SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Goo Goo Dolls and Will.i.am are just some of the celebrities scheduled to perform at this year's Waste Management Phoenix Open. But before they can take center stage, crews are working around the clock to transform the golf course into a party zone.
It's Kevin Kopp's job to make sure every nail, screw and piece of plywood is in place for this year's Phoenix Open.
"From the day we put our shovel in the ground until the last piece of equipment is taken away it's a good four to six month process," Kopp said.
It all begins at the 16th hole. John Ward who is a regular golfer there said, "The work that goes into this Open is incredible."
Year-round it looks like a typical golf course but for The Open, crews at the TPC Course in Scottsdale transform it into a mini coliseum.
"I'm so excited for 16 this year," Kopp said. "Not only have we increased our sky box space, but we've also increased the public seating out here."
Kopp estimated some 15,000 spectators will be able to enjoy the action on the 16th hole because "if you look around it's a double-decked coliseum, so it really creates a fun atmosphere quite frankly not only for the players but the fans."
What's new for the fans this year? Plenty! Greenskeeper will be water front. As Kopp explains, "From where it's been for several years, 20 plus years, you can't see a hole of golf. So moving it down to the lake should really emcompass everything this tournament is about, fun, social, golf, networking so that's a good move that we're excited about."
Another exciting new feature, football. "The Rattlers are out here this year. They've got an arena-style venue that's going to be dressed up like their Arena League field."
So despite the roar of circular saws and clanking of metal, golfers like Ward say it's just par for the course.
"It's interesting, it's a lot bigger in person than it looks on television," he said. "And now with all the workmen there it's not that intimidating."
The Thunderbirds expect they'll raise more than $4 million for charity.
For all the latest details, www.wmphoenixopen.com.
