After all the talk at the end of last season about the impending designated events, the week is finally here. The WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale will serve as the first full-field designated event with the world’s best players battling against each other to see who’s top dog — the Sentry Tournament of Champions was designated but featured a limited field.
Jon Rahm is the betting favorite at most books, sitting at +800. Rory McIlroy, who has yet to make a start on the PGA Tour in 2023 but won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic over LIV Golf’s Patrick Reed on the DP World Tour two weeks ago, is behind him at +850.
Overall, 22 of the top 25 players in the Official World Golf Ranking have made their way to the desert.
Golf course
Par 71 | 7,261 yards | Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish design
Course comparisons (according to Data Golf): 1. Southern Hills Country Club, 2. Annadale GC, 3. Silverado Resort and Spa
Course history
TPC Scottsdale – Course History for the #WMPO
Includes average finish position and SG averages since 2015. pic.twitter.com/oHFmjUiyum
— Ron Klos (@PGASplits101) February 6, 2023
Podcast
Listen to this week’s Twilight 9 podcast with Riley Hamel! WM Phoenix Open preview, picks, Full Swing thoughts and more!