Mike Haenel: The realtor from Paradise Valley has been officially appointed as tournament chairman for the 2006 FBR Open by the sponsoring Phoenix Thunderbirds. Even though the event is only 15 weeks away -- Jan. 30-Feb. 5 -- it should be no sweat for Haenel (pronounced “hay-null’’), who had been the assistant chairman for the past year.

“I’m excited. (Former tournament chairman) Bryon Carney left some big shoes to fill, but we’re looking forward to the challenge,’’ said the 43-year-old Haenel of the PGA Tour’s most well-attended tournament.

Haenel already has the FBR Open’s well-oiled machine rolling, as last week he and a group of Thunderbirds visited the WGC American Express Championship in San Francisco “to woo players like Tiger (Woods).’’ As Haenel pointed out, “The competition will be stiffer than ever now that the Dubai Classic and all of its big bucks (appearance money) have moved opposite us on the schedule.’’

Even if the quality of field for the FBR Open might be Haenel’s biggest challenge, he’s showing no fear. Then again, what would you expect from a father of five? The family includes his wife of 20 years, Betsy, and children Michael Jr. (18), Philip (15), Patrick (13), Peter (11) and Katie (11).

“I joined the Thunderbirds in 1994, and I’ve held every job from parking lots to pro-am coordinator to player liaison,’’ Haenel explained. “Running the Greenskeeper tent was the best job. What’s not to like about the Greenskeeper?”

Now comes the big test: Doing it all at once. Besides recruiting a strong field, Haenel wants to concentrate on the fans’ experiences, which include everything from bathrooms to beer tents and a new gig he’ll introduce this year -- XM on-course satellite radio. “Satellite radio will take it up a notch, as you’ll be able to be on the 16 th hole and know what’s going on live at the 18 th,’’ Haenel explained.

Haenel said pretournament sales are ahead of last year, noting that 20 additional skyboxes have been added because of the “tremendous demand.’’ There also is a new grass parking lot east of the clubhouse that doubles as a soccer complex, and 80 additional acres of parking near WestWorld.

Asked if the $5.2 million purse also was going to increase, Haenel cautiously added: “I’m not sure yet, but we’re talking to FBR and the (PGA) Tour about that. If we did, it would probably go to $5.6 million, with $1 million to the winner.’’

Raising the stakes would seem like a no-brainer, what with Dubai offering six-and seven-figure appearance fees, as well as dangling gold and diamonds before players’ wives. In the end, it might come down to the “feel good’’ relationship the Thunderbirds have built with the players over the years, and a big part of that is good-natured guys like Haenel.

For example, asked about his golf career at his alma mater, the University of Arizona, where he graduated with a degree in economics, Haenel chuckled. “I was a walk-on who never made it,’’ said the 4-handicap. “But I did make a lot of new friends on the golf team.’’ It’s a life skill Haenel will need now more than ever.

NOTEWORTHY

Arizona wins again: A team of outstanding amateurs from Arizona defeated their counterparts from Utah, 38-34, for the fourth consecutive year in the Arizona-Utah Shootout, which was held last week at Solider Hollow Golf Club in Midway, Utah. Representing Arizona from the East Valley were Tui Selvaratnam and Jim Call of Tempe; Paul Welle and Ben Choe of Scottsdale; Gus Gedeon and Thomas Hays of Chandler; and Cannon Randall of Mesa. Arizona now leads the series for the first time ever, 8-7.

Arnie in Tucson: Arnold Palmer was in Tucson on Wednesday to dedicate the Tucson Chapter of the First Tee of Tucson at his newly remodeled Starr Pass Golf Resort. Palmer gave a clinic for 100 youngsters, and also helped kick off the drive for a $2 million First Tee campaign being conducted by the Tucson Conquistadores, which sponsor the Chrysler Classic of Tucson.

And finally: Dan Pohl, the Champions Tour rookie from Ahwatukee, is going where no player has gone before on the 50-and-over circuit. With three weeks to play, Pohl is averaging 300.3 yards per drive, and could become the first player in the 25-year history of that tour to average over 300 yards for a season.

Pohl has done it before, as he led the PGA Tour in driving in 1980 and ’81.