Bloom: Tradition lost in moving Phoenix Open

This is the week when most sports fans across the country have no choice but to be dominated by the hype machine from whatever city the NFL has decided to grace with the world's largest VIP party (aka the Super Bowl). That hype can be overwhelming, and even nauseating, especially when our teams aren't involved or we aren't in that city to enjoy some of the things that go along with it. For a long time now, Arizonans have had a great way to escape all that during the week leading up to the big game…unfortunately that's a gap left unfilled in 2010.

Usually on the Thursday of Super Bowl week, I'd be rolling out of the rack wondering what I did and why I did it at the Bird's Nest the night before. I'd be so distracted by the thought of heading back to the scene of the crime that I could totally ignore the endless run of shameless celebrity interviews broadcast from radio row polluting the airwaves on my drive to the course.

Due to the change in the PGA Tour's scheduling, the tournament formerly known as the FBR Open- or newly named Waste Management Phoenix Open- does not fall on Super Bowl week for the first time in 8 years. In a lot of ways this is great news, as the area's biggest bash will have more of the spotlight from local sports fans when it tees off 3 weeks from now. But for others, like me, this means a fun tradition hits the shelf until next year.

Having had the pleasure of attending the last six editions of "The Greatest Show on Grass" I can say that I miss having it fall on Super Bowl week. I challenge anybody to give me a better Super Bowl pregame party option than hanging out at TPC Scottsdale and watching some of the world's best golfers battle some of the world's biggest distractions, and I'm not just referring to the cheers and jeers at the 16th hole.

Sure I need to have my butt on a couch somewhere to enjoy all of the festivities of the crown jewel of American sports, and I never miss the big game or the fanfare that comes along with it...but I will miss the trash talk that takes place both amongst the players and the fans walking the fairways at TPC, as well as the frequent drama that one of the best finishing stretches in golf provides before the big coin toss takes place on Sunday afternoon.

That said, there are some serious advantages to the date change for the WMPO. The fact that it directly follows The World Match Play Championship in Tucson means the field will include some of the bigger names on Tour. Three weeks later in February means the weather should be warmer, which makes for good playing conditions but even better people watching conditions.

Whether you are into golf or not…if you are still wondering why you should take a trip to Scottsdale at the end of the month, I've got seven magic words which may help convince you...short skirts, high heels, and big hills. Go ahead and let your imagination run wild and you still can't do it justice without seeing it in person.

The golf purists of the world may have a tough time embracing the atmosphere at TPC, but to them I say…your loss!

Jon Bloom is the founder and host of the iGolf Network. Check out the new online golf video destination for the passionate golfer at www.igolfnetwork.com and follow Jon on @igolfnetwork.