SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Several celebrities and athletes were in “full swing” on Wednesday morning, with many participating in the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open!
Good Morning Arizona’s Scott Pasmore and Simone Cuccurrullo were out at TPC Scottsdale catching up with all the big names. Among those were 28-time Olympic champion Michael Phelps, who calls the Valley home.
Phelps has participated in the Pro-Am numerous times and is a known regular at the tournament.
“Honestly, it’s just fun. You know, walking through the crowd you can always feel some energy, and honestly, this is a chance for all of us to come out and try and hit some good shots,” he said.
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was out at TPC Scottsdale preparing for the Annexus Pro-Am! Simone Cuccurrullo and Scott Pasmore caught up with the star athlete.
Another regular is Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald! If you’ve been out at TPC Scottsdale, chances are you may have run into or seen Fitzgerald on the green. Fitz was excited to return to the Greatest Show on Grass for another year.
“We’re having a blast. It’s always great to be here. It’s an unbelievable event to get to play with the best pros in the world and to come out here and have the best experiences, we can’t ask for a better time,” Fitzgerald said.
Among one of the regulars at the WM Phoenix Open is Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald! Simone & Scott spoke with him as he tee’d off for the Pro-Am.
Two current Cardinals stars were also tee’ing up for their first-ever Pro-Am! Tight end Trey McBride and linebacker Zaven Collins were out early at the event, preparing for the infamous 16th Hole.
“I’m used to being in front of crowds, but not as a golf course,” McBride said, chuckling. “It’ll be a lot of fun. I’m excited, nervous, all the emotions.”
Many star athletes are out at the annual Annexus-Pro Am, including Cardinals star Trey McBride! Simone and Scott spoke to the athlete as he tee’d off.
Collins is a huge golf fan and shared he was thrilled to be invited out to the Pro-Am. However, he was going up against a fierce competitor — teammate Budda Baker!
“We’re going to go out there today and just have fun. Me and Budda are playing today in the same group, so I’m sure we’re going to be talking smack to each other,” he said with a grin on his face.
Several Arizona Cardinals players are participating in the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open this year, including linebacker Zaven Collins!
Two three-time Super Bowl champions were also in full force out at the course! Spectators got glimpses of Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce out on the green alongside the pros.
Smith said one of his favorite moments is walking out onto the iconic 16th Hole, surrounded by fans in the Coliseum.
“You’re walking into the Coliseum back when the gladiators used to go into the Coliseum and fight, but this time, it’s you against the golf ball,” Smith said, chuckling. “It’s definitely a mental game.”
Athletes are in full swing out at the WM Phoenix Open! Simone Cuccurrullo and Scott Pasmore caught up with Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith & D-backs Archie Bradley.
However, even nerves sometimes get to the greatest athletes, especially when the pressure and all eyes are on them! Smith said even today, he’s a little nervous walking out before the crowd.
“You know what I found about this game, is that when you’re a recreational golfer, you’re not used to walking between the ropes or being around that many people looking at you swinging a golf club, how nervous you really get. I’m trying to get over those nerves, it’s something that’s taken time, but I think I’m to the point where I’m pretty used to it now,” he added.
Another athlete that was getting ready to tee off at the 16th Hole was U.S. Women’s soccer champ Carli Lloyd, who returned to the Valley of the Sun this year.
“Sixteen’s wild,” she said. “It’s electrifying. Even the pros say they walk through and they’re at the tee box and they [fans] just go nuts,” Lloyd described.
U.S. Women’s Soccer champion Carli Lloyd was excited prepping for the 16th Hole at the WM Phoenix Open! Simone and Scott caught up with the star athlete.
Kelce also stopped to say hello and take a photo with Pasmore!
Travis Kelce also stopped to say hello and take a photo with Good Morning Arizona’s Scott Pasmore!(Scott Pasmore)
Fans could also spot Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley in the crowd with his unmistakable beard! While Bradley wasn’t participating in the Pro-Am this year, he’s a huge fan of the WM Phoenix Open, so much so that he even has a tattoo dedicated to the iconic 16th Hole!
“Everyone knows I love this week more than anything,” Bradley said.
Former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley is a huge fan of the WM Phoenix Open, so much so that he even has a tattoo dedicated to the iconic 16th Hole!(Arizona’s Family)
All of the athletes and celebrities, including numerous Arizona favorites, below took part in this year’s tournament:
Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs tight endMichael Phelps – Olympic swimming championMookie Betts – Los Angeles Dodgers outfielderCal Raleigh – Seattle Mariners catcherAlex Bregman – Chicago Cubs third basemanColin Jost – actor, writer and comedian with Saturday Night LiveBrian Baumgartner – actor best know for playing Kevin Malone in “The Office”Merrill Kelly – Arizona Diamondbacks pitcherBudda Baker – Arizona Cardinals safetyTrey McBride – Arizona Cardinals tight endZaven Collins – Arizona Cardinals linebackerLarry Fitzgerald Jr. – Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiverCarli Lloyd – U.S. Women’s soccer championEmmitt Smith – Former Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals running backZach Top – country singer
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