SCOTTSDALE — This year’s Annexus Pro-Am delivered another classic, with athletes from across the sports world taking part in the annual desert tradition — but it was one athlete who captured most of the attention with a dart at the 16th hole. Former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald makes his way toward the first green during the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale on Feb.
SCOTTSDALE — This year’s Annexus Pro-Am delivered another classic, with athletes from across the sports world taking part in the annual desert tradition — but it was one athlete who captured most of the attention with a dart at the 16th hole.
Former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald makes his way toward the first green during the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale on Feb. 4, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Pro-Am featured several notable Arizona figures, including Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly, Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride and Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham.
Fitzgerald, an honorary Thunderbird — the organization that hosts the WM Phoenix Open — and a regular participant in the Pro-Am, once again showed his familiarity with the course. Kelly and McBride brought a competitive edge to the field, while Dillingham, though not an active participant in the tournament, stopped by to cheer on the competition before being coaxed onto the course by Fitzgerald for one shot at the 16th hole.
Arizona Cardinals star Trey McBride and Arizona Diamondbacks star Merrill Kelly on the first tee box during the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open on Feb. 4, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
While the Arizona athletes helped elevate the event’s local ties, much of the attention centered on Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce smiles after making a birdie on the 16th hole during the Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open on Feb. 4, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kelce drew eyes throughout the event with his confidence as he maneuvered the course, showcasing his golf skills away from the football field. His most memorable moment came at the par-3 16th hole, where he hit a shot that finished just a few feet from the cup — a swing that helped propel him to the Gold Chain.
The moment quickly went viral online, with Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes even posting his reaction on X.
The Annexus Pro-Am annually brings together athletes from across professional sports, offering fans a rare chance to see familiar names in an unfamiliar setting ahead of the WM Phoenix Open.
This year, it was a three-time Super Bowl champion who set the tone at TPC Scottsdale.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Category: General Sports
