The 2025 WM Phoenix Open, often dubbed the "People's Open," has officially kicked off at TPC Scottsdale, marking its 90th edition this year. Known for its lively crowds and party-like atmosphere, the tournament has already drawn significant attention, especially with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returning to defend his title and compete for his third crown at this event.
The vast participation of fans at TPC Scottsdale is one of the highlights of the WM Phoenix Open, with organizers expected to handle the balance between the high spirits of the crowd and maintaining safety following last year's overcrowding incident which resulted in 54 arrests. This year, tournament organizers have implemented reforms to keep the excitement alive but keep chaos at bay.
Round 1 of the tournament began Thursday morning, with the action starting at 9:15 AM ET. The event features 132 competitors vying for top honors and the substantial prize purse totaling $9.2 million. Aside from Scheffler, the field includes heavyweights like Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, and defending champion Nick Taylor, all eager to leave their mark.
Fans can catch the excitement live on Golf Channel, which will air coverage from 4 PM ET, or stream it via services such as ESPN+ and the NBC Sports App. The tournament's enhanced coverage ensures fans can remain engaged with the action as it develops throughout the day. For those attending the tournament, both the first and tenth tees created split starting times, allowing for more players to engage the fans without overwhelming the atmosphere.
Following the first round, the long-established tradition of attending Hole 16 promises to deliver the drama fans expect. The hole, famously known as "The Coliseum," is where spectators experience the roaring crowd, jeers for poor shots, and cheers for successful holes. Historically, this par-3 has been the center of attention, with the last hole-in-one recorded just two years ago, creating excitement this year as fans hope for another instant classic.
Among the players to watch is, of course, Scottie Scheffler, who won the tournament consecutively over 2022 and 2023 and is currently the favorite heading to the event as per the latest betting odds. This year, he's marked as the 3-1 favorite along with other players like Justin Thomas at 11-1 and Matsuyama at 16-1. With the competitive nature of the WM Phoenix Open, the potential for upsets and surprises always looms high. Past champions such as Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, and various fan-favorites are hoping to make headlines once more at the Stadium Course.
The excitement surrounding the tournament increases as fans witness aspiring players try to make their breakthrough this week. Many past champions have utilized their previous experiences at TPC Scottsdale, often leading to fruitful results. Notably, Nick Taylor, the reigning champion, tied the course record last year, and as of this year’s event, he’s set to defend his title at 60-1 odds after beating Nico Echavarria at the Sony Open just weeks prior.
The WM Phoenix Open is more than just golf; it’s recognized as the best-attended event on the PGA Tour, with attendance often surpassing 750,000 over the four-day period. The course itself, known for its challenges, primarily thought of as average-length by PGA standards, plays differently at altitude due to its elevation, introducing unique playing conditions. The Golf Channel provides the exclusive inside look at the tournament, with coverage spread across its various platforms.
Rickie Fowler shared insights about the dynamics of the 2025 tournament atmosphere, emphasizing the pivotal role fan interaction plays. "You have to embrace the crowd, and you can definitely feed off them,” Fowler stated. With the immense pressure implied by enthusiastic fans, both good shots and bad shots are met with spirited responses.
The buzz of the WM Phoenix Open continues as fans line up before dawn to snatch optimal spots to revel at Hole 16. To them, the day is not simply about watching the elite golf; it's about the entire experience and atmosphere associated with the tournament, blending golf and entertainment.
Overall, the WM Phoenix Open remains one of the most iconic events on the PGA Tour, with its rich history dating back to 1932. Since then, it has grown and adapted over the decades, all the way from its inception as the Arizona Open to this year's anticipated event. With the emergence of new talent and the excitement surrounding seasoned champions, the story of the Phoenix Open continues to evolve, promising unforgettable moments for every spectator, whether at the course or watching at home.