Waste Management Thursday

Walking around TPC Scottsdale Thursday I sounded like Jake and Elwood crashing through a mall avoiding the state police: "this place has got everything."

But that's what is most impressive about the Thunderbirds' presentation of the Waste Management Open: they seem to have thought of everything. The details are staggering, but it's the little stuff I love: Facing portable toilet doors away from play; little balloons alerting folks to first aid stations (you may see those on television); the sheer variety of spectating and entertainment options (Collective Soul at the Bird's Nest tonight!).

It's hard not to walk the property and wonder why every tour stop isn't here taking pages of notes. (I'm told there has been a new dynamic injected into the event by Waste Management, but more on that tomorrow.)

The 16th hole scene was a tad disappointing in that fans seemed a bit disengaged. But it's only Thursday and as Adam Schupak writes, there's more fun to come. And everything I've seen still makes it one incredible setting.

Some images from Thursday, and apologies if the sizes are off but my server is struggling a bit with resizing for some reason:

Camilo tees off No. 17 en route to an opening 62. And yes, my camera is silent. (click image to enlarge)

The 16th hole Thursday. Lots of booing or cheering all set to the sound of constant chatter (click to enlarge)The 16th hole has its own merchandise tent with hole-specific items (click to enlarge) 

Doves clearly prefer rye grass seed (click to enlarge)

Charley Hoffman on the 17th...the shoes? He's not a former Oregon Duck. He's on the Waste Management payroll. (Their company colors are green and yellow.) (click to enlarge)

Player bags are stored outside the media center. And it's clear that red, black, white and yellow test well with manufacturer focus groups (click to enlarge)