SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The WM Phoenix Open has a little bit of everything for everyone at TPC Scottsdale all week long. This also includes the Special Olympics Putting Challenge where celebrities and sports stars from the Valley take part in a friendly putting competition.
One of those stars was former Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians, who has taken part in the event six years and counting.
“When you look at the athletes and what they do and how good they are, how much time they put in, they deserve all of our credit and praise,” Arians said. “Just the smiles on the Olympians’ faces, it’s been fantastic.”
The challenge helped raise $55,000 for the Special Olympics of Arizona, further proving why this event is one of the best all week long at the WM Phoenix Open.
“These kids grind it out and they’re so much fun to play with and I love this event every year,” Arians said.
The former Cards head coach wasn’t the only NFL big name showing his support, as Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher also made an appearance.
“It’s a big deal to me,” Urlacher said. “I’ve been working with them for a long time and this was awesome, I’ve done this a couple times now and it’s always fun.”
The linebacker said this event rivals even the Super Bowl here in the Valley, as a cause that means so much to him and so many others.
“The Super Bowl is great and all, but this is the event that brings people here,” Urlacher said.
Speaking of, the Pro-am tees off Wednesday morning at TPC Scottsdale and 12News will be at the course to bring you the very latest. Be sure to follow 12 Sports Reporter Luke Lyddon on Twitter for all the flavor happening in the Valley all week long.