Golf Academy of America ®

Feb 4, 2009

For the third year, the Golf Academy of America (GAA) Phoenix campus volunteered more than 150 students to work the driving range at the FBR Open. Known as the 'Greatest Show on Grass,' the FBR Open is one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR and was held this weekend at the TPC Scottsdale.

A two-year golf college, the Golf Academy of America works to prepare students for a successful golf career and introduce them to a wide range of golf jobs available in the golf industry. With a curriculum of golf instruction and golf business management at four campuses nationwide, graduates use the education acquired to land the golf job they want.

For the FBR Open, GAA students worked morning and afternoon shifts to accommodate the tournament's hours of operations. Up close with the best in the world, students were given a priceless insider look at what it takes - on tour and in tournament management - to succeed in the industry.

GAA Phoenix Director and PGA Master Professional Tim Eberlein says, "We appreciate the trust and willingness of the TPC Golf Course to allow our students to participate in this event. It is important for our students to get a real feel and appreciation for the hard work involved in coordinating an event as legendary as the FBR Open. What they learn in the classroom is priceless, but combined with an education on the course they can be unstoppable."

Starting with golf played by the likes of JB Holmes, Aaron Baddeley, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh on the beautiful TPC Scottsdale, and ending with the biggest galleries on tour, the FBR Open has a reputation for being unlike any other golf tournament. The 2009 tournament marked the 74th playing of the Open, and the sixth as the FBR Open, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA Tour. For a closer look at the FBR Open, and for records and statistics, please visit www.phoenixopen.com.