Russ Norris: The director of sales and marketing for the TPC of Scottsdale is leaving his job for uncharted waters. “I want to do something new and different,’’ said the 50-year-old Paradise Valley resident. “I’ve been in the golf industry for over 10 years, and I want to find (a job) that is not so time consuming so I can play more golf.’’

An 18-handicapper, Norris spent 22 years in the Navy before working in the golf industry in Virginia beginning in 1997. A year later, he moved to Scottsdale, where he became the golf department manager at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess followed by a stint as marketing director for the Greg Norman Co. In 1999, he got his “dream job’’ at the TPC, where he and general manager Bill Grove instituted a marketing strategy that was eventually adopted by every course in the PGA Tour’s TPC network.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish since I’ve been here, all the awards we’ve won and recognition we’ve got, but it’s time to move on,’’ said the easygoing Norris. “It’s been a good run, I’ve worked for the best boss I’ll ever work for, and I’ll sure miss all of our members, as well as the FBR Open. Especially the relationships I’ve built with the Thunderbirds, who are a great bunch of guys.’’

Norris, an 18-handicapper, said he plans to spend more time working on his game and playing golf “with all my buddies in the golf industry here in Arizona.’’ He also said he plans to spend more time with his four children, who range in age from 14 to 28, as that was “a big consideration.’’

“I plan to take a couple of months off, do some traveling and relaxing, and just get my head on straight,’’ he said of what lies ahead. “Then maybe I’ll find something part-time in golf, as I’ve already had several offers.’’

Norris, who recently instituted the TPC of Scottsdale’s caddie program, will be replaced by Tiffany Nelson, who takes over after next week’s FBR Open. “Tiffany is probably best known for her talents on Bunker to Bunker,’’ Norris said of the local radio show heard on KTAR-620. “She hasn’t done a lot of marketing before, but she’s a quick learner.’’

Even better, Nelson is learning the marketing business from one of the best, as Norris has always been highly regarded by his peers.

NOTEWORTHY

FBR Open update: Following the action at next week’s tournament will be easier than ever for those who receive a free portable satellite radio from XM Radio. The complimentary offerings will be available to the first 1,000 spectators each day, and can be picked up in the Expo Center. The FBR Open broadcast can be heard on XM’s channel 146. . . .

The LPGA Safeway International is teaming up with the FBR Open to offer a two-for-one deal, in which anyone who buys a $20 ticket for the Safeway tournament will receive a free ticket to the FBR ($25 value). Tickets can be purchased at any Safeway store in the Valley.

Papago plans: The popular Phoenix municipal golf course located along the Tempe/Scottsdale border, might soon undergo significant changes under a proposal put forth by the Phoenix City Parks and Recreation Commission. According to the memo on Papago, the city is looking for prospective local golf groups and designers to spend their money renovating the course and clubhouse, for which they then would be rewarded with a long-term lease. The proposal is similar to what happened at Torrey Pines in San Diego, which was renovated by the private sector and now offers green fees priced according to either local or out-of-state status, meaning it costs less for the locals.

Grand opening: The new Poston Butte Golf Club at Anthem’s Merrill Ranch in Florence will hold its grand opening this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tee times for the Gary Panks-designed layout that is managed by Troon Golf are being offered at a special rate of $60, and the program will include trick-shot artist Peter Longo and a $10,000 putting contest. To book a tee time, or for more information, call (520) 723-1880.

And finally: Marlin “Cricket’’ Musch, who formerly worked for PING Golf and Scottsdale-based Gaylord Sports, has been named the new college and amateur manager for Nike Golf. Musch will be based out of Phoenix, the Nike release said.