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WM Phoenix Open Continues with Exciting Performances
The WM Phoenix Open, one of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour, continued on February 8, 2025, at the TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. Known for its lively atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds, the tournament once again lived up to its reputation, offering golf fans thrilling performances and memorable moments.

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Feb 8, 2025
Tournament Overview: A Unique Golfing Experience
The WM Phoenix Open is renowned for its party-like atmosphere, where fans are encouraged to be as vocal and energetic as possible. This is particularly evident at Hole 16, which transforms into a stadium-like setting with thousands of cheering (and sometimes booing) fans. While golf is typically associated with quiet crowds and hushed tones, the Phoenix Open turns that tradition on its head, making it one of the most entertaining stops on the tour.
The field for the 2025 event featured many of the world’s top golfers, including Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Nick Taylor. With a massive $9.2 million prize purse and a $1.6 million winner’s share, the stakes were high, and competition was fierce as the tournament reached the latter stages.
Key Performances: Thomas Detry Leads the Way
By February 8, Belgium’s Thomas Detry emerged as the tournament leader, showcasing incredible consistency and precision through the first two rounds. Detry, a European Tour standout, had yet to secure a PGA Tour victory, but his stellar iron play and putting kept him at the top of the leaderboard.
Chasing him closely were Michael Kim and Alex Smalley, both tied for second place and looking to make a move during the weekend rounds. Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and two-time Phoenix Open winner (2022, 2023), was also within striking distance. Scheffler was returning to competitive golf after undergoing surgery in late 2024, and despite some rust earlier in the year, he appeared to be rounding into form at just the right time.
Another strong contender was Rory McIlroy, who, despite struggling with his accuracy off the tee, kept himself in contention with exceptional scrambling and clutch putts on key holes. Jordan Spieth, meanwhile, put together a solid round, keeping his hopes alive heading into the final stretch.
The 16th Hole: The Heart of the Action
As always, the 16th hole was the center of the excitement. The stadium-style seating surrounding the green created an electric atmosphere, with fans erupting every time a golfer landed their tee shot close to the pin.
While no holes-in-one were recorded on the 16th that day, multiple players came agonizingly close, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Several players embraced the rowdy environment, tossing autographed golf balls and high-fiving fans as they walked to the green. The energy of Hole 16 is a hallmark of the tournament, setting it apart from every other stop on the PGA Tour.
Final Rounds: A Close Battle Looms
With moving day approaching, anticipation was building to see if Detry could hold onto his lead or if the experienced veterans behind him—like Scheffler and McIlroy—would make their charge toward the top. The final two rounds were expected to be filled with drama, as players navigated the risk-reward layout of TPC Scottsdale while handling the pressure of the high-intensity atmosphere.
With a lucrative prize purse on the line and FedEx Cup points up for grabs, the upcoming rounds promised thrilling golf, unexpected turns, and unforgettable moments at the WM Phoenix Open.
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