Waste Management Phoenix Open Preview, TV Times
Gary Woodland is defending champion at TPC Scottsdale
Gary Woodland defends the Waste Management Phoenix Open this week on the PGA Tour. Huge galleries will watch the action at TPC Scottsdale.
Waste Management Phoenix Open Preview, TV Times
It’s one of the PGA Tour’s most anticipated events this week as the players and likely over 600,000 spectators will descend on Scottsdale in Arizona for the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Four of the world’s top-five are playing in Saudi Arabia this week but a strong field will be in Scottsdale nonetheless. Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Matt Kuchar, Rickie Fowler and Tony Finau will all start.
First contested in 1932, there have been some notable winners of this tournament over the years – Arnold Palmer won three in a row in the early 1960s, Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller and Sandy Lyle have also taken the title. Last year, Gary Woodland won for the first time in over four years on the PGA Tour. He birdied three of his last four holes to get into a playoff with Chez Reavie which he won at the first extra hole.
Phil Mickelson is a favourite with the fans in this tournament. He attended Arizona State university and has won this event on three occasions. This will be his 30th start in the competition. He has played every instalment of the tournament since 1991.
Hideki Matsuyama will be looking to claim a third win in the event. He won back to back in 2016 and 2017.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
This is the best-attended event in world golf. Hundreds of thousands make their way through the gates during the course of the week. Many of the fans head for the cauldron like amphitheatre surrounding the par-3 16th (above.) It’s been the scene of many dramatic moments in the past.
When Tiger Woods aced the hole in 1997 the cheer could be heard 10 miles away. At the other end of the spectrum, Justin Leonard was not popular when he gave the crowd the finger after they taunted him for a poor shot.
The weather could be a little un-desert like towards the second half of the tournament; rain and wind could be a factor.
Venue: TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona Date: Jan 31 – Feb 3 Course stats: par 71, 7,266 yards Purse: $7,100,000 Defending champion: Gary Woodland (-18)
How to watch the Waste Management Phoenix Open
TV Coverage: Thursday 31 – Sky Sports Golf from 8pm Friday 1 – Sky Sports Golf from 8pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 10.30pm Saturday 2 – Sky Sports Golf from 6pm Sunday 3 Sky Sports Golf from 6pm
Not a Sky Sports customer and want to watch the Waste Management Phoenix Open?
BUY NOW: Now TV Sky Sports Pass – £7.99 for a day, £12.99 for a week or £33.99 for a month
Players to watch:
Hideki Matsuyama – The Japanese star won twice in a row, 2016 and 2017 but he was curtailed in his bid for three in a row by an injury. He was tied third last week at Torrey Pines.
Phil Mickelson – Three times a winner, Mickelson makes his 30th start. He’s been on good form; tied for second in the recent Desert Classic.
Xander Schauffele – One of the hottest players in world golf over the last number of months, the American has surged to seventh on the Official World Golf Ranking. He clearly likes this track as he was just two off the lead through three rounds last season.
Key hole: 16th. This par-3 can play anywhere from 115 to 180 yards, into a green that will be surrounded with thousands of fans, including many Arizona State university students, cheering good shots and booing poor ones.
Skills required: Concentration. With the huge throngs of boisterous fans swarming along the edges of the fairways it’s easy to become distracted. The man who wins will either harness the crowd’s energy or have his blinkers firmly secured.
Fergus is Golf Monthly's resident expert on the history of the game and has written extensively on that subject. He has also worked with Golf Monthly to produce a podcast series. Called 18 Majors: The Golf History Show it offers new and in-depth perspectives on some of the most important moments in golf's long history. You can find all the details about it here.
He is a golf obsessive and 1-handicapper. Growing up in the North East of Scotland, golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history. He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism. Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin , also of Golf Monthly.
Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin, from where he saved par. Who says there's no golfing god?
-
Graham DeLaet Facts: 20 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro Turned Broadcaster
Graham DeLaet had a successful career in the game, but after injuries took a toll, he has stepped into a broadcasting role in recent years - here are 20 facts about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Arron Oberholser Facts: 15 Things To Know About The PGA Tour-Winning Golf Channel Broadcaster
Arron Oberholser left his PGA Tour career behind to take up life as a Golf Channel broadcaster in 2013 – here are 15 things to know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
What Are Xander Schauffele's Stock Yardages?
The American enjoyed a phenomenal 2024, picking up two Major scalps in the process. Here, we take a look at how far he hits every club in the bag
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Nate Lashley Facts: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Nate Lashley has faced tragedy and triumph during his life and career - here are 15 facts about the PGA Tour star
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rico Hoey Facts: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Golfer
Rico Hoey has two wins as a professional and plays on the PGA Tour - here are some facts you may not know about the American-Filipino golfer
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
PGA Tour Money List 2024: How Much The Top Earners Made
Scottie Scheffler topped the 2024 PGA Tour Official Money List, with the average winnings for the season listed as just under $2m
By Paul Higham Published
-
How Can I Play Black Desert Resort? And How Much Is A Green Fee?
Black Desert Resort is the newest PGA Tour venue and such a stunning course is sure to attract plenty of attention. But how do you play it and how much would it cost? Here, we take a look
By Paul Higham Published
-
Wenyi Ding Facts: 14 Things To Know About The Chinese Golfer
After a stellar college career Wenyi Ding is set to join the pros, get to know him more with our 12 facts
By Paul Higham Last updated
-
Mason Andersen Facts: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Mason Andersen only turned professional in 2022, but he already has a win and a PGA Tour card - here are 10 things to know about the American
By Mike Hall Published
-
Ricky Castillo Facts: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Ricky Castillo made a big impression in college golf, and he soon began making waves in the professional game - here are 10 things to know about the American
By Mike Hall Published