The Thunderbirds began nearly a century ago with the mission to promote the Valley of the Sun through sport. These days, the primary sport used to raise money for charity and create Scottsdale tourism interest from all over the world is golf, specifically the Waste Management Phoenix Open. But, as we see in this installment of In the Community Conversations, the impact of The Thunderbirds – and their charitable giving arm Thunderbirds Charities – is a positive impact on all kinds of sports, coaches and youth in our communities.

Scott Jenkins, 2021 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman, recently sat down with Rich Tomey, Executive Director of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to discuss the impact of the current health crisis on their organization and youth sports in general and how they’ve continued their mission of creating positive, character-building youth sports environments without direct, in-person contact.

"Stop picking your head up..."

Every golfer has heard it a time or two in their life. But PGA Coach Jessica Barts says that theory may actually be hurting your golf game.

Barts, an Assistant Professional at Cowan's Ford Golf Club in Stanley, North Carolina, sent us a couple of drills you can work on from the comfort of your home or on the range that debunks the theory of 'keeping your head down.'

And if you have been struggling with your wedges lately, Barts has a drill for that too...

In this video, Neil Tappin is joined by rules guru Jeremy Ellwood to look at the rules specifically related to bunkers. They discuss what you are and are not allowed to do to help avoid any confusion and potential penalty shots.

Bryson Dechambeau on how to "Bryson-proof" a course before Shriners

Bryson DeChambeau’s first start since winning the U.S. Open is off to a good start. The long hitter, whose physical transformation has been the talk of the TOUR, shot 59 in Wednesday’s pro-am for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

DeChambeau’s round got off to a relatively slow start. He made birdie on the first hole but was just 3 under par after eight holes. A birdie on the par-5 ninth hole gave him a 4-under 31 on the front nine. He turned it on when he made the turn, making birdie on the first six holes of the back nine before an eagle at the par-5 16th. DeChambeau lipped out a putt on 18 for 58. He shot 8-under 28 on his final nine holes.

In this video, Neil Tappin lists out the 10 items every golfer should carry. This is not about the obvious things like clubs and balls but all those other things that can make a big difference to your game, especially in difficult weather conditions. Carrying all the things you need without making your bag too heavy is a tricky balance - Neil's pointers should help you get it right!