The PGA Tour meets this week in the dessert of Arizona for arguably the most electrifying and fun events of the season. The Phoenix Open, aside from its rich history on tour, proves to be a premier event due to the diverse course conditions, large crowds, and the spectacle that has become the last three holes of the tournament. I touch a little for on that in a bit. As for the player storylines, Phil Mickelson has come back to Arizona for a home crowd, Justin Thomas makes his first appearance back on tour since his third win of the season two weeks ago in Hawaii, and Jordan Spieth looks to capitalized on the great start he has to the year. 
The Waste Management Phoenix Open proves to be the highlight of the early season every year for many reasons. The tournament always falls around being the fifth or six of the season, allowing players to come into the tournament with a few good starts under their belts to continue that good play and those without much to show for, to capitalize on a big event still early on in the season. The Phoenix Open was started in 1932, so there is definitely a lot of history involved. Aside from being a very community oriented event since its inception and having been won by many of the game’s greats, the tournament has grown specifically over the past 20 years as “The Greatest Show on Grass”. This reputation is a result of the 16th hole, a very short par three that is now completely surrounded by a stadium of bleachers and box seats. It gets crazy, especially on Sunday!
Phil Mickelson, the second best player on the PGA Tour over the past 20 years (only second to Tiger Woods) and fan favorite, comes back to not only the site of his first win on tour, he comes to Phoenix to a home crowd because of his attendance of the University of Arizona. Phil is also off to a great start this year already earning a top 25 and top 15 in his first two events of the year. He is expected to deliver!
Due to the amazing season that he has had so far, Justin Thomas is also expected to play well here. Not only is his very long golf game perfect for TPC Scottsdale, he also plays great in an environment where the fans can be more involved. Similar to Phil, Justin is a man of the people. The best part is, these two are actually paired together in the first two rounds.
As for Jordan Speith, despite having not won jet this season, his game a looked great and ready to break through at any tournament. At both of the events that Justin Thomas won earlier this season, Jordan finished third, so he is definitely not far off from getting it done. After the amazing 2015 season and the following, somewhat disappointing 2016 season Jordan had, it will be interesting to see if he can start the climb back to number one in the world.
Hope you tune into the tournament this weekend! It is sure to be a lot of fun. Looking forward to next week at the beautiful Pebble Beach Golf Course.
One thought on “Waste Management Phoenix Open, Scottsdale, AZ (February 2-5)”
I don’t have much knowldge about golf besides glimpsing some tournaments on my Grandpas’s tv, but your passion and excitement about the Waste Management Phoenix Open captured my attention. This tournament sounds interesting not only becuase of the history of it but also the players involved. I don’t really follow gold but I did recognize Phil Mickelson and Tigger Woods so that alone highlights the skill of the players competing. From your description of a few key players competeing, it sure sounds like multiple players have a good shot at winning. The fact alone that this tournament is considered the “greatest show on grass” is enticing. Thanks to this article, I might tune in for a bit this weekend. Great job!
Dagny