Waste Management Sunday

I can only think of two things the Thunderbirds got wrong in running the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The first would be those where's-Marty-Hackel-when-you-need-him Thunderbird uniforms, highlighted by Native American bling that looks like they were picked up at the Iron Eyes Cody estate sale. Grown white men should not be dressing up like Native Americans as reimagined for the 21st Century by Ralph Lauren.

Some Thunderbirds chat it up with Phil Mickelson (click to enlarge)And the second mistake? Overselling the Bird's Nest for Saturday's O.A.R. concert. A lot of unhappy campers! But otherwise, just an incredibly impressive operation and event.

I spent most of my day writing or out on the 17th hole. The results of that effort will be in this week's Golf World. But I see on Twitter that there was quite an uproar over Ian Poulter's scratch/itch/F.U. to the fans at 16. While I didn't see it, I can imagine that within the atmosphere of a hole where streakers made an appearance today and one in which Poulter enthusiastically embraced the vibe, it was all in good fun. But again, I didn't see it so I don't know.

(By the way, check out Dan Bickley's column about the 16th and how the Thunderbirds have turned around a scene that was threatening to undermine the event, and how it's been a key component in getting Waste Management involved as sponsor. There's also a nice anecdote about the WM CEO mixing it up with fans.)

And as for Rickie Fowler's decision to lay up on 15, again, I wasn't there but when I listened to his post round remarks, he certainly didn't shy away from an explanation nor did he sound remorseful. Helen Ross reports the remarks and also this stat:

People may question Rickie Fowler's decision to lay up at the par-5 15th hole but here are the numbers. A total of 246 players went for the green in two there this week and only 76 made it.

And finally a few images from Sunday:

They think of everything! At the 16th hole merchandise tent a worker offers a mirror for customers to see how a hat looks (click to enlarge image)Trash cans are well marked to make recycling incredibly simple. (Click to enlarge image)