proceeds from the Oct. 29 event, held at Grayhawk Golf Club’s Talon Course in Scottsdale, benefit not-for-profit Hospice of the Valley’s patients and families.

We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to volunteer tournament Chairman Jay Hoselton for his commitment and dedication to Hospice of the Valley.

This year, 24 foursomes and 24 pros from the Southwest Section of the PGA competed. The first-place amateur foursome was: David Baum, David Leven, Brent Tally and Charlie Von Arentschildt. Pro Dennis Downs took first place.

Thank you to all our sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor
Cigna Healthcare of Arizona

Corporate Sponsor
Apria Healthcare

Hole Sponsors
Imagine Technology Group/SHARP
Ricki Dee, John, and Sarah Jennings
Lockton Companies
Tim and Amy Louis, in memory of Dr. Tim and Julie Louis
Risas Dental and Braces
StateServ-Hospicelink
TB Consulting LLC