Tuesday was a special day at the WM Phoenix Open, especially for children of the Valley. More than 600 kids from local elementary schools were allowed to skip class and participate in the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day benefiting The First Tee of Phoenix.  At the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course practice range, the kids met Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, interacted with local team mascots and participated in golf clinic sponsored by PING to learn the great game of golf from one of the best, Bubba Watson. After the athletes spoke, the kids were treated to a dazzling trick shot show performed by pro golfer Tania Tare. It was a beautiful Scottsdale day that these kids won’t soon forget.

The festivities continued later in the morning when community leaders and celebrities joined PGA TOUR players and Valley team mascots in the annual San Tan Ford Special Olympics Putting Challenge. Twenty-three-time gold medalist Michael Phelps, former Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb and San Tan Ford owner Tim Hovik are just a few of the participants that paired up with Special Olympics athletes to putt nine holes.

The inspiration of the morning events carried over into the afternoon when DJ Gregory received the PGA TOUR Courage Award in what was a heartfelt, emotional moment. Gregory, who was born with cerebral palsy and walks with the assistance of a cane, has walked more than 14,000 miles and 42,000 holes at PGA TOUR events, raising more than $1 million for his Walking For Kids Foundation. Gregory was given the award at a surprise ceremony at the WM Phoenix Open and is the first non-player to receive the prestigious honor. In addition to the award, the PGA TOUR, The Thunderbirds, WM and Jon Rahm donated $25,000 each to Gregory’s foundation.

PREVIEW OF WEDNESDAY’S ANNEXUS PRO-AM

Wednesday’s action at “The People’s Open” will feature the fan favorite Annexus Pro-Am. Tee times for the event, hosted Wednesday morning, will be posted Tuesday night at www.wmphoenixopen.com. Some of the celebrities taking part in the festivities include NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, L.A. Dodgers pitcher Walker Buhler, Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff, two-time All-American running back Reggie Bush and Transformers actor Josh Duhamel,  along with those who attended the events this morning and others.

Wednesday afternoon, don’t forget to stick around for the WHOOP Shot at Glory – a unique closest-to-the-pin contest at the iconic 16th hole – where a slew of high profile personalities will compete for a chance to win $1 million to donate to a charity of their choice.

When the daytime action at TPC Scottsdale ends, things get going across the street with Diplo and Cole Swindell kicking off the first night of the Coors Light Birds Nest concert series, a popular four-night event running Wednesday through Saturday of tournament week. Gates open at 3 P.M.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at The Greatest and Greenest Show on Grass!