I will always be forever grateful for how beautifully meticulous our God is.
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It is safe to say that Waste Management is a tournament I hold near in my heart and is the birthplace of my journey in the golf industry. Eight-year-old Taylor first experienced Waste Management with free tickets provided to my dad through his job. If not for God, my dad would not have worked at a company that gives Waste Management Phoenix Open tickets to employees. If I had not gone with my dad that day, I can say with certainty that I would not be where I am and who I am today. I remember the shuttle ride, walking through the expo, and stumbling across the most influential organization I am privileged to be affiliated with.The First Tee Phoenix gave me my start in this game and inspired me to pursue collegiate golf and have the confidence to pursue my passion.
I think about my experiences at this tournament and the incredible opportunities presented to me such as the caddie races, caddying for Billy Horschel at 16, being the course reporter for two years, and so much more. Through the support of the PGA Tour, The Thunderbirds, Waste Management, and First Tee, my life has changed because of this beautiful game we love, watch, and play.
This tournament is more than a golf tournament. It is about coming together as a community, growing the game of golf, and the importance of doing our part in recycling initiatives. As an alumni and past scholarship recipient of First Tee, it is important to me to give back to the place that first gave to me. For the past two years, I have had incredible opportunities to work in the media center during Waste Management Week. Seeing behind the scenes of your favorite tournament and the dedication of the tour for the benefit of golfers across the world is a special thing to witness.
Now we can get into my tournament week breakdown at the best event in golf!
Wednesday: The Pro-AM event on Wednesday is always a highlight of mine due to the number of supporters and celebrities that come out and put on a show for a good cause. On this particular Wednesday, due to the weather throughout the week, the media lots we park in were closed with all the mud and rain. After driving around in circles, I decided to park at West World and started my hour-long trek to the tournament grounds. In hindsight, I could have walked 10 minutes to the nearest shuttle bus, but something about the Arizona desert during a storm is something to soak in while you can. Fast forward to picking up my media credentials, play was suspended due to the weather and thus initiated my trek back to the car.
Frustrated and slightly amused, it started to rain as I walked my 2.5-mile journey back to the car. On this walk, I could see the formation of the most beautiful double rainbow appearing and ending right where I parked. At that moment, I knew the purpose of why I walked and heard God say you would not have seen this if you had taken a different route.
At this moment, I knew that God had something in store for me at Waste Management. I knew there was a deeper purpose for me being back.
You have to endure the rain to appreciate the rainbow.
A few hours later I returned to the grounds with my mom to enjoy the HARDY and Bailey Zimmerman concert at the Birds Nest. If there is one thing my mom and I will do, that is enjoy a country concert, and there is no other person I would want to go with than her.
Thursday: Thursday at TPC was a wild ride with multiple delays, play suspensions, and battling through a rough hail storm. Luckily, I was in the media center while the wind and rain howled, yet it did not stop the cold draft from coming in. Although the conditions were not the best, it did not hinder the city of Phoenix from showing up and showing out at the People's Open.
Friday: Thanks to the generosity of Woody, head of media for WMPO, Mika and I were given wristbands that allowed us tent access on holes 17, 18, and 9! It was amazing to watch the pros up close and battle through a 36-hole day that we college golfers all know and enjoy. *cough* Despite the setbacks, players were on fire as they pushed through adversity as the fight against time and daylight became more strenuous. As more players came in after their rounds, I could not help but notice how they stopped and took time to acknowledge and appreciate the fans who supported them through it all.
It is one thing to be a great golfer, but if you are an even better person, that is all that truly matters.
In all my years of attending Waste Management, I had never met or interacted with Justin Thomas. This year was the year that changed, and I have the utmost respect for JT and how he carries himself. Not only did he stop to speak with the First Tee junior course reporters after his interviews, but he also took the time to take pictures with us all despite being dog-tired. This is the reality of what having a platform encompasses and is a reflection of a person's heart and character.
JT, you have now been promoted! :D
Saturday:
My Saturday did not start or end at Waste Management, and it was a blessing in disguise. The day before and the day of, I felt in my spirit that I should not go to the tournament that day. As I was getting dressed and ready to go, my friend who was at the tournament called me and told me it was not worth going if I had not left yet. With that in mind, my dad and I quickly hit the golf course for much-needed practice and father-daughter time. Once we got home, I (unintentionally) swapped out my dad for my mom and spent some time with her at Scottsdale Quarter and thrifting after. Looking back, I am so happy I chose family time over being overstimulated with over 500,000 spectators on the grounds at one time. Hearing from friends, the media center, and the internet, it is safe to say I was not missing out on anything but chaos during the second/third round.
Sunday: Sunday Funday as they call it, and it was one for the books! After a quick pitstop at will call to pick up our wristbands for the day, we were on the way to hole 16! With tickets scanned, Mika and I were ready for the skybox suite action and were introduced to the CEO and multiple executives with Park Place Technology. After spending a few hours with these executives, I gained knowledge and insight into the industry and how to navigate the rest of my time as a graduate student-athlete. My main takeaway was the confidence I got from speaking with those around me about my initiatives after I graduate.
I have grown to be more comfortable and confident within myself and my successes, but it hits different when my work is noticed by CEOs of multi-million dollar companies.
Shortly after, Nick Taylor snagged his playoff victory and became the 2024 WM Phoenix Open champion!
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I want to say a special thank you to JGAA and Woody for providing me with an opportunity to experience my favorite tournament in a life-changing way. I want to thank First Tee Phoenix for watching me grow up through the program and being a resource and second family I can lean on. I also want to thank Park Place Tech for inviting us to their skybox suite on 16 to meet with their CEO. This company is the definition of good company, better people and I am so appreciative of them pursuing foundations that support our junior golfers.
Coming home for this tournament is a blessing and a confirmation that I am where I am supposed to be. The sooner we understand that God does not make mistakes, the easier navigating this crazy life will be.
Until next year, Waste Management you were extraordinary.
I'm so proud of you niece! ~Uncle Marcus