Golf - outside the ropes

A few thousand of us traipsed through the desert northwest of Tucson at a golf event the last few days. It was one of the Accenture World Golf Championships - this one was Match Play. Wednesday 64 of the worlds best played, 32 lost and went home, Thursday 32 became 16, Friday 16 became 8...get the story...



Sunday, there remained but 2 players for the $1,400,000 championship. Hunter Mahan, who I hear is building a 19,000 square foot "house" near Dallas, and the popular new young gun, Rory McIlroy. Mahan won. McIlroy came in second and had to settle for $600,000.



But, that's not the point. Golf is an amazing experience...as a player...and as a viewer. It's a terrific place to spend some time outdoors...and there is a little exercise to go along with it.

The pictures I've posted here were taken "illegally" with my camera phone - no cameras allowed during play...but the folks were pretty good about it. As you can see, it's not all grass, it's still desert with some enhancements. And letting the audience follow along, walking down the fairway after the championship group was a great thing. I didn't realize how short they cut the grass, and how spongy the turf.



Communities such as Tucson should say a special thanks to the folks seen here wearing the black blazers and white hats...The Conquistadores...community leaders who have organized and help come up with financing for a class event. They took over in 1966 from fledgling attempts since 1945. And it hasn't been easy. Through it all the community has stepped up. Click here to read more. That's great.

On the plane coming home I overheard a few other folks who, like me, had gone over to watch the tournament. That's economic development of the best kind.

Tucson is nervous they'll lose the tournament in a couple years. I hope not.

And, while the world golf tournament was going on, the Tucson Rodeo was underway and there was Major League Soccer (including Beckham who was spotted in town).

Tucson is fortunate to have a community that understands community pride and economic impact.

Here's more from the local newspaper.