The stands at the iconic 16th hole stayed full of rowdy golf fans after the celebrity pro-am to catch the Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory, a closest-to-the-pin contest for a chance at $1 million for charity. An overhead rumble grew closer and louder as fans looked to the skies to see a skydiving team parachute into the coliseum, landing gracefully on their feet to the roar of the crowd. The aerial entertainment wasn’t over, as four Blackhawk helicopters provided a flyover to the accompaniment of the Star-Spangled Banner performed by Phoenix Children’s Choir. Never discount experience – Waste Management CEO Jim Fish leaned on his years of practice at the Shot at Glory to take top honors with a tee shot coming to rest just 10 feet, three inches from the cup. With the stellar tee shot, Fish earned $40,000 to his charity of choice The Freedom Alliance. Senior Executive with Discovery Land Company J.J. Dudum came in second place at 14 feet, 10 inches, accruing $25,000 for his charity. And Adam Pritchett of Pacific Office Automation came in third at 15 feet, nine inches, securing a cool $15,000 for his favorite charity.
Will Rickie repeat as The People’s Open Champion, or will a new challenger emerge during Thursday’s first round at the 2020 WM Phoenix Open? First groupings tee off at 7:20 a.m. with the afternoon groupings beginning at 11:35 a.m.