SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Belgian golfer Thomas Detry is making waves at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, having taken the lead after impressive rounds of 66 and 64, putting him at 12 under par. This tournament, often dubbed "The People's Open," has seen the exciting blend of thrilling golf and electrifying crowds, offering fans memorable moments as they cheer on their favorites at TPC Scottsdale.
Detry, competing for his first PGA Tour victory, showcased his talent and composure amid the cheers and raucous atmosphere. "I’m very comfortable on the greens this week. I did some good work with my coach, and the greens are rolling as good as it gets," Detry said after his second round. His command of the course, particularly his accuracy off the tee, kept him consistently on track. Many players struggled with the challenging conditions, but Detry appeared unfazed, smoothly switching from fairway to green.
Adding to the excitement of the tournament, Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo became the proud owner of the day’s standout moment, scoring a captivating hole-in-one on the 16th hole. Known for its famously rowdy crowds, this year’s event didn't disappoint, with fans erupting as Grillo, using a pitching wedge, dunked his tee shot straight down the hole. "You always dream of making a hole-in-one there, so every time you step on the tee, you're trying to make it. It was loud. There were a lot of emotions," Grillo reflected, reliving his unforgettable moment.
The tournament's atmosphere remained buoyant as other players like Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth joined the fray. Scheffler, the top-ranked golfer and multiple Phoenix Open champion, asserted himself with steady rounds, finishing 5 under after two days. "I feel muchbetter about how I played today than yesterday. Overall, I did a lot more good things out on the course and am looking forward to the weekend," he commented, underscoring his optimism going forward. Meanwhile, Spieth, returning from wrist surgery, demonstrated resilience and skill, rallying with eagles on back-to-back par fives, which made him one to watch as the weekend approaches.
With sunny skies and perfect conditions prevailing at TPC Scottsdale, golfers utilized the setup to their advantage. Once again, Detry's performance stole the show as he cruised through the front nine of his third round, notching five birdies. Before heading for the back nine, he improved his score to 16 under, holding off competitors who lagged behind. The roar of the crowds urged him on, and he seemed to thrive under the pressure. "It's just fun to give the crowds what they want, a bit of fun, and give a good look at what I can do on the course," Detry shared, demonstrating his enjoyment of the sport amid the competitive edge.
Further down the leaderboard, the evening saw several notable players shooting lower scores, creating a buzz among fans. Justin Thomas, another crowd favorite, climbed his way to contention with impressive shots, like his near-ace on the 16th, landing just 3 feet from the hole, which earned him cheers from the stands.
The cut for the tournament has yet to be finalized as play will continue Saturday morning with the last groups shooting their final rounds. Many players remain hopeful for the weekend, but eyes will be firmly fixed on Detry as he aims to secure what would be groundbreaking success for the Belgian golfer.
With the tournament already rich with excitement, all eyes will be on Detry to see if he can convert his strong start on this highly competitive stage. The WM Phoenix Open promises more thrilling golf over the coming days, and fans have plenty to look forward to.