Featured Golf News
Azinger Gets Sponsor's Exemption for FBR Open
FBR Open Tournament Chairman John Felix has announced that victorious 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger will receive the first sponsor's exemption for the 2009 FBR Open. Felix and tournament host Thunderbirds will hand out only five sponsor's exemptions for the FBR Open, to be played at the TPC Scottsdale from January 26-February 1.
"Paul is a former champion of our event and has played here every year but one since joining the PGA Tour," said Felix. "We are extremely pleased that he will be joining us for the 2009 FBR Open. We know our fans are going to be excited to see him and show their appreciation for the two-plus years of hard work he put in to help the USA secure the Cup."
The 49-year-old Azinger has 12 career victories on the PGA Tour, including wins in the 1993 PGA Championship and a 1-shot victory over Hal Sutton in the 1987 Phoenix Open, his first career win as a touring pro. Azinger also has participated on five Ryder Cup teams (1989, '91, '93, 2002 and '08 as captain) and two President's Cup teams (1994 and 2000).
Azinger has played a total of 24 FBR/Phoenix Opens in his career, including 14 straight and 23 of the last 24, during which he has accrued three top-10 finishes and more than $393,000 in earnings. His 25th appearance ties him for second all-time in tournament history behind Gene Littler (28 appearances) and Tom Purtzer (25). Azinger's only absence came in 1994 when he underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments after being diagnosed with cancer.
The FBR Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has raised more than $61 million for charities, with more than $33 million generated over the last four years. Because of the number of fans who attend and the rowdy 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, the event has become one of the most unique stops on the PGA Tour. The 2009 edition will mark the 74th go-round the event, and the fifth as the FBR Open, making it one of the five oldest Tour events.
