"On Our Mind" Golf Blog by Brandon Underwood

A spectacular day of golf is now complete after the First Round of the World Match Play Championship played at the new Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona.

Brilliant sunshine, 87 degrees temperatures (with just 14 percent humidity) and good golf were on display.

It's remarkable how much momentum the PGA Tour has picked up in a four-day span.

Phil Mickelson broke out of an embarrassing early season slump in a big way Thursday at Riviera, only to be trumped by news of Tiger Woods' return to competitive golf. Mickelson managed to nudge his way back into the spotlight in a very entertaining final round at the Northern Trust Open Sunday. 

Another spectacular day in Scottsdale! Kenny Perry won the 2009 Thunderbird Trophy after burying a 22-foot birdie putt on the third playoff hole. Perry beat a game Charley Hoffman.  

Perry shot a 2- under 69 for the day but bogeyed the 18th which set up the 2-man playoff. This was the second year in a row that this event has gone to a playoff. Last year, J.B. Holmes besting Phil Mickelson.

Today’s Second Round featured better weather (glorious sunshine and 76 degrees), better attendance (111,013 fans) and better golf.

The big news was that Phil Mickelson missed the cut after shooting a 7-over 149.  This was the second time in three years that the affable, fan favorite will not be around for the weekend action. 

The opening round of the 2009 FBR Open is in the books. A staggering 71,901 fans enjoyed a gorgeous, 72 degree sunny day and plenty of good golf. Australian James Nitties and American Lucas Glover share the leaderboard after each shooting a 6-under-par 65.

Nitties, the Q-School runner up last fall, shot a 31/34 for his share of the lead.  Playing in just his 3rd Tour event, Nitties lists “clubbing and girls” among his hobbies.  Seems like he will enjoy his time in Scottsdale this week. 

Dixon Golf has announced that the Sedona Golf Resort in Arizona has decided to "Get On The Green" and carry their 100% Eco-Friendly Earth golf balls.

"Sedona Golf Resort is considered one of the finest golf destinations in the world," said William Carey, National Sales Manager of Dixon Golf. "They offer first class accommodations and a golf experience that is second to none. We couldn't be more pleased to be associated with them and have our Eco-Friendly Earth golf ball available at their facility." 

Aaron Wells, a 2003 graduate of the San Diego Golf Academy has accepted a position as head golf professional at Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Wells will be working at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at Desert Highlands, a private residential golf community and home to inaugural Skins Game in 1983. To learn more about Desert Highlands, please go to www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com.

The first United States Golf Association Rating system was established in 1911. The proposal made by Leighton Calkins, who served on the USGA Executive Committee in 1907 and 1908) was that par ratings be based on the play of the U.S. Amateur Champion; at the time the amateur champion was Jerome Travers, who won four amateur titles from 1907 - 1913.

Rating courses according to the "expected" score of the national amateur champion became accepted, and course rating was born in America.