Tuesday at the 2023 WM Phoenix Open was an absolute dream, especially for young kids just learning the game. More than 500 elementary school kids turned in notes to skip school to participate in the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day benefitting The First Tee of Phoenix. Just across the street from the tournament at the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course practice range, youngsters could hit shots and learn about the game of golf in a fun and interactive environment.

Also on hand to speak to the kids was World No. 3 Jon Rahm, Arizona Cardinals legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., and Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen – alongside local team mascots – hitting golf shots and answering questions from the crowd on what it takes to be a professional athlete. The fun didn’t end there. As a final treat, the youngsters played witness to a trick-shot golf show sponsored by PING, featuring Dan Boever who dazzled the crowd with unique skills and shots anyone in attendance 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. Paired alongside Special Olympians were community leaders who took part in the 9-hole contest for an afternoon full of fun and a ton of smiles.

And, to top it all off, everyone who enjoyed Tuesday at the WM Phoenix Open entered the gates for free, courtesy of Ford Free Days and Arizona Ford Dealers.

PREVIEW OF WEDNESDAY’S ANNEXUS PRO-AM

Get ready for Wednesday at “The People’s Open.” First up is 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 the greatest Olympian of all time Michael Phelps, two of the greatest baseball players of all time Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez, former NFL all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, country music superstar Jason Aldean, Larry “Legend” Fitzgerald Jr., two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, and Super Bowl champion Reggie Bush.

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 the first headlining trio at the biggest after party in golf – the Coors Light Birds Nest. Kicking off the first night are country music hit artists Dustin Lynch, Lainey Wilson and Chris Lane. Gates open at 3:30 P.M.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at the 2023 edition of “The People’s Open.”