The WM Phoenix Open’s best moments happened before the tournament even started

The WM Phoenix Open has made a name for itself as the loudest, wildest and best-attended tournament on the PGA Tour schedule. But what Thursday-Sunday viewers don’t often see is the impact of community-focused early-week events.

I’ve been attending the WM Phoenix Open for nearly 15 years, and this year was the first time I had the opportunity to observe Dream Day and the Celebrity Putting Challenge — and I was blown away by the emotional impact of the initiatives, both of which were staged on Tuesday morning of tournament week at TPC Scottsdale.

What is Dream Day? It’s a chance for grade-school kids from Phoenix Title I elementary schools to experience the excitement and atmosphere of a golf course during a PGA Tour tournament week. This year, the event’s 23rd anniversary, 562 kids in grades 4-6 converged on TPC Scottsdale’s Champions driving range in a dozen school buses. The kids were greeted by a cheering section of nearly 100 volunteers, members of the Thunderbirds — the philanthropic organization that hosts the WM Phoenix Open — and every Arizona team mascot you can think of. The event is sponsored by the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation in partnership with the First Tee of Phoenix, which offers a school-based program to Title I schools that enables them to add golf to their physical education curriculum. The program is currently being used by 176 schools in Phoenix.

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Dream Day is essentially a field trip for the lucky attendees, and upon arrival, the kids collected some cool swag and had a chance to engage with some local celebrities. A trick-shot artist provided entertainment, and Arizona local Chez Reavie made an appearance, too. Lunch was provided, and ample time to hit a variety of shots. It was an awesome intro to the game for the kids — many of whom had never set foot on a golf course before.

“The thank-you cards that we get every year afterward would just melt your heart,” said First Tee Phoenix Executive Director Erin McDonough. “Those responses are what makes this one of our premier events throughout the year, and demonstrate what an impact we’re making with kids locally.”

Greg Hoyt is a Thunderbird and the man behind the foundation responsible for the day’s festivities. Over the last 20 years, he said he’s been pleased to see the event grow from around 100 participants to its current number.

“I didn’t get started in golf until I was 20 — I didn’t have the opportunity to,” he said. “And now you see these kids getting involved in the 4th, 5th, 6th grade. It’s pretty impressive. And if you go to any First Tee event, it’s amazing to see these young kids and their swings. It’s unbelievable.”

While the kids were enjoying Dream Day, another special event was taking place on the putting green at the Stadium course. San Tan Ford’s Celebrity Putting Challenge featured 12 Arizona Special Olympics athletes who competed in groups that included celebrity participants and community partners.

As the teams made their way around the putting green, they were supported by a bevy of fans. Celebrations and high-fives were abundant, and the good vibes were undeniable. After observing these two events back-to-back, I truly can’t imagine a more uplifting and positive way to start the week.

Maybe it’s because I have a grade-school child myself, but watching the kids’ excitement as they disembarked the buses and ran out onto the driving range struck a deep emotional chord with me. I was also moved by the palpable feeling of encouragement and support that was on display at the Celebrity Putting Challenge. This is what the game is all about. The joy of being outside, of camaraderie, of endeavoring to improve.

For all the talk we hear of growing the game, I couldn’t help but think: This is what it looks like in real time.