2022 WM Phoenix Open Program by WM Phoenix Open

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

THE THUNDERBIRDS

WELCOME golf course and has great views of four different holes. It’s a hidden gem at the WM Phoenix Open, fans definitely need to check it out. Last year we had one of the best player fields we have ever had, and this year is bringing more of the same with five of the Top-10 and 13 of the Top-20 coming to TPC Scottsdale. Defending champion Brooks Koepka is back, along with World No. 1 Jon Rahm and fan favorites like Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau, Viktor Hovland and Bubba Watson. SCOTT JENKINS BIG CHIEF

MICHAEL GOLDING TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN

The WM Phoenix Open has become a worldwide bucket-list event and one of the most exciting and

Welcome to the 2022 WM Phoenix Open. Yes, “The

entertaining sporting events. The Thunderbirds take

People’s Open” IS BACK!

pride in that, but what we really focus our energy on is

After a trying 2021 for everyone due to the pandemic,

how this event gives back to local charities. Last year

we are anxious and excited to welcome back all of our

we were able to raise $3.85 million for Arizona charities,

enthusiastic fans to TPC Scottsdale for the 87th edition

and while that number may seem abnormal than typical

of “The Greatest Show on Grass.”

years, it is one we are extremely proud of.

The 2022 WM Phoenix Open will resemble the tourna-

This past year exemplified even more how close-knit

ment our fans are accustomed to, and we unveiled a new

this community is, and everyone banded together to help

way to start our tournament week. We hosted the first

those who needed it most – our Arizona charities. Looking

ever Concert in the Coliseum at the iconic 16th hole on

ahead to this year, we are excited to “Get Back to Giving

Saturday, Feb. 5, with Thomas Rhett and Old Dominion

Back” in a big way, and with the support of our outstanding

kicking off tournament week two days early, a tradition

title sponsor WM, we know we can achieve those goals.

The Thunderbirds will look to continue in 2023 and beyond. The iconic 16th hole is back and will host more than 17,000 enthusiastic fans, the Coors Light Birds Nest will feature four fantastic nights of music, and tournament

WM is not just a sponsor, they are a true friend and partner. Since WM joined as title sponsor in 2010, the WM Phoenix Open has raised nearly $100 million for local charities. Also, the WM Phoenix Open has been a Zero Waste

week will feature all of the fan favorite activities like the

event for nine years running, and WM continues to

celebrity-filled Annexus Pro-Am, the WHOOP Shot at

educate the world on sustainability, how to Recycle

Glory closest-to-the-pin contest on 16, the R.S. Hoyt

Right, and how to leave a better footprint for tomorrow.

Jr. Foundation Dream Day Clinic and the San Tan Ford

Thank you for being such a great and supportive partner

Special Olympics Putting Challenge.

and advocate for environmental issues.

We recently announced a new and exciting partnership

To the BEST FANS IN GOLF, thanks for making this

with Taylor Morrison as our presenting sponsor. We are

event so special. You are the voice and the character of

thrilled to welcome them to the WM Phoenix Open – now

this unique event, we couldn’t ask for a better fan base

Presented by Taylor Morrison – family. Taylor Morrison

to cheer on the PGA TOUR’s best. Keep doing your thing!

invites fans to see their revamped venue, the Taylor

We hope you enjoy the 2022 WM Phoenix Open Pre-

Morrison Fairway House at the 12th hole. This upscale,

sented by Taylor Morrison. Have fun, stay safe, and

general admission venue sits at the highest point on the

enjoy the return to rad!

Scott Jenkins – B I G C H I E F / Dr. Michael Golding – T O U R N A M E N T C H A I R M A N RESPECT THE PLAYERS / RESPECT THE GAME / RESPECT EACH OTHER

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

THE THUNDERBIRDS

BIENVENIDo cuatro hoyos diferentes. Es una joya escondida en el Abierto WM de Phoenix. Los fans definitivamente tienen que comprobarlo. El año pasado tuvimos uno de los mejores campos de jugadores que hemos tenido y este año está trayendo más de lo mismo con cinco de los Top-10 y 13 de los Top-20 que vienen a TPC Scottsdale. El campeón defensor Brooks Koepka está de vuelta, junto con el número 1 del mundo Jon Rahm y los favoritos de los aficionados como Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau y Bubba Watson. El Abierto WM de Phoenix se ha convertido en un aconteciSCOTT JENKINS GRAN JEFE

MICHAEL GOLDING PRESIDENTE DEL TORNEO

miento mundial de primera categoría y en uno de los eventos deportivos más emocionantes y entretenidos. Los Thunderbirds se enorgullecen de ello, pero en lo que realmente centramos

Bienvenidos al Abierto WM de Phoenix 2022. ¡Sí, “El Abierto

nuestra energía es en cómo este evento retribuye a las organ-

del Pueblo” está de REGRESO!

izaciones benéficas locales. El año pasado conseguimos recaudar

Después de un 2021 difícil para todos debido a la pandemia,

3.85 millones de dólares para organizaciones benéficas de

estamos ansiosos y emocionados de dar la bienvenida a todos

Arizona, y aunque esa cifra puede parecer anormal respecto

nuestros entusiastas fans al TPC Scottsdale para la 87ª edición

a años normales, es algo de lo que estamos muy orgullosos.

del "Mayor espectáculo sobre el pasto". El Abierto WM de Phoenix 2022 se parecerá al torneo al que

El año pasado demostró aún más lo unida que está esta comunidad y todo el mundo se unió para ayudar a los que

nuestros fans están acostumbrados y hemos revelado una

más lo necesitaban: nuestras organizaciones benéficas de

nueva forma de comenzar nuestra semana de torneo. El sá-

Arizona. De cara a este año, estamos entusiasmados con la

bado 5 de febrero organizamos el primer Concierto en el Coli-

idea de "Volver a dar" a lo grande, y con el apoyo de nuestro

seo en el emblemático hoyo 16, con Thomas Rhett y Old

extraordinario patrocinador principal, WM, sabemos que

Dominion, que dio inicio a la semana del torneo dos días

podemos alcanzar esos objetivos.

antes, una tradición que los Thunderbirds intentarán continuar en 2023 y más allá. El icónico hoyo 16 regresa y acogerá a más de 17,000 entu-

WM no es solo un patrocinador, es un verdadero amigo y socio. Desde que WM se unió como patrocinador principal en 2010, el Abierto WM de Phoenix ha recaudado casi 100

siastas fans. El Coors Light Birds Nest contará con cuatro fan-

millones de dólares para organizaciones benéficas locales.

tásticas noches de música y la semana del torneo contará con

Además, el Abierto WM de Phoenix ha sido un evento de Cero

todas las actividades favoritas de los fans como el Annexus

Residuos durante nueve años consecutivos, y WM continúa

Pro-Am lleno de celebridades, el concurso WHOOP Shot at

educando al mundo sobre la sostenibilidad, cómo reciclar

Glory bola más cercana a la bandera en el 16, el Dream Day

correctamente, y cómo dejar una mejor huella para el

Clinic de la Fundación R.S. Hoyt Jr. y el reto de putting de las

mañana. Gracias por ser un socio tan grande y solidario y

Olimpiadas Especiales de San Tan Ford.

por defender los temas medioambientales.

Recientemente hemos anunciado una nueva y emocionante

A los MEJORES FANS DEL GOLF, gracias por hacer este

asociación con Taylor Morrison como nuestro patrocinador

evento tan especial. Ustedes son la voz y el carácter de este

principal. Estamos encantados de darle la bienvenida a la

evento único, no podríamos pedir una mejor base de fans

familia del Abierto WM de Phoenix, ahora presentado por

para animar a los mejores del TORNEO PGA. ¡Sigan así!

Taylor Morrison. Taylor Morrison invita a los aficionados a ver

Esperamos que disfruten del Abierto WM de Phoenix 2022

su renovada sede, la Taylor Morrison Fairway House en el hoyo

presentado por Taylor Morrison. ¡Diviértanse, manténganse

12. Este lugar de lujo, de admisión general, se encuentra en el

seguros y disfruten de la vuelta al rad!

punto más alto del campo de golf y tiene grandes vistas de

Scott Jenkins – G R A N J E F E / Dr. Michael Golding – P R E S I D E N T E D E L T O R N E O R ESPETO A LOS JUGADORES - RESPETO AL JUEGO - RESPETO A LOS DEMÁ S

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

\\ GETTIN’ AROUND

12 Calendar of Events 15 Fan Code of Conduct 50 Course Map 52 TPC Scottsdale Hole-by-Hole Overview 78 WMPO A to Z \\ FEATURES & PLAYER PROFILES

30 On The Clock with Brooks Koepka 40 An Interview with Scottie Scheffler 70 The Stadium Stretch 94

2021 CHAMPION BROOKS KOEPKA

100 Will Zalatoris — Rookie Sensation 106 Players to Watch 142 On The Clock with Scottie Scheffler

\\ WM PHOENIX OPEN HISTORY

122

THE SHOT THAT ROCKED SCOTTSDALE

166 2021 Tournament Recap 170 1932-2021 Winner By Year 17 1 WMPO Record Book \\ PHOTO GALLERIES

144 If You’re At the Open - Share It 150

GREENSKEEPER GROWS UP

\\ FOR THE FANS

88 Fan Attractions 132 The Mulligan 136

COORS LIGHT BIRDS NEST

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

\\ OUR SPONSORS

WM. THAT’S IT... THAT’S THE NAME

36 Tee-Off Luncheon 44 TPC Scottsdale 186 Special Thanks \\ THE THUNDERBIRDS

22 Thunderbirds Charities 104 3 Pieces of Pecan 160 A Salute to Military 162 John Bridger - Into The AZ Sports Hall of Fame

178 Tournament Management 182 Active & Life Thunderbirds 185 Deceased & Honorary Thunderbirds 186 Special Thanks 191 Thunderbirds Charities Board / Thunderbird Staff

EDITOR IN CHIEF Ryan Woodcock CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jonathan Crist Jeff Locke Tom Mackin Doug Milne

32 94

ART DIRECTION Andrea Minogue CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Squire Dana Gibbons TODD Photographic Services EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER The Thunderbirds 602.870.0163 PUBLISHER & EDITOR Communication Links 480.348.7540 PRINTING Courier Graphics 602.437.9700

150 136

120

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

2022CALENDAROF EVENTS MON DAY FEB 7 Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR pros 8:30 A.M. Carlisle Pro-Am

AT TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course 12:30 P.M. Operation Shower – Vitual Event

TU ESDAY FEB 8 Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR pros

10 A.M. R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day Activities

AT TPC Scottsdale Champions Course Driving Range • Featuring Bubba Watson, Larry Fitzgerald & Michael Phelps

THU RSDAY FEB 10 7:30 A.M.

1ST ROUND WM Phoenix Open AT TPC Stadium Course

3 P.M. Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens

ACTS INCLUDE Sam Hunt / Russell Dickerson

FRIDAY FEB 11 7:30 A.M.

2ND ROUND WM Phoenix Open AT TPC Stadium Course

• Trick Shot Show with Tania Tare

3 P.M.

• Junior Golf Clinic Presented by PING

Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens

11 A.M. San Tan Ford Special Olympics Putting Challenge

AT TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course Putting Green • Features Special Olympics Arizona athletes, celebrities, sports stars and business leaders from the community. The event is open to all ticket holders and media and lasts about an hour. 2 P.M. PGA TOUR Wives Golf Classic – Champions Course

WEDNESDAY FEB 9 8:30 A.M. Annexus Pro-Am

AT TPC STADIUM COURSE 3:30 P.M. WHOOP Shot at Glory

AT TPC Scottsdale 16th Hole 3 P.M. Coors Light Birds Nest Entertainment tent opens

ACTS INCLUDE Diplo / Cole Swindell

ACTS INCLUDE Macklemore / Quinn XCII / AYOKAY

SATU RDAY FEB 12 9:00 A.M.

3RD ROUND WM Phoenix Open AT TPC Stadium Course

3 P.M. Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens

ACTS INCLUDE Kygo / Sam Feldt / Forester

SU NDAY FEB 12 9:00 A.M.

FINAL ROUND WM Phoenix Open AT TPC Stadium Course

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

FAN CODE OF

CONDUCT FANS WILL RESPECT THE TOURNAMENT PLAYERS, CADDIES, OFFICIALS AND OTHER FANS

We take pride in the fact that the WM Phoenix Open has become one of the premier sporting events in the country, attracting record numbers of fans from throughout the United States and the world. To ensure a fun, safe and memorable experience for all, please adhere to the tournament’s Code of Conduct: Fans will enjoy the WM Phoenix Open free from disruptive

Tournament volunteers, ambassadors, security and police

behavior including, but not limited to FOUL OR ABUSIVE

personnel are trained to intervene where necessary to help

LANGUAGE, obscene gestures, fighting, throwing objects,

ensure that the previous expectations are met, and fans are

attempting to disrupt play or distract tournament players

encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior to the nearest

from their professional game. Such behavior includes taunting

tournament representative.

players, caddies and officials, volunteers or other fans. Those who engage in any of these actions are subject to immediate

The Thunderbirds reserve the right to deny entry or eject from

ejection from the tournament and subject to criminal trespass.

the tournament fans displaying inappropriate behavior.

Underage fans who are found to be consuming alcoholic

Fans will avoid engaging in behavior that endangers the safety

beverages or any fan who assists in purchasing or supplying

of tournament players, caddies, officials, volunteers or other

alcoholic beverages to underage fans will be removed from the

spectators.

tournament grounds in a prompt and safe manner and subject to criminal prosecution.

Fans who choose not to adhere to any of these provisions will be subject to ejection without refund. Hospitality Package

Fans consuming alcoholic beverages will do so in a responsible

holders and/or their guests who are identified violating any of

manner. Impaired or intoxicated fans will be removed from

these provisions are subject to revocation of their hospitality

the tournament grounds and subject to criminal trespass

suite, box and/or package for the remainder of the tournament

or prosecution.

and all future tournaments.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WM PHOENIX OPEN PAST CHAMPIONS

“

THAT ABILITY TO CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS ULTIMATELY WILL LEAD TO SUCCESS WHATEVER YOUR LINE OF WORK IS, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT YOU WANT TO HAVE HAPPEN. PHIL MICKELSON P H O E N I X O P E N C H A M P | 1996

F B R O P E N C H A M P | 2005

W M P H O E N I X O P E N C H A M P | 2 013

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WITH ONE ARM TIED BEHIND THEIR BACKS – REDUCED ATTENDANCE, LIMITED HOSPITALITY VENUES, ETC. – THE THUNDERBIRDS STILL

MANAGED TO RAISE $3.85 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE 2021 EDITION OF “THE PEOPLE’S OPEN.” IT’S AN ADMIRABLE TESTAMENT TO THE ONE-OF-A-KIND COMMUNITY SURROUNDING “THE GREATEST SHOW ON GRASS” WHEN IT WAS NEEDED THE MOST.

This is proof positive of the commitment and togetherness of WM, the PGA TOUR, fans, sponsors and volunteers. “Our Arizona communities prove time and time again they are willing to rally behind this event, and the hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations it supports – especially in times of crisis when charitable organizations have been hit extremely hard,” said Scott Jenkins, Tournament Chairman for the 2021 WM Phoenix Open and current Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “We are exceptionally proud of the $3.85 million raised for Arizona charities during this challenging year, which is a testament to the incredible support of the entire community.” The Thunderbirds and the WM Phoenix Open have raised nearly $100 million ($99,558,224) since 2010 when Waste Management was named title sponsor, and in its history dating back to 1932, the Phoenix Open raised more than $165 million ($165,604,790) for Arizona charities.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

YWCAMETROPOLITAN PHOENIX

YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix announced receipt of an impactful grant from Thunderbirds

Charities to support their ongoing work to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The funds are specifically for the Meals on Wheels program serving homebound seniors and disabled adults in the West Valley, and for the YWCA Financial Education program that empowers participants throughout the Valley. “Like so many organizations, COVID-19 has caused unprecedented instability for many we work with,” said Debbie Esparza, YWCA CEO. “From homebound seniors facing food insecurity to women facing financial instability to marginalized communities fighting for equity, this pandemic has significantly increased, not lessened, people’s needs for our services. We are so thankful for the Thunderbirds Charities grant. It couldn’t have come at a more important time in our community.” YWCA’s commitment to social change and community services runs deep. For 110 years, they have been at the forefront of most critical social movements, standing against all forms of racism and oppression while working to address the community’s most critical needs. Last year they served more than 122,000 meals to seniors, with daily wellness calls, and a warm friendly smile. Their Prosperity Programs financial education courses were retooled as online and virtual offerings, allowing them to deliver their services to non-profit partners, clients and expanding to the public.

HARVESTCOMPASSIONCENTER Harvest Compassion Center (HCC) received a $30,000 grant from

Thunderbirds Charities to support the mission of the Harvest Compassion Center West Phoenix to provide free food, clothing, hygiene, and baby items to local families who live in the Valley. In partnership with Thunderbirds Charities, Harvest Compassion Center West Phoenix welcomes anyone living in Arizona to visit once every 30 days to receive a free shopping trip in their one-stop shops. Families receive recyclable grocery bags, shopping carts and personal shoppers as they are welcome to choose their needed and desired grocery and clothing items. HCC locations provide choice and dignity as well as, fun kids play-corners for families to enjoy while shopping in what they call “Food Banking

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

Reimagined.” HCC, serving the Valley for the past 11 years, currently has three locations – West Phoenix, North Phoenix and Maryvale – and has served over 60,000 families! HCC first opened its doors to the public in memory of one 23-year-old brother and son, Mitch Swaback. Through one family’s loss, the desire and mission to serve the underserved in Phoenix was born. If the HCC can continue showing guests love through service, our hope is our guests will return this same kindness to others. “With amazing partners like Thunderbirds Charities, we will continue to feed, clothe and most importantly, love, local families and kids. It has been an honor to have our doors remain fully open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when local needs more than tripled overnight! What a privilege it continues to be to expand HCC’s outreach and build stronger partnerships with those like Thunderbirds Charities, who continue be a stronghold throughout Arizona. Thank you, Thunderbirds Charities, for your ongoing support!” commented Nicolee Thompson, HCC CEO and Executive Director.

HOPEWOMEN’SCENTER

Mental health issues have increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing protocols have been in place for the past year. Hope Women’s Center (HWC) is responding to this problem with their “Hope Heals” program, and thanks to a grant award from Thunderbirds Charities, HWC can provide mental health support to women and teen girls in Arizona’s underserved communities. “Isolation, abuse, and job loss have led to increased anxiety, depression, and distress in the women we serve. We launched our ‘Hope Heals’ program last October to provide free crisis counseling, trauma assessment and support,” says Tammy Abernethy, CEO of Hope Women’s Center. “We are so grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this grant allowing us to provide a therapeutic level of care within the safety and familiarity of Hope Women’s Center.” Women are referred to the Hope Heals program by center staff, and all crisis counseling and support groups are provided to clients without cost or restriction. Gaps between community need and community care are large in underserved neighborhoods, particularly in the areas of mental and emotional health. By providing care for free through the “Hope Heals” program, Hope Women’s Center is bridging those gaps.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

ARIZONA RECREATIONAL CENTERFOR THE HANDICAPPED The ARCHKids program provides year-round enrichment programs for children with special needs when school is not in session, including afterschool programming, full-day camps during seasonal breaks, and half-day camps during early release days. Working closely with community service providers, school districts and community transportation services, they serve 200 kids and youth age 8 to 22 with special needs from all ethnicities and walks of life. The $15,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities will cover enrichment activity supplies and ensure that youth with special needs from low income families will have access to supportive care. These programs provide education and socialization opportunities to improve quality of life, increase independence, personal safety and physical fitness to combat obesity and support health and wellbeing. ARCHKids Coordinator, Derrick Martinez said, “In our ARCHKids program, we provide our kids with a consistent routine of activities throughout the day, and make certain that no parent struggling with the complexities of raising a child with special needs should have to choose between employment and providing safe and reliable care for their child. We are grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support for our kids and their families.”

EDUCATIONFORWARD

The Mentoring Resilient Students project enables Education Forward Arizona to continue providing mentoring services and support for up to 800 students currently enrolled in an Arizona community college or university who have experienced economic hardship during the pandemic. These students meet regularly with a success adviser who helps them set goals, respond to challenges and stay on track with their college education. The program supports mostly first-generation, low-income, minority students. The project helps students like Fransheska Salgado, who received scholarship money after she moved back to San Luis with her family during the pandemic. She now meets with her success adviser Stephanie Capps several times a semester.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

“It has helped me remain accountable throughout this school year,” said Salgado, who is studying political science at Arizona State University. “Having Stephanie as my mentor provides a constant reminder that I am working towards my future and getting closer to my goal of graduating college.” “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing how excited my students are after completing the short- and long-term goals we’ve outlined each semester,” said Capps. “It’s wonderful to know that through our support these students will have a lifetime of success, beginning with a college degree.”

U.S.VETS

U.S.VETS – Phoenix provided more than 50,000 nights of housing last year to homeless and at-risk veterans – men and women who bravely served our country and deserve our support. “Thanks to the City of Phoenix and dedicated long-time supporters like Thunderbirds Charities, U.S.VETS – Phoenix will be relocating to their new home in May 2022 and expand critical services and housing for Phoenix veterans,” notes Michelle Jameson, Executive Director of U.S.VETS – Phoenix. “We wouldn’t be where we are today, proudly watching our veterans move into their new homes, without dedicated partners like Thunderbirds Charities.” U.S.VETS will continue in its mission until no one who served our country is left sleeping on our streets.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

ON THE CLOCK

BROOKS KOEPKA Four-time Major Champion and two-time (and defending) WM Phoenix Open winner Brooks Koepka is in the business of making headlines in addition to hoisting trophies. But that doesn’t mean everyone knows everything there is to know about one of the most popular players on the PGA TOUR. Michael Golding, 2022 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman, sat down with Koepka via Zoom to get a little more information on the titan of the teebox – rapid-fire style.

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

Green Bay Packers FAVORITE MAJOR WIN?

The last one – so the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NON-MAJOR AND WHY IS IT THE WM PHOENIX OPEN?

Well there's two of them, I guess you'd say WM is pretty good! It was my first PGA tour win and the last one as well. Just very, very satisfying. Both of them. MICHAEL GOLDING: FAVORITE CLUB IN THE BAG?

BROOKS KOEPKA: Easy. Driver FAVORITE GOLF COURSE?

St. Andrews

FAVORITE MOVIE?

Any Mark Wahlberg movie for sure. Or Stepbrothers is pretty good. TIN CUP OR CADDYSHACK?

Caddyshack

TIGER OR JACK.

Tiger

MJ OR LEBRON. WHO IS THE GREATEST?

WHAT WOULD YOUR WALK-UP SONG BE AT THE FAMED 16TH HOLE?

Oh wow. I’m not sure. It would probably be Drake. Lately I don't know somehow got back on Macklemore. I just found out today he’s playing at the Birds Nest this year. Crazy! IF YOU COULD PLAY ANOTHER SPORT PROFESSIONALLY WHAT WOULD BE?

Probably baseball. I’d be stuck in the minors, if that!

BEST SHOT YOU'VE HIT ON THE 16TH HOLE.

I think the first time coming down the stretch in 2015, I actually hit the center of the green and I thought that was a pretty good accomplishment. WHAT IS THE LOUDER HOLE? 16TH AT TPC SCOTTSDALE OR 17 AT SAWGRASS?

16 by a mile. It’s not really a comparison. Not even close!

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

THAT’S IT... THAT’S THE NAME While attending or watching this year’s WM Phoenix Open,

for a sustainable tomorrow” and representing WM’s

you may notice a subtle change in the title sponsor’s name.

dedication to building an organization that is focused on

Gone are the words “Waste Management,” replaced simply

leaving a better footprint on tomorrow – from its sustain-

by “WM.” And, while such a modification may seem small,

ability efforts to its people. WM also recently announced an

the truth is it’s a seismic shift for North America’s largest

industry first, naming Tara Hemmer as the company’s Chief

environmental solutions provider.

Sustainability Officer to focus on sustainable solutions for

“As we work to become the leader in sustainability while helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals,

customers, while continuing to grow WM’s investments in recycling, renewable energy and organics.

our name and brand need to reflect our business offerings,

WM is now in its 13th year as title sponsor of the WM

which go beyond just managing waste,” said WM President

Phoenix Open. Over the first 12 years, WM has turned the

and CEO Jim Fish. “Our core service isn’t changing, but our

tournament into the most sustainability-minded sporting

company is focused on a more sustainable tomorrow. We

event on the planet.

are leading a renewable energy revolution with our landfill-

“Shortly after becoming title sponsor, we set the goal

gas-to-energy and renewable natural gas facilities that

of making the Phoenix Open a zero-waste event through

power our compressed natural gas fleet and provide energy

recycling and composting,” said John Morris, WM’s

for communities. We are also expanding recycling facilities

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

across the country, further defining our position as North

“Today, it is the largest zero-waste sporting event in the

America’s largest recycler. And this is just the beginning as

world – nine years running – while also evolving into so

we are committed to innovating sustainability solutions for

much more.”

the future.” The company is also introducing the “For Tomorrow” tagline reflecting the company’s vision of “always working

The “more” Morris refers to now encompasses tracking and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation and restoration, food waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy to power the tournament. This is in addition to the more than 10.4 million pounds of tournament materials that have gone on to their next best use over the last decade through recycling, composting, reuse, donation, or energy creation.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

“Much like our sustainability efforts at this tournament have grown from a zero-waste sporting event, to now also having balanced carbon and water operational footprints, WM has evolved to be an environmental solutions provider for our customers and the PGA TOUR,” added Fish. In 2022, WM became the “Sustainability Partner” of the PGA TOUR, working with other professional golf tournaments to advance their sustainability goals. In addition, WM and the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, a Scotland-based non-profit organization, have formed a strategic alliance to advance sustainability in and through golf. The two organizations are working to grow the sustainable golf community, covering golf tournaments, golf courses, and golf entertainment venues. “We are absolutely thrilled to work with WM, a company that has sustainability built into its DNA and that has comprehensively and inspirationally pioneered sustainability at golf events for over 10 years,” said Roddy Williams, GEO’s Director of Professional Golf Engagement. For longtime fans of the WM Phoenix Open, the sustainability messaging and zero-waste programs put into action at the tournament are nothing new – they know bottles, cans and paper are recycled, while food, plates and utensils go into the compost bins. Educating golf fans across the country about the importance of recycling right and helping other tournaments achieve their sustainability goals is now a reality thanks to the efforts put forth at the WM Phoenix Open. The journey from Waste Management to WM may not have started at the 2010 Phoenix Open, but the trip has certainly been accelerated thanks to the company’s title sponsorship and thought leadership and visionary actions, proving that ambitious sustainability goals can be achieved. n

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

OFFICIAL BEGINNING OF THE WM PHOENIX OPEN Each year driving along Frank Lloyd Write Boulevard, it

table for everybody in the world, and specifically our

still comes as a surprise to see the 16th hole’s coliseum

event – and we’re back.”

framework jutting into view – even with the tournament several months away. “Seven months of the year, it’s either being put up or taken down,” 2022 Tournament Chairman Dr. Michael

As meaningful as the context is, the competition is sure to sizzle. Golding broke news at the event that Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas had already committed to play in 2022. “First two announcements couldn’t be bigger,” he said.

Golding said at the Tee-Off Luncheon, held Dec. 1, 2021,

He also announced a new event this year, starting two

at Chase Field.

days before the first Monday Pro-am and something that

The Thunderbirds start early with most of the preparations for “The People’s Open,” so when does the tournament

has never been done before. A live concert featuring Country Music superstars

truly begin? On an “epic day,” as Golding described it.

Thomas Rhett and Old Dominion will take place at the

The 2022 Tee-Off Luncheon “marks the beginning of

tournament’s iconic 16th hole on Feb 5.

Open season, we are two months out and the WM Phoenix

Bringing together 12,000 fans, The Thunderbirds are

Open is back,” he said to the 1,800 fans in attendance.

dropping a stage right in the middle of the fairway. The

“This town is so ready and so energized, today we hosted

event is “surely to be a tradition for years to come, this

all of our partners, all of our friends, all of our colleagues,

really shows the relationship the WM Phoenix Open has

all in one room to celebrate this event and the philan-

had with music,” Golding said. Not to mention that it

thropic reach it has on the community.”

“provides another way we can impact our community

In addition to the extraordinary generosity expected to climb back to lofty levels, the historical significance of

philanthropically.” With so much activity swirling around the WM Phoenix

this year’s tournament appears to be rhyming. Keynote

Open, the event’s exact beginning depends on one’s

speaker President George W. Bush addressed the audience

personal approach to “The People’s Open.” Fans gravitate

gathered at Chase Field. The parallels between his post-

towards week-of fun, but if you ask The Thunderbirds, open

9-11 leadership and a pandemic-weary America were not

season begins with the Tee-Off Luncheon. It’s been that

lost on Golding and The Thunderbirds.

way since the first was hosted in 1978, a mere neophyte

“Every single time I watch that video I get chills,” Golding said, referring to the clip of President Bush throwing out the first pitch at Yankee stadium shortly after 9-11 during the 2001 World Series. “This event shows the ability to bounce back and do the things we want to do in the face of the greatest adversity,” Golding said. “Last year put so many challenges on the

for a tournament reaching back to the ‘30s, but a critical tradition nevertheless. “We’ve been ready for two years, we can’t wait to see this event back to the way we know it,” Golding concluded. “Here we go. Open season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited.” n

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

A N I N T E R V I E W W I T H A R I S I N G S TA R

SCOTTIESCHEFFLER There’s a lot of pressure that comes with being the PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year, and former

Texas Longhorn standout Scottie Scheffler is here for it – big time. The young star has a lot of experience being one of the best players in his peer group, accruing one of the greatest junior

and amateur resumes of the past 20 years. But the PGA TOUR is a different league and requires a different level of play. Get to know how Scottie is taking on the challenge of turning past success into future accomplishment on golf’s biggest stage in a one-on-one interview with 2022 Tournament Chairman Dr. Michael Golding.

MICHAEL GOLDING

You’re coming off an extremely successful first couple of

There were a lot of fond memories of college golf – for

years on the PGA TOUR. How’s your game looking right now

sure. I had a lot of fun playing for the Longhorns, but

and what are you working on?

probably what sticks out to me is the Walker Cup. I was

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER

close to playing on that team a few times and to finally

It’s looking good. I would say this – it’s probably the first

great time representing my country. It was really cool.

off season I’ve gone into where I felt pretty good about my game. Well, most of the time anyway. Pretty much since my freshman year of college, I tend to play poorly in the fall. I don’t know what it is about that time of year, but I feel like I leave a lot out there. This is really the first year I’ve felt like my game was in a good spot. I had a good start to the wrap-around season. I felt relaxed this offseason. It was nice.

MG You’ve had an absolutely incredible junior career. Three state titles as a high schooler in Texas, Phil Mickelson Freshman of the year in 2013, U.S. Junior Champion, Walker Cup victory, low amateur at the U.S. Open. Looking back, what stands out the most to you about your pre-PGA TOUR accomplishments?

make it was a huge accomplishment for me and I had a

MG It seems like golf is in the Scheffler family blood. Your sister was on the bag for your first U.S. Open – that’s pretty cool. How often do you get out and play with the family?

SS Everybody played the game at least in high school, but it was more of a family activity than really competition when we were younger. Now that everybody is all grown up and has real jobs, it’s hard to find time to get out and paly together. Kelly – who was on the bag for me at the U.S. Open – took time off from playing amateur events to caddy for me in summer events and that was awesome. We had a great run!

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

MG Let’s talk your first couple years on TOUR and, of course, your first Ryder Cup nod. To what do you attribute your almost immediate success on golf’s biggest stage?

SS You know, the Korn Ferry TOUR got me pretty prepared for the PGA TOUR coming out and college golf was pretty demanding as well, but to be honest, I wasn’t really ready for everything that comes with playing with the best players in the world. On TOUR, you’re playing more than 30 weeks a year and that’s certainly a lot different than playing 15 events in college – especially as three-day events. Honestly, I had a couple of good starts and that really helped. As far as the Ryder Cup, I was lucky to have some of the veteran guys help me out beforehand, so I knew what was expected of me. I had dreamed about being on that team for so long, so to just be on the team was really special and the win was tremendous.

MG Speaking of the Ryder Cup and its amazing atmosphere, we have a pretty big fan-first event here in Phoenix. How does it feel to play in front of the incredible crowds at the WM Phoenix Open, and, of course, the iconic 16th hole?

SS It’s a really, really cool event. I love the 16th hole and I love the finish to the golf course. I think it suits me well. There’s not a whole lot of wind and I have the ability to hit the ball really high, so playing on those firm greens feels like an advantage to me. The crowds are fun. I mean, it’s such a unique experience. I couldn’t imagine it every week throughout the year, but – just me talking – it’s so much fun to play in front of a crowd and especially one that gets rowdy is pretty exciting. I think I’ve missed the green twice on 16 and heard it from the crowd pretty bad, but I’m looking to see if I can get a good look at birdie this year.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WM PHOENIX OPEN PAST CHAMPIONS

“

I PLAY GOLF WITH FRIENDS SOMETIMES, THERE ARE NEVER FRIENDLY GAMES. BEN HOGAN PHOENIX OPEN CHAMP

1946, 1947

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

Located in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, the PGA TOUR’s TPC Scottsdale is undeniably one of golf’s most famous courses. Offering year-round championship golf boasting panoramic views of the majestic McDowell Mountains, TPC Scottsdale has served as the proud host site of the most-attended tournament in professional golf since 1987 – the WM Phoenix Open.

The tournament’s 34-year history at TPC Scottsdale, along with tremendous support under sometimes difficult circumstances by golf fans worldwide, helped raise nearly $4 million in 2021 alone for Thunderbird Charities – a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and their families throughout Phoenix communities. During the 51 weeks of the year when the TOUR is not in town, TPC Scottsdale keeps charitable giving on the forefront, by hosting events to benefit deserving local and national organizations, such as Birdies for the Brave, The First Tee of Phoenix, and the JAAM Classic, which raises funds for junior adaptive athletes in the Valley. This ongoing commitment to philanthropy embraces the PGA TOUR’s mission of giving back to the communities it serves, coming to life through the TOUR’s philanthropic slogan, “Together, anything’s possible.”

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HALLMARKS OF DESERT GOLF

Positive guest experiences at TPC Scottsdale are reflected in significant award and accolade recognition. Consistently named by Golfweek as a “Top 30 Golf Course in Arizona” and by Golf Digest among the “Top 75 Golf Resorts in North America,” both courses at TPC Scottsdale – Stadium and Champions – offer fun layouts intertwined with year-round tournament playing conditions. The splendid par-71, 7,216-yard Jay Morrish/Tom Weiskopf-designed Stadium Course serves as host of the WM Phoenix Open. When the tournament is not in play, golfers can experience “a day in the life” of a PGA TOUR professional by testing their skills on the same immaculately manicured layout. Green parcels of turf weave through a rugged tapestry of Saguaro cacti and other natural features, with 72 deep bunkers and twisting greens creating a beautiful challenge. The City of Scottsdale completed an extensive renovation of TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course and Clubhouse in late 2014. Led by the original and famed architect, Tom Weiskopf, the project included the relocation of five greens, resurfacing of all greens, reshaping and regrassing of all tee complexes, relocation and reshaping of all bunker complexes, replacement of cart paths, and re-landscaping of desert areas. Several holes look completely new from their original design. The result is a course that's more aesthetically pleasing to resort guests and strategically more challenging to PGA TOUR players during the WM Phoenix Open. The Champions Course, a Randy Heckenkemper design, offers a true desert golf experience. Recognized as one of the top courses in the area, the Champions Course boasts more than 7,100 yards of undulating fairways, pristine greens and challenging bunkers. Considered a “hidden gem” by locals, the par-71 course features five par 3s and a diverse variety of par 4s and par 5s creating a thrill for golfers of all skill levels. Soon after opening, the course hosted the first stage of Q-School for the PGA TOUR and the final stage of Q-School for the Champions Tour in 2009 and has since hosted five more Champions Tour Q-Schools.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

The first golf courses in the state of Arizona to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System by Audubon International, TPC Scottsdale prides itself on setting the standard for environmental stewardship. Both courses were designed to fit seamlessly into the landscape, incorporating design elements that minimize impact on the environment; help to preserve and protect indigenous wildlife species; conserve natural resources; and create a serenely beautiful backdrop for unforgettable golf. TPC Scottsdale has previously been recognized as an “Environmental Leader in Golf” from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for the Southwest Section Chapter.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

Currently, all of the PGA TOUR’s owned and operated TPC properties are proud certified members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf, reflecting a network-wide commitment to uphold environmental excellence and sustainability in golf course operations.

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF IS JUST THE BEGINNING

The PGA TOUR’s TPC Network of premier properties sets the industry standard for outstanding golf, superb amenities and unmatched service. The club’s two award-winning layouts are complemented by a world-class golf shop, a celebrated Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar, Toro, beautifully appointed locker rooms and a truly one-of-a-kind PGA TOUR experience, making TPC Scottsdale a bucket list golf destination for many. Unlike other stops on the TOUR circuit, TPC Scottsdale is open to the public year-round, allowing everyday golfers to compare their tee shots to pros like 2021 champion Brooks Koepka or runners-up Kyoung-Hoon Lee and Xander Schauffele. Complimentary forecaddies are included in Stadium’s green fees between November and April, immersing guests even further into the life of a professional golfer. If once isn’t enough, the popular Annual Pass Program option is available, which provides cart-fee only access to both TPC Scottsdale properties, as well as guest privileges, practice facility access, a personalized locker in Players Locker Room, dining discounts and more. Each year, TPC Scottsdale hosts numerous corporate golf outings, business meetings, fundraising tournaments, buddy travel vacations, and other special events. TPC Scottsdale also offers a variety of non-traditional outing packages designed to meet a spectrum of organizational objectives. No matter the occasion, the club is known for creating unforgettable experiences for all.

STAY, PLAY, REJUVENATE

For travelers seeking a golf vacation with friends or family, luxurious accommodations are available at the adjacent AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, offering spacious guestrooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, exclusive golf concierge service, five pools, full-service fitness center, banquet and meeting facilities, and Well & Being Spa, ranked by Conde Nast Traveler one of the “Top 10 Best Spas in North America.”

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

ENTRANCE

craft beer desert oasis

FH GS

HOSPITALITY VENUES

THE 1937 CLUB

CURATED BY THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

SKYBOX 16

PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT

COVE

PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT

E18HTEEN

PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT B

BUNKER BAR

PRESENTED BY DXC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

BAY CLUB

PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE G

GREENSKEEPER

CONCESSIONS - PUBLIC ALBERTSONS/SAFEWAY STORE

PRESENTED BY 1ST INTERNATIONAL BANK & TRUST

BOTTLED BLONDE PIZZERIA & BEER GARDEN

MEMBERS CLUB

CONCESSION STAND

PRESENTED BY FIRST HORIZON BANK

PATRIOTS’ OUTPOST

–OPEN TO ACTIVE, RESERVE, & RETIRED MILITARY

SCOREKEEPERS

PRESENTED BY CREST INSURANCE

M CULINARY/TBIRDS VIP SKYBAR

DESERT OASIS FAIRWAY HOUSE

PRESENTED BY TAYLOR MORRISON

TALKING STICK RESORT FAN ZONE TORTAS PAQUIMÉ ZINBURGER

GENERAL INFORMATION ATM DRIVING RANGE

PRESENTED BY PING

FIRST AID/LOST PERSONS HANDICAP SEATING

PRESENTED BY SMEAD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

KIVA CLUB DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

PUBLIC GRAND STAND

THE PERCH

LIFEBIRD GRILL

PARKING SHUTTLE

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

LOT 4

LOT 3

THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS CLUBHOUSE GS GS GS

fan zone TP

DRIVING RANGE

PUTTING GREEN

TPC MERCHANDISE PAVILION MAIN ENTRANCE B

GS GS

$ GS

PUTTING GREEN

PRESENTED BY RADIX LAW

RESTROOM SCOTTSDALE POLICE STRETCHLAB MOBILITY CENTER TICKET WILL-CALL TPC MERCHANDISE PAVILION

GREEN WEATHER POLICY

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY FOR SPECTATORS ORANGE RED YELLOW BE BE TAKE AWARE PREPARED ACTION

PURPLE COURSE CLOSED

17020 N HAYDEN RD / SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

TPC SCOTTSDALE H OLE-BY-H OLE

OVERVIEW

Like so many risk-reward challenges, TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course encourages the field to play aggressive in some circumstances and safe in others. Last year on the front nine, Nos. 5 and 7 tied as the fourth most difficult with identical average scores of .028 strokes over par. However, the par-5 3rd was the second easiest. The back nine began with the most difficult hole on the golf course, No. 11, followed by the third most difficult at the par-3 12th and the 2nd at the par-4 14th. Good news – the easiest hole on the golf course, No. 13, was sandwiched in between them, and two more green-light holes at 15 and 17 gave competitors two more birdie opportunities before running out of holes.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

1 403 YARDS || PAR 4 2021 AVG. SCORE || 3.962 2021 * RANKING || 10TH SPONSORED BY || TAYLOR MORRISON

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID

1 HEATMAP 5 YARD GRID

442 YARDS ||

PAR 4

2021 AVG. SCORE ||

4.020

2021 * RANKING ||

6TH

SPONSORED BY ||

*RANKING IS BASED ON 1 BEING HARDEST AND 18 BEING EASIEST

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

558 YARDS

PAR 5

2021 AVG. SCORE

4.530

2021 * RANKING

17TH

SPONSORED BY ||

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

5 470 YARDS ||

PAR 4

2021 AVG. SCORE ||

4.028

2021 * RANKING ||

4TH

SPONSORED BY ||

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID

5 HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

432 YARDS ||

PAR 4

2021 AVG. SCORE ||

3.962

2021 * RANKING ||

10TH

SPONSORED BY ||

SOUTHERN GLAZER'S WINE & SPIRITS

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

7 215 YARDS || PAR 3 2021 AVG. SCORE || 3.028 2021 * RANKING || 4TH SPONSORED BY || TALKING STICK RESORT

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID

HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

8 475 YARDS ||

PAR 4

2021 AVG. SCORE ||

3.987

2021 * RANKING ||

8TH

SPONSORED BY ||

M CULINARY

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

9 453 YARDS || PAR 4 2021 AVG. SCORE || 3.967 2021 * RANKING || 9TH SPONSORED BY || BVA, INC.

OUT || 3,631 YARDS / PAR 35 2021 AVG. SCORE || 34.374

HOLE VIEW 50 YARD GRID

9 HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

10 475 YARDS || PAR 4 2021 AVG. SCORE || 3.947 2021 * RANKING || 13TH

SPONSORED BY ||

AVNET

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW

50 YARD GRID

15 The reachable par-5 15th often serves as the launch pad for the championship, especially in the final round. In the case of Brooks Koepka, No. 15 arguably marked the beginning of a hall of fame career for the four-time major champion. In 2015 he jarred a 50-foot eagle putt to edge out three others, and last year No. 15 was the last of a three-birdie streak that put Koepka in position to do the impossible two holes later.

15 HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

553 YARDS ||

PAR 5

2021 AVG. SCORE ||

4.631

2021 * RANKING ||

16TH

SPONSORED BY ||

ORAL & FACIAL SURGEONS OF ARIZONA

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW

50 YARD GRID

16 Now officially the only golf hole on TOUR to host a concert, (see p. 133) No. 16 is moderately challenging with a larger-thanlife personality. The fans are loud, and if players miss the green, they let them know. The inverse is true as well: knock it close, and the gallery erupts like Vesuvius. On the nine occasions when the ball actually found the hole, it’s bedlam: none louder than Tiger’s 1997 ace, and none more meaningful than Jerrod Lyle’s ace in 2011.

16 HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID 163 YARDS || PAR 3 2021 AVG. SCORE || 3.000 2021 * RANKING || 7TH SPONSORED BY || OAKLEY

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW

50 YARD GRID

17 The drama never ends on the par-4 17th. In 2012 Kyle Stanley recovered from a prickly lie to hold on for the win. In 2016 the drivable par 4 drove Rickie Fowler right out of the championship. Last year Brooks Koepka pitched in from a dreadful angle to all but seal his second win. And the biggest moment came in 2001 when Andrew Magee made a hole in one from 332 yards. To this day, it’s the only ace on a par 4 in PGA TOUR history.

17 HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

332 YARDS ||

PAR 4

2021 AVG. SCORE ||

3.737

2021 * RANKING ||

15TH

SPONSORED BY ||

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HOLE VIEW

50 YARD GRID

18 Two years ago Webb Simpson took the championship with three-straight birdies: 17 and 18 in regulation, and then 18 again in a playoff with Tony Finau. Similarly in 2008, J.B. Holes pulled even with Phil Mickelson on the 72nd hole, thanks to a 350-yard drive that set up the tying birdie. Then, on the first playoff hole, Holmes uncorked an even longer 359-yarder that led to the winning birdie. A plaque now marks the spot where Holmes’ titanic, and clutch, drive settled.

18 HEATMAP

5 YARD GRID

442 YARDS ||

PAR 4

2021 AVG. SCORE ||

3.952

2021 * RANKING ||

12TH

SPONSORED BY ||

IN || 2021 AVG. SCORE ||

TOTAL || 2021 AVG. SCORE ||

3,630 YARDS / PAR 36 35.081 7,261 YARDS / PAR 71 69.455

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WM PHOENIX OPEN PAST CHAMPIONS

“

OUT-OF-CONTROL EMOTIONS CAN MAKE SMART PEOPLE STUPID. BYRON NELSON P H O E N I X O P E N C H A M P | 1 9 39 , 1945

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

[pressurepersonified]

The PGA TOUR has its share of tough three-to-four-hole stretches where even the best players in the world have to buckle down and calm their nerves. Some of the most famous like the Bear Trap at PGA National, Amen Corner at Augusta National, The Green Mile at Quail Hollow and The Snake Pit at Innisbrook all put a premium on shot making, challenging the PGA TOUR’s best to simply keep the ball in play.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

TPC SCOTTSDALE, home of the WM Phoenix Open, has its own set of pressure points. And while the course itself isn’t considered especially difficult for the best golfers on the planet, the added stress of the largest golf gallery in the world – and a three-story Roman-style coliseum at the famed 16th hole – make the “Stadium Stretch” at the WM Phoenix Open arguably one of the most difficult and nerve racking four holes on TOUR. Starting on the par-5 15th, the “Stadium Stretch” begins with a tough tee shot into a narrowing fairway with water down the entire left side. The roars of the crowd at the 16th hole and the trials to come are close enough – and loud enough – to rattle the cages of any player eyeing eagle on the island green. The hole is certainly reachable in two for those looking for eagle opportunities, but come Sunday when the pressure is on and a PGA TOUR title is well within their sights, many players either elect to lay up short and play for birdie, or lose it left into the water along with their hopes at a title.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

“It's actually very nerve racking,” said three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington. “It doesn't start when you enter in to play 16, it actually starts at 15. You can hear the boos and the noise – it doesn't matter how good you are as a golfer pressure wise. You're just thrown slightly out of your comfort zone with everyone that's going on.” Putt out on 15 and move on to the iconic 16th hole – the only stadium golf hole in the world. Make no mistake, there is simply nothing like it in professional golf. Ever since Tiger Woods’ “raise the roof” ace in 1997, the 16th hole coliseum at TPC Scottsdale has become one of the most recognizable venues in professional sports. Upwards of 17,000 of the PGA TOUR’s most enthusiastic fans surround the otherwise benign par-3, and players can figure out how well they struck their tee shot even if they were blindfolded based on the rousing cheers or deafening boos from the gallery. 2019 WM Phoenix Open champion Rickie Fowler has some advice for players making their first trip through the tunnel on the famed 16th hole – “Make sure to use the bathroom beforehand and take one less club. Otherwise, you will be hitting pitching wedge over the green into the grandstands.”

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

Next up in the “Stadium Stretch” is the drivable par-4 17th shadowed on both sides by the gigantic and imposing hospitality structures Bay Club and The Cove. If a player finds himself down two with two to play, here’s his chance to make up some ground and keep their title hopes alive. The reward is clear, the risk is everywhere, with water in play on the left and back of the large peninsular green. And with the traditional Sunday pin location, it’s not enough to simply hit the green off the tee and have a putt for eagle. Players have to be in the right spot or face a dreaded downhill putt into the water. Make or break with the championship on the line. What more can you ask for?

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

The last leg of the “Stadium Stretch” is for all the marbles. The 18th hole at TPC Scottsdale is a long par-4 with trouble everywhere you can imagine. A water hazard straight on the left leads directly into gnarly church-pew bunkers so thick Phil Mickelson needed help from a fan to find his ball in 2019. The right side of the hole is guarded by bunkers and good (not great) approach shots into the asymmetrical green are quickly rejected by a false front. Think you’re done with the crowds? Nope. The three-story, arcum-style structure on both the golfer’s right and left, aptly named E18hteen and Scorekeepers, provide added pressure to birdie putts. And thousands of fans who couldn’t care less about the Super Bowl gather ‘round the green with bated breath to get a first-hand glimpse of the eventual winner of the WM Phoenix Open. Ask any PGA TOUR professional who took on the “Stadium Stretch” at TPC Scottsdale and they’ll all say the same thing – buckle up, maintain focus and remember, above all else, to have fun and enjoy the moment. There’s nothing quite like it in professional golf.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

A ARNIE (THE KING) PALMER

Arnold Palmer may be gone, but his spirit lives on along with his record of being the only player to win three consecutive WM Phoenix Open titles (1961, 1962 and 1963), a time frame when he also won five of his seven Major Championships.

THE “JOHN BRIDGER” PLAYERS BRIDGE

Named after longtime executive director of The Thunderbirds John Bridger, the players bridge connecting the 18th green to the clubhouse has seen the confident strut of past WM Phoenix Open champions like Brooks Koepka, Webb Simpson, Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland and Hideki Matsuyama .

COORS LIGHT BIRDS NEST AND CONCERT ON 16

The ultimate party venue is only open for four nights during the tournament, but the memories will last forever thanks to entertainment from top-notch musical acts. This year’s headliners include Diplo and Cole Swindell (Wednesday), Sam Hunt and Russell Dickerson (Thursday), Macklemore, Quinn XCII and ayokay (Friday), and Kygo, Sam Feldt and Forester (Saturday). And for the first time ever, Thomas Rhett and Old Dominion performed live under the lights from the iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale at the “Concert in the Coliseum” on Saturday, Feb. 5, prior to the start of the 2022 WM Phoenix Open. A new tradition the Thunderbirds will look to continue.

DESIGNATED DRIVER

This one is simple, folks. Always drink responsibly and designate a driver when visiting the WM Phoenix Open.

EAGLE

With TPC Scottsdale’s high elevation and a great mix of short par-5s and drivable par 4s, there are a lot of eagle opportunities out there for the PGA TOUR’s best. But arguably none were more impressive than Brooks Koepka’s incredible eagle hole out from the fringe last year on the 17th hole to take the lead on Sunday’s final round, ultimately leading to his second WM Phoenix Open championship.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

FAIRWAY HOUSE PRESENTED BY TAYLOR MORRISON

The headquarters of “The People’s Open,” the fan-favorite viewing area on No. 12 gets an update in 2022 with the Fairway House Presented by Taylor Morrison. The massive structure paralleling the 12th hole sits at the highest point on course with 36,000 square feet and provides an incredible general admission experience with amazing views of four holes. It’s a hidden gem on the golf course.

NOT-SO-GENERAL ADMISSION

There’s nothing “general” about the general admission opportunities at the WM Phoenix Open. From the unbelievable viewing areas at the Taylor Morrison Fairway House to the Kiva Club Presented by Draft Kings on 17 and, of course, the bleacher seats at the loudest hole in golf – the iconic 16th hole– the general admission ticket at “The People’s Open” is the best value on the PGA TOUR. The 16th hole features 3,750 bleacher seats, and throughout the tournament there are more than 6,100 general admission seats. And, thanks to TPC Scottsdale’s unique design, thousands more prime spots await the general admission ticket holder.

HOLES IN ONE – THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF TIGER’S ACE

Over the 35 WM Phoenix Open tournaments hosted at TPC Scottsdale, there have been 26 carded holes in one. Two stand above the rest – the first and ONLY par-4 ace in PGA TOUR history by Andrew Magee on the short par-4 17th in 2001, and, of course, Tiger’s “raise the roof” hole in one at the famed 16th hole 25 years ago in 1997.

INFORMATION

Information – as in where do I get it? Daily pairings guides are available for free throughout TPC Scottsdale to take the guesswork out of living your best life on the golf course. They tell you where and when all of your favorite PGA TOUR professionals are teeing off for the day, who they’re playing with and their score to date. You can also download the official PGA TOUR app for special spectator information, leaderboard scores and more, as well as all tournament information which can be found at WMPhoenixOpen.com.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

JIM NANTZ

Hello, friends. The longtime CBS

broadcaster who has covered the WM Phoenix Open since 1986 received

Honorary Thunderbird status in 2016. He’s the 38th person in tournament history to receive the honor, joining two of his mentors – the late Ken Venturi,

his former broadcast partner, and the late CBS Sports director Frank Chirkinian.

BROOKS KOEPKA

Two-time WM Phoenix Open champion and four-time Major winner Brooks Koepka returns in 2022 to defend his title after coming from five shots back last year to earn his second win at TPC Scottsdale. Koepka won consecutive PGA Championship titles in 2018 and 2019 and became the first player to win the U.S. Open and PGA Championship in the same year since Tiger Woods in 2000. That incredible two-year stretch in 2018 and 2019 earned him PGA Player of the Year (2018, 2019) and PGA TOUR Player of the Year (2018) honors.

JARROD LYLE

The Aussie became a fan favorite of the WM Phoenix Open after his hole-in-one on the

M N

famed 16th hole in 2011. It wasn’t the shot as much as his reaction that kept the crowd going nuts – and it’s a shot that is replayed over and over throughout Lyle’s career and in WM Phoenix Open history. Lyle lost his battle with leukemia on Aug. 8, 2018, but his legacy will live on forever among fans of the WM Phoenix Open.

MATSUYAMA

Hideki Matsuyama’s stellar career includes 17 worldwide wins and eight career top-10 finishes in Major championships, including his win last year at Augusta National to become the first Japanese-born player to win a Major. The eight-time PGA TOUR winner is one of 16 two-time WM Phoenix Open champions and one of only six players to successfully defend their WM Phoenix Open title the following year.

NICKLAUS

1964 WM Phoenix Open champion Jack Nicklaus – nicknamed the Golden Bear – is widely considered one of the greatest golfers to ever play the game. Over his more than 25-year career, Nicklaus won 73 times on the PGA TOUR including a record 18 Major Championships.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

o OFFICIAL HASHTAGS

The Official Hashtags of the WM Phoenix Open are #thepeoplesopen, #RESPECT, #WMPO, and #greenestshow.

ANNEXUS PRO-AM

Arguably the best-attended Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR, the Annexus Pro-Am pairs the world’s best golfers with sports legends, music stars, celebrities

and local business leaders on the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, just one day before the WM Phoenix Open’s first round. The event is sponsored by Annexus, a Scottsdale-based retirement solutions company and this year will feature celebrities like Larry Fitzgerald, Rob Riggle, Emmitt Smith, Alexandra O’Laughlin and more.

R q QUIET

Please! You wouldn’t want people coming to your office and being loud and obnoxious while you try to work, right? Please be quiet while players are hitting their shots. Unless you’re encouraged by them to make some noise (especially on the 16th hole, of course!)

RESPECT

Respect goes a long way, especially toward the players, volunteers, vendors, security staff and your fellow spectators. RESPECT THE PLAYERS, RESPECT THE GAME, RESPECT EACH OTHER.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

SOCIAL MEDIA

Boy, that escalated quickly. Social media went from fad to fab real quick and has since become a dominant force in our day-to-day lives. It also happens to be one of the best ways to get WM Phoenix Open tournament information like player updates, spectator info, fun stories, Thunderbirds Charities updates and, of course, the best memes on TOUR. Follow @WMPhoenixOpen on your favorite platforms.

THUNDERBIRDS

The Thunderbirds have been the driving force behind the WM Phoenix Open since 1937. The 55 active Thunderbirds and nearly 300 Life Thunderbirds play a wide variety of roles each year to make sure the tournament runs smoothly. They’re easily recognizable, thanks to their distinctive royal blue, long-sleeve tunics, silver and turquoise necklaces and concho belts.

OMAR URESTI

Uresti was Tiger Woods’ playing partner 25 years ago when Tiger made his famous ace on the 16th hole. What people probably don’t remember is that Uresti went first and got the crowd riled up by knocking his shot inside of three feet. With the crowd going nuts, Tiger then one-upped Uresti with his “raise the roof” ace, making Uresti just smile and shake his head. “I just shook my head to myself and thought ‘only Tiger.’”

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

V VOLUNTEERS

No professional golf tournament can operate smoothly without the help of countless volunteers. The same is true at the WM Phoenix Open, which receives assistance from more than 5,100 volunteers every year. Thank you

w WM

volunteers for all you do!

The Title Sponsor of “The Greenest Show on Grass” has implemented innovative and historic recycling programs, which include 100 percent of tournament waste being diverted through recycling, composting, donation, reuse or creating energy since 2013. In 2020, WM and The Thunderbirds renewed their title sponsorship and extended this great partnership through 2030.

XANDER SCHAUFFELE

Four-time PGA TOUR winner Xander Schauffele is one of the bright young stars in the world of golf and one of the fan favorites at “The People’s Open.” Xander will make his 5th start at TPC Scottsdale in 2022. He finished runner-up in 2021, and has never finished outside of the Top-20.

YOU THE FANS

You the fans are what make this the greatest

tournament on the PGA TOUR and truly “The People’s Open.”

ZERO WASTE EVENT

For nine years in a row, title sponsor WM has diverted 100 percent of all waste away from landfills, making the WM Phoenix Open the largest and best attended Zero-Waste event in the world. n

FAN ATTRACTIONS

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WM PHOENIX OPEN

Navigating TPC Scottsdale at the WM Phoenix Open can be a daunting challenge whether you’re a seasoned veteran or visiting the grounds for the first time. But one thing is for sure, there’s always something new to see each year at the “The Greatest Show on Grass.” Consider this your viewing guide to “The People’s Open.”

THE 16TH HOLE

AKA THE COLISEUM AKA THE STADIUM AKA THE LOUDEST HOLE IN GOLF The loudest and most exciting hole in golf features more than 17,000 roaring fans occupying the completely enclosed, three-story stadium often in matching outfits for costumes. On Saturday, those who are lucky enough to secure a seat at the greenside grandstands are part

of the 16th Hole Breakfast Club and are treated to free food, music

and T-shirts before the start of play.

ANNEXUS PRO-AM

Wednesday, February 9 brings the ever-popular Annexus Pro-Am to TPC Scottsdale where fans can catch a glimpse of celebrities, rock stars, professional athletes, coaches and community leaders playing with PGA TOUR pros. Past players include former Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Hall-of-Fame tailback Emmitt Smith, country music star Dierks

Bentley, the most decorated Olympian of all time Michael Phelps, Rock Star Alice Cooper and others.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WHOOP 3

SHOT AT GLORY

After the Annexus Pro-Am, fans are encouraged to stick around at the 16th hole for the WHOOP Shot at Glory where contestants compete for their chance at $1 million for charity in a unique closest-to-the-pin contest. Former winners include Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, former Florida Gator All-American quarterback Tim Tebow, and last year’s winner Alexandra O’Laughlin.

3 4

THE FAIRWAY HOUSE

PRESENTED BY TAYLOR MORRISON In addition to being the new Presenting Sponsor of the WM Phoenix Open, Taylor Morrison also will sponsor “The Fairway House” – formally The Ridge – paralleling the par-3 12th hole. This massive, 36,000-square-foot structure sits at the highest point on the golf course and provides an incredible general admission experience with amazing views of four holes - 12, 13 tee, 6 green and 11 green. It’s one of the hidden gems on the golf course.

GREENSKEEPER

One of the most well-known venues for seasoned fans of “The People’s Open,” Greenskeeper got a facelift for the 2022 tournament. The redesigned venue will still have the incredible see-and-be-seen atmosphere that patrons relish, but with a new, reimagined and more immersive fan experience.

BIRDIES FOR THE BRAVE

PATRIOTS OUTPOST

The Patriots Outpost is a complimentary hospitality tent for all active duty, reserve and retired military from all five

branches of the Armed Forces and their families to enjoy Wednesday through Sunday at the WM Phoenix Open. Once in the tournament, all military personnel and their guests are invited to visit the Birdies for the Brave Patriots Outpost. Located near the 18th tee box, the Patriots Outpost is a comfortable place for our heroes to relax, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a cold or warm beverage (all free of charge) while watching golf.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

7 7

COORS LIGHT BIRDS NEST

The Coors Light Birds Nest is a four-night concert series located inside an enormous tent across the street from the WM Phoenix Open. The Birds Nest, with its great music, beautiful patrons and enthusiastic partying has earned near legendary status on the PGA TOUR offering a show totally unlike anything associated with professional golf. This year’s lineup includes Diplo and Cole Swindell on Wednesday, Sam Hunt and Russel Dickerson on Thursday, Macklemore, Quinn XCII and

Ayokay on Friday, and Kygo, Sam Feldt and Forrester on Saturday.

KIVA CLUB

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK The Kiva Club DraftKings SportsBook venue located in the desert area between 10 green and 17 fairway just west of Bay Club provides hospitality-style viewing opportunities open to the general public. The main viewing deck and second-level platform with tables and seating across the railing – as well as a center bar – is the best of both WM Phoenix Open worlds smack-dab in the middle of all the action.

DESERT OASIS

Looking to have fun without the crowds? Head over to the west side of TPC Scottsdale to the Desert Oasis near No. 7 where the shade is abundant, and so is the beer.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

FAN ZONE

PRESENTED BY TALKING STICK RESORT Looking for something to nosh? The Fan Zone is the perfect place to grab a quick bite at Zinburger or Tortas Paquime and recharge before heading back out to watch golf.

10 11 11

1937 CLUB

What was once “The Clubhouse” overlooking the 18th green has been completely redesigned and reimagined with an elevated experience throughout the venue and upgraded food and drink options. Curated by the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the 1937 Club – named after the year The Thunderbirds were founded – delivers a fan atmosphere on par with one of the greatest finishing holes on the PGA TOUR.

CHAMPIONS WALL

Adjacent to the Clubhouse and the 1937 Club at TPC Scottsdale is the Champions Wall, where past winners of the WM Phoenix Open are enshrined forever in copper plating.

13 13

PRACTICE AREA

Ever wonder how the PGA TOUR pros warm up for their round? You can see for yourself at the practice area located just west of the Fan Zone. Each player has their own specific warm-up area with a large, identifiable banner easily seen from the cart path, so you won’t have to take out binoculars to see them. n

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WM PHOENIX OPEN PAST CHAMPIONS

“

IN GOLF ‘CLOSE’ IS LIKE THE NORTH AND SOUTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON. JOHNNY MILLER PHOENIX OPEN CHAMP

1974, 1975

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

W M P H O E N I X O P E N C H AMP I O N

KOEPKA RETURNS TO THE WINNER’S CIRCLE BY TOM MACKIN

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

No one was happier to see even a limited number of fans at the 2021 WM Phoenix Open last year than Brooks Koepka. “Every time I played well it's been in front of fans,” he said. “I struggle with no fans. I can't get the energy. There is nothing. It's kind of very flat.” While the volume level was nowhere near as loud as usual – just 4,500 fans were allowed on the property each day due to pandemic protocol – Koepka used what support there was as fuel on the way to winning the tournament for a second time following his victory (the first of his PGA TOUR career) in 2015.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

“I was thinking, OK, if I can do something with maybe an eagle and two birdies (on his remaining holes) I might have a chance to win it. Then all of a sudden I chipped in on 17, made eagle there, and everything kind of switches in my direction.”

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

But then the Florida native has always been a huge fan of

“I remember making the turn and feeling like, man, I don’t

the tournament, and not just because he won the first time

really have a chance here,” he said. “Then some things

he played in it.

happened once we got to 12. Felt like I was finally back in

“I love the atmosphere, the rowdiness,” he said. “I guess

the golf tournament and I was able to make a good little run.”

it kind of goes with my MO. I enjoy it. I think it’s so fun to play

He did just that with birdies on 13, 14 and 15, leaving him

in front of thousands of people, especially what goes on at

three strokes behind the leaders who were making the turn

16. I think it’s the coolest hole in golf. That’s probably why I

while playing a few holes behind him.

play so well there.” The trip to Scottsdale proved to be the cure after three

“I watch the leaderboard,” said Koepka. “I love knowing what’s going on and I know what I’ve got to do. I think I was

consecutive missed cuts prior to the WM Phoenix Open.

three strokes behind when I looked on 14 and knew I had to

Plus, Koepka’s plan to stick to his normal formula for final

make something happen. You know you have a good stretch

round success at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course worked

of holes where you know you can make up some ground.

like a charm.

That’s what it’s all about. That’s what I love. And that’s why

“Yeah, just got to be within three on the back nine,” he said last year after a third round 66 left him five strokes behind

I love this event.” When he got to the famous par-3 16th, another thought

co-leaders Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele. “Anything

entered Koepka’s mind. “I was thinking, OK, if I can do

can happen here. Obviously with quite a bit of water off the

something with maybe an eagle and two birdies (on his

backside, especially on 11 and 15 and 17, you can make a

remaining holes) I might have a chance to win it. Then all

bogey very quickly. If you hit a good shot you can make birdie.

of a sudden I chipped in on 17, made eagle there, and

It's good risk/reward. But it's fun and anything can happen.”

everything kind of switches in my direction.”

Wise words, because despite initially not feeling too posi-

That 97-foot eagle on the par 4 17th (he also eagled the

tive after the first nine holes, Koepka (who co-led the field

par 5 third hole in the final round) not only provided the

in Greens in Regulation Percentage at 86.11 percent for the

highlight of the tournament, it gave Koepka a one-stroke

week) started having a lot of fun.

lead he never relinquished en route to a closing round of 65.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

The victory was a clear highlight in a stellar 2020-2021 season by most standards – Top 6 finishes in four of the five majors (the 2020 Masters was played the previous November rather than its usual April timeslot), more than $5.2 million in prize money, and being part of the U.S. team’s dominating win over Europe in the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. As for his success in the desert, Koepka credits the enthusiastic fans at TPC Scottsdale– even last year’s reduced crowds – for playing a key role. “I think the fans create the energy we feel. We feed off that and try to give that back in return. It creates a revolving door where everybody gets pumped up, excited and as enthusiastic about the game. That’s what you want. Every “If I just caught it right in the fringe it was going to check up on me, and it did perfectly,” he said of the chip shot. “Took a nice little right kick for me, and didn't look anywhere else but the hole.” Six years after his first win at TPC Scottsdale, and with

time I’ve been out there the fans have been nothing but the best. Hopefully they love me as much as I love them.” The 31-year-old became the 16th two-time winner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and now tries to become just the fifth three-time winner, joining an exclusive club

four major victories also on his resume, Koepka was able to

featuring Phil Mickelson (1996, 2005, 2013), Mark Calcavecchia

enjoy his return to the winner’s circle a little bit more in 2021.

(1989, 1992, 2001), Gene Littler (1955, 1959, 1969) and Arnold

“I think in 2015 (when he was 24 years old) I still didn’t

Palmer (1961, 1962, 1963). With the amount of spectators

know what was going on afterward,” he said. “It was my first

expected to be much closer to normal this year, Koepka’s

win on TOUR and to have it (come) at such a cool event, I don’t

chances of joining that elite group will be even better.

think I even knew what was up at that point. I didn’t even

“I don't know, it's what I live for,” he said after his win last

know the reality I was in. You don’t appreciate how often

year. “I live for those moments where you got to close, you

you get the chance to let alone win a golf tournament, but

got to hit some quality shots, quality putts. I don't know, I just

also to win my favorite event.”

like showing off, I guess.”

100

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

W ILL ZAL ATORIS

RoOKIE SENSATION BY DOUG MILNE

For a guy who barely cracks the 150 pound mark standing on a scale, Will Zalatoris quickly established himself as one of the PGA TOUR’s heaviest hitters. The kind of early success, though, wasn’t something Zalatoris saw coming quite so soon. In 16 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2020, Zalatoris collected 10 Top-10 finishes. The highlight of that season was a victory at the TPC Colorado Championship. As successful as that season was, Zalatoris maintained the

The 2021 WM Phoenix Open was his second of seven-straight starts on TOUR, thanks to a sponsor exemption from tournament hosts, The Thunderbirds. Following an even-par-71 start in round one, Zalatoris gained ground with a 4-under 66 and 6-under 64 in rounds two and three, respectively. Another even-par 71 in Sunday’s final round resulted in a T-17 finish at 12-under 272. “The thing that I keep laughing about with the WM Phoenix

collected demeanor, which largely defines him, and never

Open is that even though it wasn’t full spectators last year,

got ahead of himself.

I was still clubbing down because I was so jacked up to hit

“Prior to last season, I could have never imagined having the success on TOUR that I did, that ultimately ended up with the ‘Rookie of the Year’ distinction,” Zalatoris said. “I had planned to spend another season on the Korn Ferry Tour to try and get my card that way. We think our careers should be a steady progression, but the reality is that it’s a lot of up-down-up-down. But, the general trend hopefully

shots,” he laughed.

“There is nothing like that event. It’s so much fun playing it. After watching it on TV as a kid and then to be a part of it is pretty cool.” Among eight Top-10 finishes last season were a

goes up. This past year was a pretty steep climb for me. So,

runner-up at the 2021 Masters, T-6 at the 2020 U.S. Open,

that award was definitely not even on the radar.”

T-7 at the Farmers Insurance Open and T-8 at the PGA

So, what exactly did last season’s PGA TOUR Rookie of

Championship. As a result, Zalatoris went from being a

the Year do that surprised even him? In September of 2020,

young gun without a PGA TOUR card to the 2020-21 PGA

Zalatoris had made seven starts on TOUR, without even a

TOUR Rookie of the Year.

top-25. In his next seven starts, though, beginning with a T-6 at the U.S. Open – he amassed four Top-10 finishes. “It was more fun than anything,” Zalatoris said. “I was coming from basically not having status and every week was just a chance to go win and get full status.”

Zalatoris got the 2021-22 season off to a strong start with a T-11 at the Fortinet Championship and T-14 in his next start at the Sanderson Farms Championship. He went into the holidays, though, with missed cuts in two of his last three starts.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

“I know how to plan out my schedule this season,” he said. “Last season, I was kind of flying by the seat of my pants. If you’re in, you’re playing. If you’re not, you’re not. This year, being able to plan all the way out until at least June is huge. I can manage off time and build in some time to get away and take a break.” n

101

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

103

• 3 P IECES OF •

PECAN THUNDERBIRDS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FINDS COOKING ACCLAIM ON TIKTOK When someone asks a 20-year golf industry executive and

the Tok to see his unique takes on homegrown recipes ranging

former member of the Oklahoma Sooner golf team whether

from Tex-Mex to traditional Oklahoma BBQ. And while social

he’s better at cooking dinner or playing golf, one would

media popularity is new to The Thunderbirds ED, cooking for

assume the answer would be the latter. For Chance Cozby,

friends and family runs in his Boomer Sooner blood.

the executive director of The Thunderbirds – hosts of

Cozby grew up in the kitchen of his parents’ home in

the WM Phoenix Open – the answer might be the former, at

Bartlesville, Okla., where at a very young age, he developed

least according to his nearly 500,000 followers on TikTok.

a passion for cooking with his mother Karole in the kitchen

According to Cozby himself, there are good days and bad

and his father Jerry on the back patio where he picked up

days for both.

the nuances of preparing meals for family and friends.

Cozby has become a celebrity chef in the circles of the

Cozby and his father loved smoking ribs on their

burgeoning social media platform TikTok, racking up millions

custom-built, offset smoker which, contrary to contemporary

of likes and views from fans all over the world who flock to

smoker practices, did not have a temperature gauge. Instead, Cozby’s father said, “just keep three pieces of Oklahoma pecan on the fire and your temperature will be just right.” From that quip, a new-age cooking channel was born – “3 Pieces of Pecan” – a homage to the wisdom passed to Cozby from his late father. “Preparing big meals and getting everybody together has always been a big part of my life growing up and now with my family and friends,” said Cozby. “When we decided to start filming and sharing on social media I certainly did not expect the following or attention to grow so quickly. I find cooking on social media as great entertainment and I learn so much myself. It also will test your patience as the feedback is often very critical. If nothing else it is a great hobby for me that I never expected.” On New Year’s Eve, 2020, Cozby’s youngest son Catcher encouraged him to film his family meal prep and published the videos on TikTok. Since then, he has posted more than 150 recipes that have been viewed more than 82 million times. The popularity continues to grow for Cozby and Catcher – the director, cinematographer and video editor of the team – gaining enough buzz to be featured for Father’s Day on Good Morning America last June. A fitting bonus for a father-son duo who now can enjoy two family pastimes together – playing golf and preparing excellent meals. n

106

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

BUBBA WATSON JORDAN SPIETH

BROOKS KOEPKA

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER XANDER SCHAUFFELE

JUSTIN THOMAS

VIKTOR HOVLAND

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

2021 PGA TOUR STATS PLAYER

EVENTS

CUTS MADE

1ST PLACE

2ND PLACE

TOP 10

TOP 25

EARNINGS

FEDEX CUP

JORDAN SPIETH

$6,470,482

JUSTIN THOMAS

$6,537,153

JON RAHM

$7,705,933

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER

$4,505,589

VIKTOR HOVLAND

$5,048,772

BUBBA WATSON

$1,873,381

BROOKS KOEPKA

$5,204,136

TONY FINAU

$5,740,097

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA

$4,963,594

XANDER SCHAUFFELE 22

$5,240,653

TONY FINAU

JON RAHM

107

108

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

BROOKS KOEPKA All over the place last season, Brooks Koepka posted a strong T7 finish at the belated 2020 Masters before missing three cuts in a row. He broke the dubious streak in style with a win at the 2021 WM Phoenix Open, his second. The first time around, Koepka vaulted from anonymity to join a dozen other PGA TOUR rookies to win the WM Phoenix Open. Although it was a 72-hole tournament, an eagle on No. 15 turned the tide in his favor. Likewise in 2021, another eagle – this time on the par-4 17th – defined Koepka’s win at TPC Scottsdale. An unbelievable pitch under any circumstance, his hole-out from 32 yards, second eagle of the day, spelled the end of the line for the rest of the field. “I saw Pete Cowen there,” said Koepka in a post-championship interview. “I felt like the chip, it was — if I just caught it right in the fringe it was going to check up on me, and it did perfectly. Took a nice little right kick for me, and didn't look anywhere else but the hole. Happy for that one to go in. Hell of a week.” If last year is anything like this year, look for Koepka to simmer just below the surface before bursting into contention. He battled injury and all of the mental baggage that goes with it. “I went through it mentally,” he said. “I think that's probably the toughest thing, where you don't know if you're ever going to be the same competitor that you were.” With that kind of torment behind him, watch out for Brooks Koepka.

WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS YEAR

FINISH

MONEY

2021

$1,314,000

2017

T42

$23,450

2016

T41

$24,700

2015

$1,134,000

TOTAL

$2,496,150

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

JORDAN SPIETH With a mixed record at the WM Phoenix Open, 2021 looked to be the year Jordan Spieth would add a win at TPC Scottsdale. He started off with two 67s and blew open the doors with a 10-under-par 61 in the third round. He made 10 birdies and no bogeys, and when he got it rolling on the back nine with four birdies in five holes – 13 through 17 – the gallery responded. WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS YEAR

FINISH

MONEY

2021

$307,208

2020

CUT

2018

CUT

“Yeah, it's true. It really felt normal,” Spieth said when asked about the roars after nailing big putts at 16 and 17. “When you kind of get in the thick of things and the crowd was feeding off and really willing those putts in with me, it actually kind of felt like nothing had happened. That was pretty neat.” The next day was anything but “neat” for Spieth. He followed with a final round

2017

$180,900

2015

$211,050

TOTAL

$699,158

72 in another up-and-down WM Phoenix Open performance. “Yeah, tough start,” Spieth said, who sat 3-over par after 11 holes in the final round. “And then, you know, I needed to one-putt the last two to not have more than 36 putts today. I felt like I hit good putts, and as much as the lid was open other days, it was closed today.”

109

110

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

BUBBA WATSON With a WM Phoenix Open tournament history that includes a pair of T2s in 2014 and 2015 as well as other, more recent, strong finishes – T4 in ‘19 and T3 in ’20 – one of these years, Bubba Watson is bound to break through. Not for a lack of trying: 2022 marks Watson’s 16th consecutive appearance at the WM Phoenix Open, and he’s amassed the fifth largest earnings in tournament history, sandwiched between J.B. Holmes above and Brooks Koepka below. Remarkably, Watson is the only player in the Top-10 prize money ranking without a first-place finish. Furthermore, just last year Watson became one of six players to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs in each of the first 15 seasons of the FedExCup era. That aside, he possesses all the ingredients needed to

WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS

win at TPC Scottsdale, and if

YEAR

FINISH

MONEY

Watson picks up where he left

2021

T22

$64,422

off last year, his chances are

2020

$386,900

as good as anyone’s. Early in

2019

$293,467

the final round, he blasted a

2018

T40

$28,290

354-yard drive on No. 2 – the

2017

CUT

—

longest of the day at that hole

2016

T14

$117,000

– to touch off a final-round

2015

$470,400

65, three strokes better than

2014

$545,600

his other three rounds. That

2013

$111,600

kind of power comes in handy

2012

$222,650

at the Stadium Course. It’s a

2011

T29

$37,134

wonder why it already hasn’t

2010

T36

$27,042

translated into a win.

2009

T25

$44,829

2008

CUT

—

2007

$174,000

TOTAL

$2,523,334

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

111

JUSTIN THOMAS Since his first WM Phoenix Open start in 2014, Justin Thomas oscillated between missed cuts and T17s before dipping down into contention with a pair of third-place finishes in 2019 and 2020. “I just like the golf course. I come in knowing that I don't need my best stuff to win,” said Thomas. “I really feel like I can reel off nine birdies in an 11- or 12-hole stretch, but I also understand and respect the golf course and take what it gives me. If you get a day like today where it's perfect, soft conditions, when you're in position you've got to attack because everybody else is.” Two of those “attack” days came in the second and third rounds; Thomas fired 65, 64 to sit one stroke off the pace set by pal Jordan Spieth, who carded a 61 that day. Unfortunately, his final round 72 didn’t move the needle. Look for Thomas to be in the hunt again this year. The 2017 FedExCup Champion and 14-time medalist on the PGA TOUR already posted a solo-third-place finish at the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba, his best result on TOUR since winning THE PLAYERS Championship in 2021.

WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS YEAR

FINISH

MONEY

2021

T13

$138,700

2020

386,900

2019

482,800

2018

T17

$100,050

2016

CUT

—

2015

T17

$94,500

2014

CUT

—

TOTAL

$1,202,950

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA Matsuyama enters the field carrying two recent wins. He did the same thing in the 2016-2017 season, right before he clinched the first back-to-back WM Phoenix Open championship since Johnny Miller ran the table in 19741975. The second win also put the 2021 Masters champion in the company of 11 other two-time champions (not consecutively), including names cast across the tournament’s history such as Koepka, Holmes, Singh, Nelson and Hogan. Matsuyama’s hunt for a third title, however, places him in even tighter company with the likes of the King himself, the only player to notch three in a row (1961-’63). Mickelson (1996, 2005, 2013), Calcavecchia (1989, 1992, 2001), and Littler (1955, 1959, 1969) also scored the hat trick. Not only is Matsuyama chasing the record book, he’s riding the gravy train. In only eight starts, he’s amassed the second largest pile of cash, with $3,270,913 in prize money, sandwiched between Mickelson at the top and Rickie Fowler in third place. Matsuyama has to be riding high after a wildly successful 2021. In April he became the first male major champion from Japan, followed it up in October with a home win at the ZOZO Championship, and already posted a 2022 win at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Look for Matsuyama to scramble up the leaderboard – even reaching the top – at the WM Phoenix Open.

WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS YEAR

FINISH

MONEY

2021

T42

$23,852

2020

T16

$97,211

2019

T15

$113,600

2018

2017

$1,206,000

2016

$1,170,000

2015

$470,400

2014

$272,800

TOTAL

3,353,863

113

114

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

JON RAHM Jon Rahm’s dominant 2021 season bodes well for 2022. The reigning U.S. Open Champion and Official World Golf Ranking No. 1 also came in first place for Scoring Average on TOUR. He doesn’t really have a weakness, but he does have a strength; Rahm took first place in Total Driving for 2021. His best finish at the WM Phoenix Open was his first finish, posting T5 in 2015 as an amateur. Rahm also finished strong last year, however, with a third-round 66 and final round 68 that included the longest drive of the day – 356 yards – on the gettable, par-5 15th. Unknowingly, Rahm made an interesting comment on Saturday about the short, par-4 17th hole, setting the scene for the next day’s unlikely scenario. “If the pin is on the right you can't really miss right because it's a tough up-and-down,” Rahm’s said, a day before Brooks Koepka proved him wrong – in dramatic fashion. Although Rahm may have missed the mark with his prediction, he was “right on the money” all season, with $7,705,933 in earnings, the most on TOUR in 2021. Further, Rahm assessment of the unique gallery and overall experience at TPC Scottsdale also hit home. “I'm just happy that there's fans,” Rahm said at Saturday’s press conference. “One of the reasons why you play here is the atmosphere. I love it. I wish every single week was like that. It's the closest thing we're going to feel to be playing in a football stadium, right, on Saturday when you have 200,000 people here just having fun.”

WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS YEAR

FINISH

MONEY

2021

T13

$138,700

2020

$170,767

2019

T10

$163,300

2018

T11

$141,450

2017

T16

$90,952

2015

AMATEUR

TOTAL

$705,169

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

TONY NAU With the WM Phoenix Open, it’s either feast or famine for Tony Finau. Two years ago, after four consecutive missed cuts, he finally broke through in 2020 with a WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS YEAR

FINISH

MONEY

2020

$795,700

2019

CUT

2018

CUT

2017

CUT

2016

CUT

2015

T22

$68,040

TOTAL

$863,740

second-place finish. Finding himself in the drivers seat late on Sunday afternoon, Finau realized he “still needed to make at least a birdie or two” to seal the win. Unfortunately for Finau, Webb Simpson made three. “Hat's off to him. I'm a huge fan,” a gracious Finau said after Simpson came out on top in 2020. “He's one of my best friends out here, and I love that guy.” The case for a Finau win at the WM Phoenix Open doesn’t center so much on facts, although it’s certainly a fact that he absolutely pounds the ball, a handy thing at TPC Scottsdale. His attitude makes him a wild card. “I feel good. I had a great chance to win this week,” he said. “Unfortunately, it didn't happen, but my game's better than it's ever been. And again, if you know anything about me, I'll persevere through anything. If you want to say this is a stumbling block, to chase this next one, but I'll knock it off soon and will be on my way.”

115

116

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

XANDER SCHAUFFELE In his first three appearances at the WM Phoenix Open, Xander Schauffele hovered around the top-10 before last year’s T2 performance. He jumped into a one-stroke lead after a second round 64. He then shot 65 the next day for a share of the lead alongside Jordan Spieth. His final round, however, wasn’t quite enough. For the most part, he drove the ball well, picking up longest drive of the day honors on holes 10 and 14. But, ironically, it was a wayward drive on the 17th that dashed his hopes. “I hooked a 3-wood on 17 in the water. That was sort of it,” he said. “I really needed to hit that one on the green and two-putt to give myself a chance at least. That's where my head was. Got quick and forced it.” Schauffele went on to finish runner-up three times and ended the 2020-2021

WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS

season No. 5 in the FedExCup standings. He posted a T3 at the Masters (2021), T7 at the U.S. Open, and for the icing on the cake, he won the Olympic Gold Medal and was a key member of the wining U.S.

YEAR

FINISH

MONEY

2021

$649,700

2020

T16

$97,212

2019

T10

$163,300

2018

Ryder Cup Team.

T17

$100,050

TOTAL

$1,010,262

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER Although the casual observer might think Scottie Scheffler’s emergence came out of nowhere, it was anything but unexpected. He vaulted onto the scene as the low amateur at the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills on the way to finishing his 2020 rookie season No. 5 in the FedExCup standings and earning PGA TOUR rookie of the year honors. In 2021 the Texan took third at the Memorial in June; helped the U.S. win the Ryder Cup in September; and at the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Houston Open Scheffler finished T2, which he repeated a month later at the Hero Challenge. A glance at Scheffler’s 2021 WM Phoenix Open scorecards reveals he was closer to wining than his T7 finish suggests. A first-round 67 suffered from a double bogey on the benign 16th. The next day he fired 65, despite another double at the fifth, and three bogeys and four birdies in the final round resulted in a 1-under 70. Most telling, Scheffler likes TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course. “I think it suits my game well, especially when I'm driving it

WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS

good,” he said after last year’s second round. “I think the greens

YEAR

will get firmer as the week goes on, and I hit the ball pretty high, so pretty comfortable out here.”

FINISH

MONEY

2021

$229,342

2020

CUT

TOTAL

$229,342

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

VIKTOR HOVLAND Viktor Hovland made history in 2018 as the first Norwegian player to win the U.S. Amateur. He established another record a year later as the first player from Norway to compete in the Masters. In 2020 Hovland missed the cut in his WM Phoenix Open debut, before earning his first win 20 days later at the Puerto Rico Open. Apparently the Oslo native prefers tropical climates. He went on to win back-to-back championships among the mangroves of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, 2020 and 2021. Then, a month after his 2021 Mayakoba win, Hovland came out on top at Tiger’s event in the Bahamas where he went five-under par for three holes down the stretch, 14-16, to win by a stroke over Scottie Scheffler. Hovland’s even-par performance during his lone two days of competition at TPC Scottsdale didn’t miss the mark by much, and given his 7th place ranking in Total Driving among his peers for 2021, Hovland will likely put himself in position for success, especially on the par 5s. He ranked first in 2021 for Approaches from 200-250 yards.

WM PHOENIX OPEN STATS YEAR 2020

FINISH

MONEY

CUT

TOTAL

117

120

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

“

“I NEVER HIT A SHOT, NOT EVEN IN PRACTICE, WITHOUT HAVING A VERY SHARP, IN-FOCUS PICTURE OF IT IN MY HEAD.” JACK NICKL AUS

WM PHOENIX OPEN PAST CHAMPIONS

P H O E N I X O P E N C H A M P | 1964

122

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

THE

SHOT T H AT

ROCKED

SCOTTSDALE A N O R A L H I S T O R Y O F T I G E R ’ S R O O F - R A I S I N G A C E 2 5 Y E A R S L AT E R BY TOM MACKIN

Making his Phoenix Open debut in 1997, 21-year-old Tiger Woods already had three PGA TOUR wins under his belt and was a budding superstar. By the end of the week, his stature was greater than ever, due to one memorable hole. Playing the par-3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale during the third round, he unleashed a shot that awed spectators, captured the sports world’s attention and lifted the tournament to new heights – all with one swing of his 9-iron. This is the story of that fabled shot, told through the recollections of the athletes, journalists fans and the Thunderbirds who will never forget it.

Just a year removed from Stanford University, Woods arrived in Scottsdale riding a sudden-death win over Scottsdale resident and 1996 PGA TOUR Player of the Year Tom Lehman at the 1997 Mercedes Championships in California just a few weeks prior. After his defeat, Lehman told reporters, “Tom Lehman was the Player of the Year, but Tiger Woods is probably the player of the next two decades.”

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

SCOTT JENKINS / Thunderbird and 2021 WMPO Tournament Chairman :

“He was the new legend amongst us, and it was the first opportunity for a lot of people in the Valley to see him play live. It was the equivalent of seeing Michael Jordan play in the Suns arena for the first time. It was the same anticipation of watching Jordan come out from the tunnel and onto the court as it was to see Tiger come on that tee. You knew you were watching greatness.” JOCK HOLLIMAN / Thunderbird and longtime 16th hole marshal: “There

was a buzz about Tiger coming into the tournament. I personally was in the ‘show me’ stage because the transition to pro golf is five levels up from college golf. But he already had those five levels baked in. He was ready. And wow, did he take off.”

After consecutive 68s, Woods entered the third round tied for 12th place, 10 strokes behind leader Steve Jones. As he made his way around the course that Saturday, the crowd at the 16th hole was already living up to its rowdy reputation.

123

124

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

Gary Van Sickle / Sports

llustrated Golf Writer: “I must’ve been out there that day to try to get some local color of the scene at the wild and crazy 16th. I actually sat in the crowd on the small mound just behind the tee. Great view of the hole. I was there for 90 minutes or so, and either I'd gotten enough scenes or I’d gotten not much of anything and realized I needed to be back at the scoring area (at the clubhouse) to talk to a few players.” JOCK HOLLIMAN: “The 16th hole

was much different back then. On the south side there were maybe eight or nine little skyboxes. The hillside behind the hole was very close to the back of the tee box. That area really became popular five or six years earlier because all the ASU kids would come out on Friday, drink beer, and wait for Phil (Mickelson) to come through. I would guess there were maybe 10,000 people around the hole that day, but a lot of them came to the 16th when Tiger did since they were following him throughout his round.” SCOTT JENKINS: “I was a sophomore at the University of

Arizona and had parked myself on the south side of the tee box all day. The anticipation and excitement for Tiger to come through was nothing like I ever experienced before. We could see the mass of people coming over from the 15th hole with him. I grew up in Phoenix, so I had been going to the tournament every year since I was in high school. I had seen Phil (Mickelson) and some other legends play there, but there was nothing that compared to the excitement of when Tiger Woods arrived on that tee box.” JOE CATTANEO / Thunderbird: “I was there as a fan that day

Tiger was paired that Saturday with Omar Uresti, a 29-year-old Texan who would never win in nearly 380 career starts on the PGA TOUR. No one expected Uresti, who had the honors on the 16th hole, to upstage the youngster with his own superb tee shot. But he did just that, elevating the crowd’s excitement level even higher.

and was making my way back to the clubhouse when I started following Tiger and Omar (Uresti) on the 15th hole. I

OMAR URESTI / 2017 Web.com Interview: “I get up there first

knew Jock Holliman would be on the 16th tee. He and I were

and hit a really good shot to about two and a half feet just

close in age and compatriots, so I wanted to hang out with

behind the hole on the right side. Unfortunately, I made the

him there on the tee box. Once Tiger and Omar were putting

mistake of thinking to myself, ‘Let’s see you (Tiger) hit it

on 15, I walked over to talk to Jock on 16.”

closer than that.’”

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

125

JOE CATTANEO: “Omar was the antithesis of Tiger. He was

next to them up around the clubhouse. It was ridiculous how

about 5’6 and a little chunky. He gets up there and hits an

loud it was. It was actually kind of deafening.”

unbelievable shot. It was super close to the hole and the crowd went absolutely ballistic. Omar wasn’t really a known commodity at that time. He was just another guy on the TOUR playing with the best player out there. Both he and the crowd wanted to see what Tiger would do with his own shot.”

What followed was likely the noisiest, largest, most disruptive gallery Woods had ever encountered as a competitive golfer. Woods recounted the experience in his post-round interview with ESPN. TIGER WOODS: “It was just a soft nine (iron). The hardest

part was getting your focus because everyone was going crazy. Once I got my focus, I just tried to hit a nice high soft cut, and the rest is history. I don’t know if it was louder when I made it or when I was walking up to the green. It was unbelievable. I was in the fitness trailer (after the round) talking to the guys and they could hear it like it was right

JOCK HOLLIMAN: “I was standing on the back left side of the

tee box holding up a QUIET sign, which helped settle people down. Omar hit his 9-iron close to the hole and people went nuts. It took us about two minutes to get the crowd to settle down for Tiger to hit his shot. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes; he was just locked in and laser focused on the golf ball. As soon as he hit it, it was crazy. I was standing probably 10 feet from him. The crowd exploded and the beer cans and cups started flying after the ball went in. That was the first time I saw him do the fist pump, which became his trademark move. He didn’t say a word.” OMAR URESTI: “I just kind of shook my head to myself and

thought, ‘Only Tiger.’ The place went nuts. I already had them going after my shot and they just went crazy. They say it (the crowd reaction) rattled the windows up in the clubhouse, which was about 600-700 yards away, so it was a very loud roar.”

126

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

At a press conference before the 2015 WM Phoenix Open, Woods reflected on the shot. TIGER WOODS: “I went old school

(with his celebration), raise the roof (thrusting his hands palm up towards the sky). That was the thing in the day. And then on top of that, just smelling and hearing the beer hit behind me (while he was walking off the tee box). To turn around and see all this beer flying was crazy.”

For those watching just feet away from Woods, the moment was unforgettable. JOE CATTANEO “Jock and I were just looking at each other

JOHN DAVIS / Arizona Republic Sportswriter: “During the

dumbfounded at that point. It was two of the best shots you

second round I was assigned to follow Tiger and file a

will ever see back-to-back. The minute the players left the

first-person account of his round, which I did. The next

tee box, beer cans started flying from the ASU student side

day, just my luck, someone else was assigned to do that.

of the hole onto where they just hit their shots. It wasn’t

So I didn’t get to see the shot in person. I was in the

malicious; they were just going crazy. And I mean beer cans

media room in the clubhouse and was well aware of

were covering the tee box. So we started clearing those away.

what happened.”

To me it was like a hat trick in hockey when fans throw hats on the ice.”

RYAN WOODCOCK / WM Phoenix Open Director of

Communications: “I was there that Thursday for the first

SCOTT JENKINS: “I was there with my younger brother Mike

round. It was my very first Phoenix Open after I had moved

who was a diehard golfer and played on the St. Mary’s High

to the Valley the previous summer. I didn’t really know what

School golf team. We were gambling with each other on which

to expect. We got there and heard that Tiger Woods was

players would hit it closest to the pin. I had Tiger on that hole

teeing off on No. 1, so my buddy and I joined a handful of

and he had Omar. After Omar stuck it, the atmosphere was

people around that tee. Then we followed him for all 18

even more electric. The guy playing before him sticks it tight,

holes and had a front row view pretty much the whole way,

steals Tiger’s thunder, and everyone went ‘Oooh.’ So what

which was awesome. I don’t think that was ever possible

was Tiger going to do? He drilled it in there for a hole-in-one.

again because of the throngs of people that would follow him

It was just magic and the coolest sporting experience I have

at every hole. On that Saturday I had to go to my bartending

ever been at.”

job at Chili’s in Mesa. Being a sports fan and having gone to

For those who were at the 16th hole, but on the wrong day or at the wrong time, missing out on seeing Tiger’s ace in person still stings to this day.

the tournament two days earlier, I made sure one of the TVs was showing the golf. When he aced 16, the people in the bar went crazy. I was standing there thinking, ‘Oh my God, I should have been there!’”

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

GARY VAN SICKLE: “I was standing on that paved ramp that

hit the ball, the fans were in an uproar and it didn’t really

leads down to the media room (located in the basement of

stop until after he took the ball out of the hole. For that

the clubhouse) interviewing Nick Price when this big roar

volume of cheering to last that long was pretty impressive.

washed over the clubhouse from out on the course. Nick

I covered many Masters and Augusta National Golf Club is

stopped talking for just a moment and then said, “That must

known for the roars that spread through the course. But I

be 16 ¬– that's a hole in one!” And when the roar continued

have never heard of one that volume and that lasted that

and got even louder, he looked at me with a strange smile

long as I did that day at TPC Scottsdale.”

and added, “That's Tiger!” I knew he was right. I don't recall if he went with me – probably not – but I hustled down into the media room to check a TV for the replay and yep, it was Tiger. I was pissed off that I'd been out there in the perfect spot to see all the mayhem and missed it.”

JOCK HOLLIMAN: “The crowd sounded like a 747 taking off.

The decibel level just rose and kept on going. I had some friends playing that day at Grayhawk Golf Club, which is three miles north of TPC Scottsdale. They said they heard the roar. It was far and away the most significant moment in

The roar of the crowd echoed around TPC Scottsdale and beyond the property.

sports that I will ever see.”

JOHN DAVIS: “The most prominent thing about it was the

“Then the more eerie part was, when we were playing 17 and

fan explosion when the ball went in the hole. Not only that,

18, everyone didn’t really care because they were walking in.

but the way that it was sustained for so long. As soon as he

They had seen what they wanted to see and 16 was empty.

TIGER WOODS / 2015 WM Phoenix Open Press Conference:

127

128

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

We looked back and saw all those beer cups on the tee and

chapter.” So we created a new frame for it with a facsimile

probably, maybe, an eighth of the people that were there.

version of Tiger’s scorecard, and even got an authentica-

Everybody was looping around and walking to the clubhouse

tion letter from Tiger. Local media picked up on the story

headed to the Birds Nest, the Crows Nest, whatever it is.

and we were hoping to raise maybe $50,000. Then a few

Some nest over there.”

days before the tournament, I was watching Golf Channel.

The ball Tiger used for the hole-in-one went on its own journey.

It was showing the 10 best holes-in-one, with Tiger’s shot being No. 1. I watched the full video of the shot for the first

JOCK HOLLIMAN: “My 10-year-old son Leighton

time and noticed he walked up

was the standard-bearer for Tiger’s group that

on the green, reached for the

day. He was not a shy or bashful creature, so after

ball in the cup, and then threw

the round he asked Tiger for the hole-in-one ball.

it into the crowd! Immediately

Tiger doesn’t sign much or give balls away

I yelled to my wife, ’Oh no, we

usually, but he had such a good time that day he

don’t have the real hole-in-one

gave Leighton a Titleist 90 compression ball with

ball!’ So we had to cancel the

his name on it, right out of his golf bag. We put it

auction. Tiger had probably

in a little glass trophy case. Then in 2009 I called

forgotten about throwing it to

my son and said, ‘Do you want that golf ball to just

the crowd. Nobody knows where

collect dust, or should we do something with it?’

the actual ball is now.”

He said, “Let’s auction it off for the local First Tee

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

The electric atmosphere subsided quickly after Tiger moved on to the 17th hole, but the 16th hole – today completely encircled by 3,750 general admission seats and 297 skyboxes, providing room for 17,000+ fans – would never be the same again.

129

JOCK HOLLIMAN: “I think the Tiger hole-in-one created

a level of anticipation and excitement for that hole. Phil started it. Tiger put the cherry on the pie. It’s the most recognizable and talked about hole on planet Earth. I don’t think there’s any question. I’ve played golf in Australia and Europe, and they all know about the 16th hole.” n

JOE CATTANEO: “I don’t think it was just Tiger’s hole-in-one

Despite his famous ace, (the fourth-ever on

that made that moment so special. I think it was also Omar’s

the 16th hole since the tournament moved to TPC Scottsdale in 1987), Tiger finished tied for 18th overall, 17 shots behind winner and then Valley resident Steve Jones. He has done OK after that though, winning 15 majors and an overall 82 times on the PGA TOUR. He has played in three more WM Phoenix Opens, with top-5 finishes in 1999 and 2001 and a missed cut in 2015.

shot, the circumstances, and the differences between the two players involved; all of that contributed to that whole moment. If Tiger would have hit first and made the hole-inone, it would have been special, but nowhere near as special as what actually happened. What it did for the 16th hole was that we as Thunderbirds had to figure out a system to control the crowd there. The way to do that was to start putting some vertical skyboxes in at the hole to move the student crowd away from the tee box. That was just the start of what the hole has become today.”

132

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

20 22

THE *REMEMBER PEOPLE, THESE AREN’T REAL. GET A GRIP!

Other, less popular “Quidditch” rules will also be in place for the 2023 tournament, including the use of Beater’s Bats to hit Bludgers towards other players in the field. Additionally, goalposts will be erected on par-5 holes. If a player successfully hits the ball through one of the goalposts, his score will automatically reduce by one stroke.

PGA TOUR TO ADOPT NEW ‘QUIDDITCH’ RULES AT 2023 WM PHOENIX OPEN There have been many aces carded at TPC Scottsdale during the WM Phoenix Open – none more memorable than Tiger Woods’ ace at the Coliseum in 1997 – but holes in one at the

iconic par-3 16th during the 2023 edition of “The People’s Open” will come with added benefits. The PGA TOUR and The Thunderbirds announced today they will adopt special “Quidditch” rules for the 2023 event based on the popular Harry Potter book series which will significantly impact how the tournament is scored. Beginning next year, anyone who hits a hole in one at the 16th hole – during any of the four rounds – will automatically win the event, $1.5 million in prize money and 500 FedExCup points for catching the PGA TOUR’s version of the “Golden Snitch” at TPC Scottsdale. “The game of golf – and sports in general – are evolving to match a new fan base with different needs,” said

THUNDERBIRDS HOST VIRTUAL PHOENIX OPEN ‘CHAMPIONS MATCH PLAY INVITATIONAL’ IN METAVERSE As one of the top-5 oldest tournaments on the PGA TOUR, the WM Phoenix Open has had dozens of champions, some of whom are widely considered to be the best golfers in the history of the game. But with so many great players in different decades with different equipment, it can be difficult to compare players across eras. In an attempt to

Doug Hufflebush, PGA TOUR Fantasy Integration Officer.

determine – once and for all – who is the greatest all-time

“We’re not suggesting we change the entire game, just

champion of “The People’s Open,” The Thunderbirds in

add a new, exciting component to the game on one of the

partnership with Meta are hosting the first-ever WM Phoenix

most exciting stages in golf. We’re thrilled to add this new

Open “Champions Match Play Invitational” hosted in the

layer of competition and can’t wait to see our new

Metaverse version of TPC Scottsdale. A field of 32 past

‘seekers’ tee it up on 16.”

champions will digitally tee it up in a unique, match-play

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

format for top honors with two-time and three-time champions getting a bye in the first round. “Frankly, we’re tired of the debate,” said LeJordan Murphy,

133

Gilbrandson – an accountant by trade – uses a weightedaverages model to accurately assess the overall likability of a particular seat. There are eight different categories in the

Chief G.O.A.T. Evangelist for The Thunderbirds. “Was Hogan

model including view of golf, people watching, access to adult

really a better ball striker than Phil? Was The King a better

beverages, sun exposure, boo-bird ability (can a player hear

putter than Calc? It’s all we hear in our office all day long: ‘he’s

cheers and boos), average wait time for seat, average wait time

better than him’ and so on. And now with the Metaverse, we

for bathroom, and seat comfort – a constant since all bleachers

finally have the ability to put all nonsense to bed and really,

are made from the same material. The “Plastic Throne” scores

truly determine the greatest of all time.”

a 76.5 out of a possible 80 on Gilbrandson’s scale.

Digital stats and attribute score – like putting, driving

“If for some reason I’m not sitting in that seat, you’re more

distance, accuracy and wedge play – for each player will be

than welcome to try and get it,” said Gilbrandson. “But now

determined using a Madden-style attribute generator – taken

that the proverbial cat is out of the bag, there will be a lot

from the popular EA video game. Tickets for the once-in-a-

more competition for it. Just be civil, wait for your chance and

lifetime event will be free to anyone with an Oculus VR

treat it right. With great seats comes great responsibility.”

headset and anyone who identifies as a lizard person.

FAN RANKS EVERY 16TH HOLE BLEACHER SEAT – FINDS CLEAR WINNER

TED LASSO TO OFFER PGA TOUR PLAYERS FREE PEP TALKS AT 2022 WM PHOENIX OPEN

Of the nearly 3,750 general admission seats at the famed

As part of their Player Experience Program (PEP), The Thunder-

16th-hole Coliseum at TPC Scottsdale, there appears to be

birds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – will provide players

a clear winner of the “best seat in the house,” according to

competing in the event “pep talks” from none other than Ted

one regular fan of the WM Phoenix Open. Minnesota native

Lasso – the heartwarming fictional coach of AFC Richmond.

and perennial “People’s Open” attendee Grayson Michael

The one-on-one, bro-down-ho-downs will be available free of

Gilbrandson – or as he’s known in his friend circles, “Ice Hole”

charge to any player competing in the 2022 edition of the

Gilbrandson – has spent the better part of 15 years testing,

“Greatest Show on Grass” and will be conducted via Cameo

filing and otherwise ranking the best seats at 16. According

– a website that enables people to pay celebrities to record

to “Ice Hole,” there are many really good seats at 16, but only

personalized messages.

one “best seat,” and it isn’t even close.

“Golf can be a tremendously difficult game and it’s only

“I’ve dedicated my adult life to this project and I can say,

exacerbated by the monumental number of fans at TPC

without a shadow of a doubt, the best general admission seat

Scottsdale,” said Roy Keely, PEP Coordinator. “We want

in the Coliseum is east bleacher, row four, seat six,” said

to make sure anyone teeing it up at our event has access

Gilbrandson. “With respect to my proprietary rankings system,

to some of the most heartwarming inspirational quotes in

it is the only seat to score an 8.5 or above in all ranking

the world offered by none other than the Gentleman of

categories. I call it the ‘Plastic Throne.’”

Generosity Ted Lasso.”

136

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

137

SE T TO SI Z Z Z L E

F e a t u r i n g Diplo, cole Swin dell, sam H u nt, russell Dickerson, Macklemore, Quin n xcii, ayokay, kygo, sam Feldt an d forester

138

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

THE 2022 COORS LIGHT BIRDS NEST – running Wednesday through Saturday of tournament week – officially kicks off with wildly popular DJ/songwriter Diplo and American country music sensation Cole Swindell hitting the stage on Wednesday night. “We’re pumped to welcome Diplo and Cole Swindell to kick off the first of four awesome nights of music at the Coors Light Birds Nest,” said 2022 Tournament Chairman, Michael Golding. “Our fans have shown their love for both EDM and country music, so we figured why not get this concert series started in style by showcasing both on the same night.” Diplo is a 10-time Grammy-nominated producer and DJ who worked closely with top talent worldwide. The American artist is deeply entrenched in the electronic dancehall music project Major Lazer, and in 2020, debuted his first country album — now certified Gold — as well as his first ambient album, MMXX. Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum rising superstar Cole Swindell toured with the biggest performers in country music, before officially becoming a headliner in 2018. Since then, he racked up more than 4 billion global career streams, among other award-winning recognition, including a Platinum-certified debut album (Cole Swindell) and a Gold-certified sophomore album. American country music star Sam Hunt headlines Thursday’s show with special guest and multi-Platinum artist Russell Dickerson. Hunt is well-known for blending hip-hop and modern R&B into his country-pop songs. A generational shift for sure, Hunt quickly earned recognition from both inside and outside the country music community, earning many awards along the way. Four-time-Grammy-award-winning rapper and songwriter Macklemore headlines Friday night. He earned those Grammys in 2014, along with two American Music Awards in 2013 for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Album.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

139

WEDNESDAY / FEBRUARY 9 :: DIPLO / COLE SWINDELL THURSDAY / FEBRUARY 10 :: SAM HUNT / RUSSELL DICKERSON FRIDAY / FEBRUARY 11 :: MACKLEMORE / QUINN XCII / AYOKAY SATURDAY / FEBRUARY 12 :: KYGO / SAM FELDT / FORESTER Macklemore also notched the Rap Song of the Year (“Thrift Shop”) and Top Rap Song (“Can’t Hold Us”) in the Billboard Music Awards. Finally, Norwegian-born producer/DJ Kygo rounds out Saturday’s lineup alongside special guests Sam Feldt and Forester. Thanks to his widely popular remixes, Kygo is a household name, selling out in North America and Europe as well as headlining at Coachella and Ultra Music Festival. He amassed 15 billion cumulative global audio and video streams, and Kygo is making his second-consecutive Coors Light Birds Nest appearance following a hugely successful 2020 debut. Although the massive 48,000 square-foot tent still showcases the live performances, the outdoor patio of the Coors Light Birds Nest now offers an enhanced fan experience more akin to a music festival atmosphere. “This year we wanted to improve the overall fan experience, especially before the headliners take the stage,” said 2022 Coors Light Birds Nest Chairman, Eric Brandt. “Coors Light Birds Nest ticket holders can expect a much more fan-friendly atmosphere where they can meet friends for drinks after golf, come early to have a bite to eat at food trucks, play outdoor party games and enjoy the various outdoor bars and seating areas.” A 21-and-over venue, the Coors Light Birds Nest is located directly across from the main WM Phoenix Open tournament entrance at 82nd and Bell. It’s open 3:30 - 10:30 p.m., with headline acts taking the main stage around 8:30. Visit CoorsLightBirdsNest.com to learn more. n

140

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WM PHOENIX OPEN PAST CHAMPIONS

“

"SUCCESS IN GOLF DEPENDS LESS ON STRENGTH OF BODY THAN UPON STRENGTH OF MIND AND CHARACTER." A R N O L D PA L M E R P H O E N I X O P E N C H A M P | 1961, 1 9 62, 1963

142

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

ON THE CLOCK

SCOTTIESCHEFFLER After taking home PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year honors in 2020, Scottie Scheffler has firmly cemented his place among the new crop of extraordinary talent in professional golf circles. And while many people – especially golf fans – know of Scottie Scheffler’s accomplishments on course, there are a few things they might not know about what makes the young Texan tick.

In this segment of “On the Clock,” Tournament Chairman Dr. Michael Golding asks Scottie some personal questions – rapid-fire style. FAVORITE GOLF COURSE TO PLAY (THAT IS NOT A PGA TOUR EVENT)

Royal Oaks, my home course in Houston.

FAVORITE MAJOR (BESIDES THE PEOPLE’S OPEN)?

Probably the Masters – tough to beat.

FAVORITE TEXAS BBQ JOINT?

Opie’s in Austin, Texas

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

Dallas Cowboys

IN N OUT OR WHATABURGER?

Whataburger – that’s an easy one. Texas Guy. BEST SHOT YOU’VE HIT ON THE 16TH HOLE.

Lob wedge

Good question. I think I hit one pretty close to the back pin – the back leftish pin which is tough to get at, but I don’t remember how close it was. I haven’t really hit a special shot there just yet, but maybe this year is my year.

IF YOU COULD HAVE A WALK UP SONG AT OUR 16TH HOLE WHAT WOULD IT BE?

WHAT IS THE LOUDER HOLE – 16 AT THE PEOPLE’S OPEN OR 17 AT THE PLAYERS?

FAVORITE GOLFER GROWING UP

Tiger. For sure.

FAVORITE CLUB IN THE BAG?

Something to calm me down a little bit. Classical music or something to help the nerves. BEER OR COCKTAILS?

That’s tough – that’s a tough call. I would say cocktails. My go-to cocktail is Ranchwater. IF YOU COULD PLAY ANOTHER SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Basketball.

FAVORITE MOVIE?

Caddyshack. Even better than Tin Cup, but that’s good, too.

16 at TPC Scottsdale for sure. For sure. Just the way the stands are, it’s not even close. TIGER OR JACK?

Tiger

MJ OR LEBRON – WHO IS THE G.O.A.T?

BEST MEMORY FROM A FAN AT THE PHOENIX OPEN

One of my favorite fan memories was my rookie year. I was warming up on the range, and I was hitting balls at like 6:15 and it was pitch black. I’m hitting 7 irons and I see some shadows of people sprinting down the path trying to get to 16. I saw that and I thought “this isn’t the Korn Ferry Tour anymore.”

144

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

YOU’RE NOT AT THE OPEN UNLESS YOU

SHARE I T

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

145

146

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

147

GREENSKEEPER GROWS UP

THE PARTY NEVER STOPS Since this premier party venue moved to its current lakeside location in 2012, periodic glimpses of the WM Gopher yachting by aren’t the only perk. Fans can now eat, drink and socialize while overlooking the golf action on the often-pivotal 18th hole. The elevated experience boosts the Greenskeeper’s appeal to the heights of nearby favorites like the Bay Club and even the famed 16th hole.

158

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WM PHOENIX OPEN PAST CHAMPIONS

“

IF YOU START THINKING ABOUT THE RESULT OR WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF YOU DO SOMETHING, THAT’S THE ONLY TIME THERE’S PRESSURE BROOKS KOEPKA W M P H O E N I X O P E N C H A M P | 2015, 2021

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

161

MILITARY SALUTE The Thunderbirds listed here have served our nation through military service in the following branches — United States Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Army Air Corps, United States Air Force, Air National Guard, AirForce Reserve, United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, United States Navy, Navy Reserve, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve. Many are decorated war veterans. All are heroes. Many of these men have been involved in land, sea and air combat. Some have been shot down, seriously wounded and even one was in a World War II German prisoner of war camp. Jason Adler Harry S. Amster Hazen S. Arnold Louis P. Benedict Leon F. Bentley Kemp Biddulph William W. Bohnert Herbert J. Bool William T. Boutell John T. Braddock Ben F. Brooks Preston T. Brown Robert M. Calfee Phillip J. Calihan Sr. Phillip J. Calihan Jr. Michael J. Carter Thomas E. Cunningham William R. Cutter Ralph L. Diamond George W. Druliner Karl Eller Robert N. Ewing P. Robert Fannin Robert L. Fletcher T. Patrick Flood James S. Frazier Warner A. Gabel William T. Garland John E. Gaskin Barry M. Goldwater Leslie Heitel Lynn Hester

Terry J. Hoeschler Richard E. Hollenbeck Thomas R. Hornaday Leonard W. Huck Jim M. Hunter C. R. Igoe R. Neil Irwin Robert S. Jackson John T. Katsenes Richard G. Kleindienst Howard E. Kraft Everett W. Kyle Peter A. Ladigo Luke S. Larson George E. Leonard H.J. Lewkowitz J. Daryl Lippincott Herbert J. Louis John J. Low Daniel A. Madison James R. Marshall Robert L. Matthews John R. Maus Gerald W. McGrath John McKone Edward W. McLoone J. Byrl Meeks Arthur S. Mehagian Joe Melczer William E. Miller John E. Miller James M. Murphy

A.H. Neal Edward V. O'Malley E. Payne Palmer Wallace Perry Gene E. Rice Thomas W. Richardson Warren C. Ridge Clark Rorbach Harry Rosenzweig Thomas H. Ross Jason C. Rowley Jason S. Schechterle JayD Schlueter Tim Sexson Ralston L. Shannon James P. Simmons Lawrence A. Spitalny J. Robert Stark Claude P. Stephens

Lawrence M. Stewart Walter Switzer Terence W. Thomas Tracy R. Thomas Michael E. Tiffany Webb Todd Edward Tovrea Richard A. Van Arsdale Thomas A. Van Arsdale Kenneth J. Vegors John M. Vivian James N. Wentworth Timothy T. Woods

162

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

ARIZONA SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2020

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

LONGTIME THUNDERBIRDS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INDUCTED INTO ARIZONA

hundreds of thousands of fans who like to show up early – and never want to leave.” Eleven of Bridger’s 18 years on the job were spent alongside Waste Management as the title sponsor. “They understand us; our event; the passion we have

SPORTS HALL OF FAME

for our event. They understand what it means for our

The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame recently honored its

birds, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help

Class of 2020, albeit a year late and in 2021 due to

put on “The Greastest Show on Grass.”

community, and they want to be a part of it,” said Bridger. He served all 18 years with the staff of The Thunder-

COVID, and among the Who’s Who of inductees was our

“The Thunderbird staff is unbelievable,” he exclaimed.

very own John Bridger, longtime Executive Director of

“They’re the best on the PGA TOUR by far. They have

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open.

energy and passion that’s unmatched. They make us

The alphabet soup of sports was well represented and included the NBA’s Paul Westphal, the WNBA’s Ann

better every year.” Of course Bridger carved out a special moment to

Meyers Drysdale, MLB’s Andre Ethier, and WM Phoenix

thank his family. No doubt they sacrificed just as much, if

Open fan favorite Phil Mickelson.

not more, to the goals of the tournament, which according

“For 18 years, I was always kind of behind the scenes, and never got the opportunity to get on the mic,” Bridger said during his acceptance speech in November of 2021.

to Bridger, is “primarily to promote the Valley of the Sun, and we think we’ve done a pretty dang good job.” Secondarily, Bridger explained that it’s for charity. The

“Tonight’s my night. I got the mic, and I’ll just keep it as

more than $165 million raised during the tournament’s

long as I want it.”

86-year history touched millions of people.

Paybacks aside, Bridger was as unassuming that

“When we see a veteran get off the street, when we

evening as he has been throughout his tenure as

see a child get services at Phoenix Children’s Hospital,

Executive Director of one of the most popular and

a mother and her family get shelter; or when we see a

exciting events not in just golf, but in all of sports.

special Olympian get a medal put around his neck.

“There’s so much that goes into receiving an award, whether it’s family, coaches, trainers, teammates, staff, everyone contributes. That’s what makes it so special, and it’s certainly true in my case.” It’s also certainly true that scale is everything at the WM Phoenix Open. “When you take the Ryder Cup, and you marry it with Kentucky Derby, Indy 500 and the Super Bowl; you’ve about got to the Phoenix Open,” said Bridger. “It’s kind of a big deal, in case you’re wondering.” If that’s not enough of a circus, Bridger called out another balancing act of humanity. “It takes 5,000 volunteers, many of whom start early, and they’re ready to leave early,” he said. “Then it takes

That’s the passion that drives our event, that’s what makes it special for all of us.” Bridger concluded his acceptance speech much in the way he began it, giving thanks to those who helped boost the value of his lifework to the heights of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. Although this article is limited in breadth, he didn’t miss anyone, especially the 18 tournament directors he propped up over the years. Pete Kuehner, Greg Hoyt, Bryon Carney, Mike Haenel, Pat McGinley, Tim Louis, John Felix, David Rauch, Mike McQuaid, Alex Clark, Tom Altieri, Tom King, Danny Calihan, Dan Mahoney, Andy Markham, Carlos Sugich, Chance Cozby and Tim Woods. This time around, however, Bridger had the mic!

163

166

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

167

2021 RECAP ROUND ONE All four players on top of the first-round leaderboard took advantage of mild morning conditions under clear, calm skies

“I love to watch who is playing well and look for potential players on the Ryder Cup team,” said Stricker. Notably, defending champion, Webb Simpson, shot an

that turned gusty as the day unfolded. Matthew NeSmith, in

opening round 73, and eventual 2021 champion, Brooks

his first start at the WM Phoenix Open, had one of those

Koepka, posted a 3-under-par 68, with a three-hole birdie

days when “everything kind of lined up really nicely,” he said

run on holes 14-16, to sit five strokes off the pace.

in a post-round interview, tied for the first-round lead. He made four birdies and an eagle on his outgoing nine on the

ROUND 2

way to a career-low-tying 8-under 63.

With top-20 or better finishes in his four appearances at

“I probably made the quietest almost hole-in-one ever on 16,” said NeSmith. “I got about six claps there and hit it to six inches.” Mark Hubbard joined NeSmith at 8-under with a similar-

the WM Phoenix Open, Xander Schauffele jumped into the second-round lead after a bogey-free 64. After a “slow front nine” where he “stayed really patient,” Schauffele caught fire with consecutive birdies on 12, 13, 14

looking scorecard anchored by five circles on the last six

and an eagle-3 on the par-5 15th hole. He picked up one

holes. His bogey-free 63 came a year after finishing T9 at

more birdie on 18 to lead by one.

TPC Scottsdale, T42 in 2017 and T60 in 2016. “I love this tournament,” he said. “I really like this course a lot. I see the greens really well for some reason, and I just really love the energy.” Two players – Nate Lashley and Sam Burns – finished the first round tied for third place, one shot back, at 7-under 64. Lashley, a local and 2005 University of Arizona grad, was happy to be home. He explained that “getting it in the fairway” was the key

“I think everyone in the field knows if you can play those holes properly you have the chance to make a lot of birdies coming in,” he said. In his career to that point, the World No. 4 held the 36-hole lead/co-lead on TOUR four times without converting any of them into wins. Steady Steve Stricker turned in another solid performance to sit tied for second place with Keegan Bradley at 11-under par. His second-round 5-under 66 looked much like his first-

to playing Arizona golf, “and then obviously making putts. It

round 65, less one birdie. Stricker was making it look so

doesn't matter how great you hit it; if you don't make the putts,

easy that it was hard to believe the last of his 12 career wins

it doesn't do much for you. They are rolling as good as any

on TOUR was in 2012.

green on the PGA TOUR.” Meanwhile, Burns, who began on hole No. 10, made eight birdies in a 10-hole stretch to open with a 7-under 64. In solo-fifth place, 2021 Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker made seven birdies and only one bogey. In addition to the

“Yeah, I haven't been in this position for quite some time out here, and obviously on the Champions Tour and a few tournaments here and there where I've won or been in contention,” he said. While most players were making hay on the back nine,

competition, Stricker also took the opportunity to size up

for the second day, Keegan Bradley blitzed TPC Scottsdale’s

the field.

front nine. In the first round, Bradley reeled off five consec-

168

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

utive birdies on holes 3-7. Then in the second round,

Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele overcame an early bogey

Bradley immediately caught fire with four consecutive

at No. 2 by piling on seven birdies, including four on his last

birdies on holes 1-4.

six holes, to maintain a share of the lead for the second

Bradley chocked it up to a hot putter. “Yeah, I made an adjustment this week. I tried to kind of replicate my belly put-

straight round. “I tried to hit a fade on 2 and a fade on 3, and I pulled one on

ter setup, and my eyes way more outside the ball, trying to

2 and overcut it on 3,” he explained. “Had a good number into

keep my hands inside the ball, and it's really working so far.”

4, hit a good shot, and that settled the round.”

Scottie Scheffler finished the second round tied for fourth place. He made the best of an early tee time off the 10th hole

Schauffele then “settled” for more birdies at 6 and 9, and for the second day in a row, made birdie or better on holes

by carding birdies at 12, 14 and 16 before draining a 40-footer

13, 14 and 15 before his final birdie of the day at No. 17.

for eagle on the par-4 17th en route to a 6-under 65.

Schauffele summed up this stretch of holes as a double-

Defending champion Webb Simpson overcame a first-round

edged sword: “If you're hitting your ball on a correct line

2-over 73 with a 6-under 65 in his bid to become the third

you'll have a bunch of good looks, and if you're not, those

player since 1970 to successfully defend his WM Phoenix open

holes can penalize you.”

title. Brooks Koepka followed his first-round 68 with a 66 in the second to sit T8, five strokes off the pace.

Continuing to impress, Scottie Scheffler followed his first two rounds (67, 65) with a third-round 5-under 66 to sit T-3 for the championship after 54 holes.

ROUND 3 Saturday was all about Jordan Spieth. He tied his career-low

Louis Oosthuizen put up the second-best score of the day, 63, which included four birdies per side and no bogeys. In

score with a 10-under 61. His 61 also tied the lowest third-

only his second start at the WM Phoenix Open (he finished

round score in WM Phoenix Open tournament history, first

third in 2017), Oosthuizen threw up his hands when asked

set by Johnny Miller in 1970.

why he seems to play well at TPC Scottsdale.

No doubt the nearly 126 feet of total made putts vaulted

“I don't know,” he said. “Looks like I need to come back

him into a share of the 54-hole lead alongside Xander

every four years. It's always like a little awkward for my

Schauffele at 18-under par.

schedule, but this year was a little different and I decided to

“I mean, to shoot 10-under, you got to do a lot right, but I also got quite a few really good breaks,” said Spieth. “Each

come play. It's just great to see fans back.” K.H. Lee worked his way into a tie for third place after his

shot that ended up in the desert, I think, I ended up playing

third-straight 66, which included an eagle-2 at 17 and a

those holes 2- or 3-under today.”

birdie at 18.

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

169

in 13th place in his first WM Phoenix Open appearance. “I used the green book a bit, and I did that for three days and didn't really work,” he explained. “So I just sort of went with my eyes and my gut today and it helped.” An indication of the talent on TOUR, Andrew Putnam became the second player that season to log 72 holes without a single bogey – and still lose. His 16 birdies and zero bogeys resulted in a mere T7 finish. Through the melee, Brooks Koepka picked up his eighth TOUR victory in his 145th start. Paired with Hahn and Stricker, Koepka entered the final round trailing by five strokes, and becomes the third player in tournament history to overcome the deficit in the final round to win. “I think 2 kind of woke me up a little bit on 3,” he said after following a bogey on No. 2 with an eagle on No. 3. Koepka then strung together nine consecutive pars until Although all eyes were on Spieth then, with 20/20 hindsight now, Koepka’s stellar play on Saturday turned out to be the harbinger of things to come. The 2015 WM Phoenix Open Champion birdied five of his last six holes to post a

a spark reignited his run. “I think on 12, Ricky [caddie] said something to me about, ‘We're right there,’” Koepka said. He promptly recorded birdies on the next three holes (13-

5-under 66 for the second round in a row. At the post-round

15). Despite this, the outcome of the tournament was still

interview, Koepka liked his chances for Sunday.

unclear until Koepka definitively seized the championship

“Yeah, just got to be within three on the back nine,” he said. “Anything can happen here. Obviously with quite a bit

with a 98-foot pitch-in for an eagle-two on the par-4 17th hole. “I felt like the chip…if I just caught it right in the fringe it

of water off the backside, especially on 11 and 15 and 17,

was going to check up on me,” he said. “And it did per-

you can make a bogey very quickly.”

fectly. Took a nice little right kick and didn't look anywhere else but the hole.”

FINAL ROUND

Despite all the drama at 17 over the years, Koepka was

With 18 holes to play, co-leaders Jordan Spieth and Xander

the first winner at TPC Scottsdale to eagle the hole during

Schauffele both sat in the drivers’ seat. Unfortunately

the final round.

they were not able to get anything going in the final round. Spieth was 3-over par after 11 holes, and Schauffele sat 2-over after 14 holes, with his hopes dashed when his drive

With the win Koepka snapped a streak of three straight missed cuts, and more importantly, climbed back into contention following a long battle rehabbing a knee injury.

found the water hazard at No. 17. He finished T-2, earning

“No matter how much work and pain I was doing with

the superlative for the most runner-up finishes (10) of any

Derek, my trainer, it just felt like it wasn't progressing,” he

player since the 2017-18 season. Spieth settled for T-4.

lamented. “But we stuck with it. Those dark places, a lot of

Not everyone struggled in the final round. Finishing T-2 for the first time after 70 starts, K.H. Lee finished off with a

tears, questioning yourself, and in dark places mentally.” He also gave credit to Pete Cowen, Butch and Claude

68. Carlos Ortiz put up the lowest score of the day, 7-under

Harmon: “That old school, that generation, I've always

64, and 53-year-old Steve Stricker hit all 18 greens in

admired them for being very blunt, honest.”

egulation to finish T-4.

Not the least of which, Koepka tipped his hat to the fans.

Stricker’s other playing partner that day, James Hahn,

“I struggled without fans to get momentum. I like feeling

carded a 6-under 30 on the front nine to briefly lead the

like you got to show off in front of people,” he said. “There

tournament before finishing in 10th place. Thanks to a hot

is just no energy. Who knows how long we'll be playing like

putter, Rory McIlroy came alive in the final round to finish

this. It was nice to have fans back. I do feel like I'm back.”

170

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

WIN NER BY YEAR

1932thru2021

2021 Brooks Koepka

$ 1,314,000

68 66

66 65 265

1975

Johnny Miller

30,000

67 61

68 64 260

2020 Webb Simpson

$ 1,314,000

71 63

64 69 267

1974

Johnny Miller

30,000

69 69

66 67 271

2019 Rickie Fowler

$ 1,278,000

64 65

64 74 267

1973

Bruce Crampton

30,000

68 67

68 65 268

2018 Gary Woodland

$ 1,242,000

67 68

67 64 266

1972

Homero Blancas

25,000

70 61

73 69 273

Miller Barber

2017

Hideki Matsuyama $ 1,206,000

65 68

70 67 270

1971

25,000

65 64

67 65 261

2016 Hideki Matsuyama $ 1,170,000

65 68

70 67 270

1970 Dale Douglass

30,000

71 66

68 66 271

2015 Brooks Koepka

$ 1,134,000

71 68

64 66 269

1969 Gene Littler

30,000

69 66

62 66 263

2014 Kevin Stadler

1,116,000

65 68

67 68 268

1968 George Knudson

30,000

67 64

70 71

2013 Phil Mickelson

$ 1,116,000

60 65

64 67 256

1967 Julius Boros

14,000

69 67

69 67 272

272

2012 Kyle Stanley

$ 1,098,000

69 66

69 65 269

1966 Dudley Wysong

9,000

73 69

70 66 278

2011

$ 1,098,000

65 64

68 69 266

1965 Rod Funseth

10,500

71 68

68 67 274

2010 Hunter Mahan

$ 1,080,000

68 70

65 65 268

1964 Jack Nicklaus

7,500

71 66

68 66 271

2009 Kenny Perry

$ 1,080,000

72 63

66 69 270

1963 Arnold Palmer

5,300

68 67

68 70 273

2008 J.B. Holmes

$ 1,080,000

68 65

66 71

1962 Arnold Palmer

5,300

64 68

2007 Aaron Baddeley

$ 1,080,000

65 70

64 64 263

1961

4,300

69 65

66 70 270

2006 J.B. Holmes

936,000

68 64

65 66 263

1960 Jack Fleck

3,150

68 68

2005 Phil Mickelson

936,000

73 60

66 68 267

1959 Gene Littler

2,400

67 63

67 71

2004 Jonathan Kaye

936,000

65 68

66 67 266

1958 Ken Venturi

2,000

70 68

66 70 274

2003 Vijay Singh

720,000

67 66

65 63 261

1987

2,000

68 71

65 67 271

2002 Chris DiMarco

Mark Wilson

270

Arnold Palmer

Billy Casper

66 269 66 273 268

720,000

68 64

66 69 267

1956 Cary Middlecoff

2,400

72 66

70 68 276

2001 Mark Calcavecchia $

720,000

65 60

64 67 256

1955 Gene Littler

2,400

66 70

68 71

2000 Tom Lehman

576,000

63 67

73 67 270

1954 Ed Furgol

2,000

71 68

65 68 272

275

1999 Rocco Mediate

540,000

69 67

66 71

273

1953 Lloyd Mangrum

2,000

71 68

63 70 272

1998 Jesper Parnevik

450,000

68 68

66 67 269

1952 Lloyd Mangrum

2,000

68 69

67 70 274

270,000

62 64

65 67 258

1951

2,000

70 69

63 70 272

1996 Phil Mickelson

234,000

69 67

66 67 269

1950 Jimmy Demaret

2,000

64 67

69 69 269

1995 Vijay Singh

234,000

70 67

66 66 269

1949

2,000

69 71

65 73 278

1994 Bill Glasson

216,000

68 68

68 64 268

1948 Bobby Locke

2,000

65 69

67 67 268

1993 Lee Janzen

180,000

67 65

73 68 273

1947

2,000

67 64

70 69 270

1992 Mark Calcavecchia $

180,000

69 65

67 63 264

1946 Ben Hogan

1,500

66 68

1991

180,000

65 66

66 71

1945 Byron Nelson

1,000

68 65

72 69 274

162,000

65 67

67 68 267

1944

1,000

74 67

64 68 273

1989 Mark Calcavecchia $

126,000

66 68

65 64 263

1943 NO TOURNAMENT

1988 Sandy Lyle

117,000

68 68

68 65 269

1942 Herman Barron

1,000

69 69

1987

1997

Steve Jones

Nolan Henke

1990 Tommy Armour III

Paul Azinger

268

Lew Worsham Jimmy Demaret Ben Hogan

Harold McSpaden

68 273

67 276

108,000

67 69

65 67 268

1941

Ed Oliver

1,000

67 72

67 69 275

1986 Hal Sutton

90,000

64 64

68 71

1940 Ed Oliver

700

69 72

205

1985 Calvin Peete

81,000

65 65

72 68 270

1939 Byron Nelson

700

68 65

198

1984 Tom Purtzer

72,000

68 67

68 65 268

1938 NO TOURNAMENT

1983 Bob Gilder

63,000

68 68

66 69 271

1937

1936 NO TOURNAMENT $

500

69 73

68 281

267

NO TOURNAMENT

1982 Lanny Wadkins

54,000

65 70

63 65 263

1981

54,000

65 68

69 66 268

1935 Ky Laffoon

1980 Jeff Mitchell

54,000

69 67

69 67 272

1934

1979

Ben Crenshaw

33,750

67 61

1978

Miller Barber

40,000

68 69

70 65 272

1933 Harry Cooper

400

70 68

1932

600

67 74

76 68 285

1977

David Graham

199

Jerry Pate

40,000

67 67

70 73 277

1976 Bob Gilder

40,000

68 67

66 67 268

Two-man best ball $ 100 Ky Laffoon & Barry Goldwater Ralph Guldahl

64 72 281

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

171

WM Phoenix open RECORD BOOK

how low can you go?

1932thru2021

LOW 18:

LOW LAST 36:

LOW 54:

60:

Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC / 1st

125: Scott Piercy / 2013 / TPC

189: Phil Mickeson / 2013 / TPC

60:

Phil Mickelson / 2005 / TPC / 2nd

128: Vijay Singh / 2003 / TPC

189: Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC

60:

Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC / 2nd

128: Lee Janzen / 2002 / TPC

191:

60:

Grant Waite / 1996 / TPC / 4th

128: Lanny Wadkins / 1982 / Phoenix CC

193: Rickie Fowler / 2019 / TPC

61:

Jordan Spieth / 2021 / TPC / 3rd

128: Billy Casper / 1971 / Arizona CC

195: Rocco Mediate / 2001 / TPC

61:

Wyndham Clark 61 / 2020 / TPC / 1st

128: Gene Littler / 1969 / Arizona CC

196: David Duval / 1997 / TPC

61:

Scott Piercy / 2013 / TPC / 4th

128: Aaron Baddeley / 2007 / TPC

196: Hal Sutton / 1986 / Phoenix CC

61:

J.J. Henry / 2006 / TPC / 2nd

129: Martin Laird / 2011 / TPC

196: Johnny Miller / 1975 / Phoenix CC

61:

Don Pooley / 1986 / Phoenix CC

61:

Ben Crenshaw / 1979 / Phoenix CC

LOW CONSECUTIVE 36:

196: Harrison Frazar / 2003 / TPC

61:

Johnny Miller / 1975 / Phoenix CC

196: Tommy Gainey / 2011 / TPC

61:

Homero Blancas / 1972 / Phoenix CC

124: Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC / 2nd, 3rd

61:

Johnny Miller / 1970 / Phoenix CC

125: Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC / 1st, 2nd

62:

Ryan Moore / 2013 / TPC / 4th

125: Scott Piercy / 2013 / TPC / 3rd, 4th

62:

Steve Stricker / 2001 / TPC

126: Phil Mickelson / 2005 / TPC / 2nd, 3rd

62:

Steve Jones / 1997 / TPC

62:

Mark Calcavecchia / 1996 / TPC

LOW BACK 9 AT TPC:

62:

Curt Byrum / 1996 / TPC

29:

Phil Mickelson / 2013 / 1st

62:

Doug Tewell / 1987 / TPC

29:

Rickie Fowler / 2011 / 2nd

J.C. Snead / 1973 / Arizona CC

29:

J.J. Henry / 2006 / 2nd

62:

Billy Casper / 1971 / Arizona CC

29:

Scott Verplank / 1998

62:

Gene Littler / 1969 / Arizona CC

29:

Grant Waite / 1996

62:

Doug Sanders / 1961 / Arizona CC

62:

Harrison Frazar / 2003 / TPC

LOW FRONT 9 AT TPC:

62:

Camilo Villegas / 2010 / TPC

28:

Chris DiMarco / 2003 / 3rd

62:

Rickie Fowler / 2011 / TPC

29:

Webb Simpson / 2020 / 2nd

62:

Brendan Steele / 2014 / TPC / 3rd

29:

Ted Potter Jr. 2013 / 3rd

29:

Mark Wilson / 2012 / 4th

LOW FIRST 36:

29:

Troy Matteson / 2009 / 3rd

125: Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC

29:

Phil Mickelson / 2005 / 2nd

125: Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC

29:

John Huston / 2003 / 1st

126: Steve Jones / 1997 / TPC

29:

Rory Sabbatini / 2003 / 2nd

128: J.J. Henry / 2006 / TPC

29:

Vijay Singh / 2003 / 4th

128: Hal Sutton / 1986 / Phoenix CC

29:

Steve Stricker / 2001

128: Ben Crenshaw / 1979 / Phoenix CC

29:

Mark Calcavecchia / 2001

LOW 72:

128: Johnny Miller / 1975 / Phoenix CC

29:

Hal Sutton / 1993

256: Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC

128: Tommy Gainey / 2011 / TPC

29:

Dillard Pruitt / 1992

256: Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC

128: Spencer Levin / 2012 / TPC

29:

Mark Lye / 1991

258: Steve Jones / 1997 / TPC

129: Rickie Fowler / 2019 / TPC

29:

Davis Love III / 1989

260: Johnny Miller / 1975 / Phoenix CC

129: Tim Petrovic / 2003 / TPC

29:

Steve Elkington / 1989

260: Brandt Snedker / 2013 / TPC

129: Harrison Frazar / 2003 / TPC

29:

Bob Lohr / 1988

261: Miller Barber / 1971 / Arizona CC

129: Jeff Quinney / 2007 / TPC

29:

Payne Stewart / 1987

261: Vijay Singh / 2003 / TPC

62:

129: Mark Wilson / 2011 / TPC

Steve Jones / 1997 / TPC

196: Miller Barber / 1971 / Arizona CC

196: Spencer Levin / 2012 / TPC

BYRON NELSON LOW CONSECUTIVE 54: 189: Phil Mickeson / 2013 / TPC 1st, 2nd, 3rd 189: Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC 1st, 2nd, 3rd 191: Scott Piercy / 2013 / TPC 2nd, 3rd, 4th

261: Scott Piercy / 2013 / TPC

172

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

RECORD BOOK MOST BIRDIES IN 72 HOLES:

LOWEST 2ND ROUND:

32:

Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC

60:

Phil Mickelson / 2005 / TPC

29:

Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC

60:

Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC

61:

J.J. Henry / 2006 / TPC

MOST UNDER PAR ON PAR 3S AT TPC SINCE 1987:

61:

Don Pooley / 1986 / Phoenix CC

61:

Ben Crenshaw / 1979 / Phoenix CC

-9

Phil Mickelson / 2013

61:

Johnny Miller / 1975 / Phoenix CC

-7

Chris DiMarco / 2003

61:

Homero Blancas / 1972 / Phoenix CC

-7

Scott Hoch / 2003

62:

Steve Stricker / 2001 / TPC

62:

Steve Stricker / 2003 / TPC

62:

Rickie Fowler / 2011 / TPC

MOST PLAYERS LOWER THAN 20-UNDER PAR AT TPC: 4–

2013 Phil Mickelson / -28 Brandt Snedeker / -24 Scott Piercy / -23 Ryan Moore / -22

LOWEST 3RD ROUND: 61:

Jordan Spieth / 2021 / TPC

61:

Johnny Miller / 1970 / Phoenix CC

2007 Aaron Baddeley / -21 John Rollins / -20

62:

Doug Tewell / 1987 / TPC

62:

Gene Littler / 1969 / Arizona CC

2–

2003 Vijay Singh / -23 John Huston / -20

62:

Chris DiMarco / 2003 / TPC

62:

Brendan Steele / 2014 / TPC

2–

2001 Mark Calcavecchia / -28 Rocco Mediate / -20

2–

MOST CONSECUTIVE BIRDIES AT THE TPC: 7:

J.J. Henry / 2006 / holes 9-15

Justin Thomas / 2018 / holes 1-6

Justin Leonard / 2004 / holes 13-18

Chris DiMarco / 2004 / holes 10-15

Steve Stricker / 2003 / holes 11-16

Ed Fiori / 1992

Mark Lye / 1991 / holes 1-6

1932thru2021

ED FURGOL

LOWEST 4TH ROUND: 60:

Grant Waite / 1996 / TPC

61:

Scott Piercy / 2013 / TPC

LOWEST 4TH ROUND BY WINNER:

GENE LITTLER

63:

Mark Calcavecchia / 1992 / TPC

63:

Vijay Singh / 2003 / TPC

YOUNGEST PHOENIX OPEN WINNERS:

64:

Aaron Baddeley / 2007 / TPC

Ralph Guldahl / 1932 / 20 Y / 2 M / 9 D

65:

Hunter Mahan / 2010 / TPC

Jerry Pate / 1977: 23 Y / three M / three D

65:

Kyle Stanley / 2012 / TPC

J.B. Holmes / 2006: 23 Y / nine M / 9 D Kyle Stanley / 2012: 24 Y / two M / 17 D

LONGEST BIRDIE-EAGLE STREAK AT TPC: 5:

Grant Waite / 1996 / E / B / E / B / B

Ben Crenshaw / 1995 / B / E / B / B / B

Ken Green / 1994 / B / E / B / E / B

LOWEST 1ST ROUND: 60:

Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC

61:

Wyndham Clark / 2020 / TPC

62:

Steve Jones / 1997 / TPC

62:

J.C. Snead / 1973 / Arizona CC

62:

Harrison Frazar / 2003 / TPC

62:

Camilo Villegas / 2010 / TPC

HIGHEST 4TH ROUND BY WINNER:

Brooks Koepka / 2015: 24 Y / eight M / 26 D

74:

Rickie Fowler / 2019 / TPC

73:

Jerry Pate / 1977 / Phoenix CC

OLDEST PHOENIX OPEN WINNERS:

73:

Jimmy Demaret / 1949 / Phoenix CC

Kenny Perry / 2009: 48 Y / 3 M / 21 D

72:

Harry Cooper / 1933 / Phoenix CC

Julius Boros / 1967: 46 Y / 11 M / 9 D

71:

Rocco Mediate / 1999 / TPC

Miller Barber / 1978: 46 Y / 10 M / 2 D

71:

Nolan Henke / 1991 / TPC

Phil Mickelson / 2013: 42 Y / 7 M / 18 D

71:

J.B. Holmes / 2008 / TPC

Calvin Peete / 1985: 41 Y / 6 M / 2 D

60:

Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC

PGA TOUR ROOKIES TO WIN THE PHOENIX OPEN:

62:

Steve Jones / 1997 / TPC

J.B. Holmes / 2006

LOWEST START BY WINNER:

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

BEN HOGAN FIRST CAREER WIN AT THE PHOENIX OPEN:

LARGEST LEADING MARGINS:

MOST YEARS PLAYED:

AFTER 18 HOLES:

30:

Phil Mickelson

4 shots / Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC

29:

Gene Littler

3 shots / Davis Love III / 1988 / TPC

29:

Jerry Barber

3 shots / Arnold Palmer / 1962 / Phoenix CC

29:

Jim Ferrier

3 shots / Paul Runyan / 1940 / Phoenix CC

28:

Tom Purtzer

28:

Johnny Bulla

2015 Brooks Koepka 2014 Kevin Stadler 2012 Kyle Stanley 2006 J.B. Holmes 1998 Jesper Parnevik 1990 Tommy Armour III 1987 Paul Azinger 1980 Jeff Mitchell

AFTER 36 HOLES:

27:

Mark Calcavecchia

6 shots / Johnny Miller / 1975 / Phoenix CC

27:

Dale Douglass

6 shots / Byron Nelson / 1939 / Phoenix CC

26:

Miller Barber

5 shots / Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC

26:

Kenny Perry

5 shots / Steve Jones / 1997 / TPC

26:

Billy Mayfair

5 shots / Spencer Levin / 2012 / TPC

25:

Paul Azinger

4 shots / J.J. Henry / 2006 / TPC

25:

Howard Twitty

24:

Bill Johnson

AFTER 54 HOLES:

23:

Bob Gilder

12 shots / Byron Nelson / 1939 / Phoenix CC

23:

Tommy Armour III

7 shots / Johnny Miller / 1975 / Phoenix CC

23:

Rocco Mediate

1976 Bob Gilder 1966 Dudley Wysong 1965 Rod Funseth 1954 Ed Furgol

173

6 shots / Phil Mickelson / 2013 / TPC FIRST CAREER WIN IN HIS FIRST START AT THE PHOENIX OPEN: Brooks Koepka

2015

Kyle Stanley

2012

J.B. Holmes

2006

TWO-TIME PHOENIX OPEN WINNERS:

6 shots / Mark Calcavecchia / 2001 / TPC

MOST ROUNDS PLAYED:

6 shots / Rocco Mediate / 1999 / TPC

107: Gene Littler

6 shots / Spencer Levin / 2012 / TPC

106: Phil Mickelson 93:

Tom Purtzer

COME-FROM-BEHIND VICTORIES:

92:

Mark Calcavecchia

8 SHOTS BACK AFTER 18 HOLES:

89:

Kenny Perry

Harold McSpaden / 1944

87:

Jim Ferrier

86:

Paul Azinger

7 SHOTS BACK AFTER 18 HOLES:

86:

Don January

2006 / 2008

Brooks Koepka / 2015

85:

Jerry Barber

1995 / 2003

Kenny Perry / 2009

84:

Billy Mayfair

Bob Gilder:

1976 / 1983

Dale Douglass / 1970

Miller Barber:

1971 / 1978

Dudley Wysong / 1966

HIGHEST START BY WINNER:

Johnny Miller:

1974 / 1975

Ed Furgol / 1954

74:

Harold McSpaden / 1944 / Phoenix CC

73:

Phil Mickelson / 2005 / TPC

Brooks Koepka Hideki Matsuyama: J.B. Holmes: Vijay Singh:

2015 / 2021 2016 / 2017

Lloyd Mangrum:

1952 / 1953

Jimmy Demaret:

1949 / 1950

6 SHOTS BACK AFTER 18 HOLES:

73:

Dudley Wysong / 1966 / Phoenix CC

Byron Nelson:

1939 / 1945

Vijay Singh / 1995

72:

Cary Middelcoff / 1956 / Phoenix CC

Ben Hogan:

1946 / 1947

Phil Mickelson / 2005

72:

Kenny Perry / 2009 / TPC Scottsdale

Ed Oliver:

1940 / 1941

Hunter Mahan / 2010

71:

Dale Douglass / 1970 / Phoenix CC

71:

Rod Funseth / 1965 / Arizona CC

7 SHOTS BACK AFTER 36 HOLES:

71:

Jack Nicklaus / 1964 / Phoenix CC Ed Furgol / 1954 / Phoenix CC

THREE-TIME PHOENIX OPEN WINNERS: Phil Mickelson:

1996 / 2005 / 2013

Brooks Koepka / 2015

71:

Mark Calcavecchia:

1989 / 1992 / 2001

Hunter Mahan / 2010

71:

Lloyd Mangrum / 1953 / Phoenix CC

Gene Littler:

1955 / 1959 / 1969

Sandy Lyle / 1988

70:

Vijay Singh / 1995 / TPC

Arnold Palmer:

1961 / 1962 / 1963

Dudley Wysong / 1966

174

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

at the tpc HOLES-IN-ONE

TOPMONEYWINNERS PLAYER

STARTS

OFFICIAL MONEY

Mickelson, Phil

$4,198,678

Matsuyama, Hideki

$3,353,864

2020:

JB Holmes / 4th hole / 1st rnd. / 175 yards / 7-iron

Fowler, Rickie

$3,270,913

2020:

Scott Piercy / 7th hole / 2nd rnd. / 194 yards / 6-iron

Simpson, Webb

$2,770,989

2020:

Webb Simpson / No. 12 / 3rd rnd. / 196 yards / 7-iron

Holmes, J.B.

$2,702,237

2019:

Branden Grace / 7th hole / 193 yards / 8-iron

Watson, Bubba

$2,523,334

2016:

Chad Campell / 7th hole / 194 yards / 6-iron

Koepka, Brooks

$2,496,150

2016:

Jack Maquire / 12th hole / 206 yards / 7-iron

Singh, Vijay

$2,156,115

2015:

Francesco Molinari / 16th hole / 133 yards / PW

Perry, Kenny

$2,146,161

2011:

Jarrod Lyle / 16th hole / 150-yards / 8-iron

Woodland, Gary

$1,919,136

2011:

Brendon Steele / 12th hole / 174 yards

Mahan, Hunter

$1,753,200

2008:

Will Mackenzie / 12th hole / 185-yards / 6-iron

DiMarco, Chris

$1,685,455

2007:

Heath Slocum / 4th hole / 179-yards / 7-iron

Calcavecchia, Mark

$1,656,700

2003:

Bob Burns / 4th hole / 175 yards / 6-iron

Na, Kevin

$1,655,210

2003:

Tim Herron / 4th hole / 182 yards / 7-iron

Mediate, Rocco

$1,550,128

2002:

Mike Sposa / 16th hole / 7-iron / 2nd rnd.

Wilson, Mark

$1,464,252

2001:

Andrew Magee / 17th hole / driver / 1st rnd.

Baddeley, Aaron

$1,376,126

1998:

Wayne Levi / 12th hole / 4-iron / 2nd rnd.

Snedeker, Brandt

$1,360,601

1997:

Steve Stricker / 16th hole / 6-iron / 4th rnd.

Piercy, Scott

$1,338,668

1997:

Tiger Woods / 16th hole / 9-iron / 3rd rnd.

Steele, Brendan

$1,323,407

1992:

Bruce Lietzke / 4th hole / 8-iron / 4th rnd.

Rollins, John

$1,296,996

1992:

Mark Calcavecchia / 4th hole / 8-iron / 1st rnd.

Stadler, Kevin

$1,276,298

1991:

Jay Delsing / 16th hole / 9-iron / 3rd rnd.

Palmer, Ryan

$1,248,710

1990:

Brad Bryant / 16th hole / 1st rnd.

Crane, Ben

$1,218,771

1990:

Andrew Magee / 4th hole / 1st rnd.

Thomas, Justin

$1,202,950

1990:

David Edwards / 16th hole / 3rd rnd.

Stanley, Kyle

$1,193,376

1990:

Bill Sander / 4th hole / 9-iron / 3rd rnd.

Laird, Martin

$1,183,538

1989:

Billy Pierot / 7th hole / 1st rnd.

Lehman, Tom

$1,145,691

1988:

Hal Sutton / 16th hole / 3rd rnd.

Kuchar, Matt

$1,127,668

1987:

Larry Rinker / 12th hole / 5-iron / 2nd rnd.

Reavie, Chez

$1,090,378

Moore, Ryan

$1,086,199

SUDDEN-DEATH PLAYOFFS:

Kaye, Jonathan

$1,065,623

2020: Webb Simpson def. Tony Finau / 1 hole

Toms, David

$1,017,144

2018:

Gary Woodland def. Chez Reavie / 1 hole

Schauffele, Xander

$1,010,262

2017:

Hideki Matsuyama def. Webb Simpson / 4 holes

2016:

Hideki Matsuyama def. Rickie Fowler / 4 holes

2011:

Mark Wilson def. Jason Dufner / 2 holes

18-HOLE PLAYOFFS:

2009: Kenny Perry def. Charley Hoffman / 3 holes

1961:

2008: J.B. Holmes def. Phil Mickelson / 1 hole

1960: Jack Fleck / 68 def. Bill Collins / 71

1996: Phil Mickelson def. Justin Leonard / 3 holes

1949:

Jimmy Demaret / 67 def. Ben Hogan / 70

1995:

1946:

Ben Hogan / 68 def. Herman Keiser / 70

1944:

Harold McSpaden / 70 def. Byron Nelson / 72

Vijay Singh def. Billy Mayfair / 1 hole

1988: Sandy Lyle def. Fred Couples / 3 holes

Arnold Palmer / 67 def. Doug Sanders / 70

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

175

MAKINGTHECUT S C O R I N G AV E R AG E S B Y R O U N D YEAR

CUT SCORE

YEAR

ROUND 1

ROUND 2

ROUND 3

ROUND 4

OVERALL

2021

139

2021

70.364

69.136

68.848

68.879

69.455

2020

141

2020

70.591

70.470

69.164

70.636

70.317

2019

141

2019

70.386

70.618

69.479

71.575

70.511

2018

70.893

70.047

69.903

70.208

70.263 70.067

# MAKING CUT

2018

141

2017

141

2017

70.939

70.115

69.200

70.013

2016

143

2016

70.847

71.465

71.014

70.580

70.977

2015

143

2015

70.697

72.023

69.553

59.855

70.752

2014

141

2014

70.341

70.705

70.338

71.364

70.644

69.015

68.900

69.365

68.527

68.954 70.758

2013

138

2013

2012

142

2012

70.470

71.214

70.878

70.462

2011

139

2011

69.885

69.102

68.689

70.405

69.516

2010

139

2010

70.111

69.294

70.244

70.449

69.930

2009

142

2009

71.356

71.031

69.887

70.690

70.877

2008

70.508

69.939

69.986

70.942

70.306

2008

140

2007

140

2007

70.377

69.899

69.270

69.370

69.845

2006

141

2006

70.473

70.469

69.806

70.423

70.343

2005

145

2005

74.145

70.225

70.078

70.948

71.572

2004

142

2004

70.894

70.754

69.329

70.757

70.552

2003

138

2003

69.667

68.742

68.639

69.347

69.130

2002

141

2002

71.394

69.687

69.843

70.100

70.345

2001

140

2001

69.977

70.219

71.592

70.127

70.363

2000

142

2000

70.748

71.108

69.797

71.342

70.792

1999

147

1999

74.523

72.913

71.958

72.718

73.239

1998

71.076

71.123

71.000

70.986

71.061

1998

142

1997

141

1997

71.045

70.162

69.288

71.603

70.549

1996

142

1996

71.000

71.244

69.814

69.329

70.576

1995

141

1995

72.242

69.791

69.986

70.029

70.673

1994

141

1994

70.780

70.824

70.548

70.233

70.655

1993

141

1993

70.588

70.508

72.299

72.855

71.297

1992

141

1992

70.712

70.015

69.633

69.924

70.145

1991

140

1991

70.361

70.076

69.650

69.713

70.027

1990

143

1990

72.077

71.028

71.277

72.951

71.758

1989

143

1989

70.389

72.786

70.129

69.786

70.969

1988

141

1988

71.951

71.106

71.714

71.855

71.275

1987

142

1987

71.141

71.460

69.724

70.987

70.960

EXEMPTIONSLAST11YEARS

* 2013 - No exemptions

2021 Padraig Harrington Will Zalatoris Davis Riley Kyle Stanley John Augenstein

2019 John Catlin Bill Haas Matthew Wolff Stephan Jaeger Aaron Baddeley

2017 Brandon Hagy Camilo Villegas Andrew Johnston Mark Wilson Matt Jones

2015 Padraig Harrington Jon Rahm (A) Daniel Berger Tony Finau Justin Thomas

2012 Mark Calcavecchia Fred Couples Harris English Jeff Quinney Matt Jones

2020 Viktor Hovland Harris English Sebastian Cappelen Kyle Westmoreland Scott Harrington

2018 Julian Suri Hunter Mahan Ricky Barnes Wyndham Clark Tom Lovelady

2016 Anirban Lahiri Paul Dunne Michael Kim Ricky Barnes Aaron Baddeley

2014 Kevin Tway Ricky Barnes Joe Ogilvie Kiradech Aphibarnrat John Peterso

2011 Tom Lehman Jeff Quinney Joe Ogilvie Gary Woodland John Mallinger

2010 Rickie Fowler Alvaro Quiros Sam Saunders Jonathan Kaye Chris DiMarco Billy Mayfair Joe Ogilvie

176

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

“

GOLF IS THE HARDEST GAME IN THE WORLD. THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN EVER GET IT. JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU DO, THE GAME JUMPS UP AND PUTS YOU IN YOUR PLACE. B E N C R E N S H AW

WM PHOENIX OPEN PAST CHAMPIONS

P H O E N I X O P E N C H A M P | 1979

182

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

activeTHUNDERBIRDS Jason Adler

Ryan DiLandri

John Harvey

Luke Larson

JJ Putz

Omar Alvarez

Ryan Duncan

Ben Hayes

Chris Maderazzo

Ben Quayle

Dave Baum

Dodge Earnhardt

Chris Hollenbeck

Billy Malkovich

Joe Saunders

Brandon Bell

Bull Earnhardt

Darcy Hordichuk

Blake Marum

Drew Stoltz

Darryl Berger

Jason Eisenberg

Josh Isner

Andrew Medley

Ian Swiergol

Mike Bianco

Warren Forsythe

Scott Jenkins

Matt Mooney

Josh Swift

Eric Brandt

Ryan Francisco

Chris Karas

Tony Petelin

Brent Tally

Phil Calihan

Anthony Francisco

Rusty Kennedy

Robbie Petty

George Thimsen

Chris Camacho

Michael Golding

Tyler Kent

James Pillor

Geoff Turbow

Tim Chester

Jason Goldman

Dave King

Blair Polachek

Pat Williams

John Damiris

Tom Grace

Dan Kronenberg

Jason Pritchett

Jason Wood

lifeTHUNDERBIRDS Tom F. Adelson

Bob S. Bukovec

John D. Creighton

Mike L. Gallagher

Dan W. Hill

Jeff W. Allen

Scott Burns

Sean M. Cunningham

Joe H. Garagiola Jr.

Terry J. Hoeschler

Tom J. Altieri

Charlie A. Byxbee

Tom E. Cunningham

John R. Garigen

Jock M. Holliman III

Harry S. Amster

Kent S. Caldwell-Meeks

Deg E. Davies

Mike Geddes

Tom R. Hornaday

Taber L. Anderson

Martin M. Calfee III

Tom E. Donahue

Greg J. Geis

Jim C. Hoselton

John M. Appelbe

Kevin P. Calihan

Mike G. Donley

Bert A. Getz

Greg S. Hoyt

Bob A. Applewhite

Peter E. Calihan

Rich H. Dozer

Dave Gilbertson

Bob J. Hubbard III

Ray J. Artigue

Phil Calihan Jr.

George W. Druliner

Don H. Goldwater

Len W. Huck

Tony M. Ashton

Danny P. Calihan

Doug A. Ducey

Bob W. Goldwater Jr.

Tom M. Hudak MD

Chris R. Baker

Bryon R. Carney

Luke J. Dye

Bob A. Gosnell

Jon R. Hulburd

Harley H. Barnes

Mike J. Carter

Bruce A. Dyer

Tim L. Grant

Jim M. Hunter

Mike J. Basham

Joe C. Cattaneo

Keith L. Earnest

Ed H. Grant III

George S. Iliff

David N. Beckham

Mike E. Cavanagh

Phil A. Edlund

Ed H. Grant IV

Guy Inzalaco

Ed F. Beeh

Harry J. Cavanagh Jr., MD Mike P. Embry

Brent K. Gulbas

Ben E. Irwin

Lou P. Benedict

Pete G. Charleston

Jack E. Evans

Mike C. Haenel

Neil Irwin

Kim Bernard

Tyler A. Chester

Bob Fannin

Derrick M. Hall

Scott S. Jackson

Kemp Biddulph

Todd W. Chester

John A. Felix

David A. Harbour

Andy S. Jackson

Keith B. Bierman

Andy Chuka Jr.

Randy Fitzpatrick

Kenny W. Harris

Chris J. Janson

Bill W. Bohnert MD

Alex T. Clark

Les L. Fletcher II

Rob D. Harris

Tim S. Jones

Brian R. Booker

Chad W. Clark Jr.

Pat Flood

Tom M. Harris

Steve R. Jordan

Bill J. Borders III

Cale A. Clayton

Dan R. Fox

Jim D. Harrison Jr.

John M. Julian

Jack T. Braddock

Del J. Cochran

Sam W. Fox

Bruce Hart

John T. Katsenes

John E. Bridger

Lee M. Cohn

Tim M. Frakes

Mike J. Hassett

Tom E. King

Gil Brito MD

Jerry Colangelo

Brian M. Frakes

Ben D. Heglie

Tim E. Kloenne

Bill L. Brough

Jeff J. Cook

Jim S. Frazier

Dave C. Heiple

Phil A. Knall DDS

Tim D. Brown

Skip S. Corley

Brad K. Frazier

Scott K. Henderson

Kris Kober

Tom T. Brown Jr.

Martin Cornelson

Rob J. Fredrickson

Mark S. Hester

Kevin P. Kopp

Scott R. Brubaker

Chance C. Cozby

Jeff H. Fujimoto

Gary W. Hickel

Doug A. Kruidenier

Paul R. Bruns

Chuck M. Creasman MD

Warner Gabel III

Tom E. Higginbotham

Pete J. Kuehner

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

Wayne E. Kuhl MD

John E. Miller Jr.

Mike D. Reardon

Jim W. Suft

Everett W. Kyle

John A. Mistler

Bill P. Reilly Jr.

Carlos A. Sugich

Pete A. Ladigo

Ernie Modzelewski

Mike J. Reina

Shane M. Thompson

Bill R. Lavidge

Moffy R. Moffatt

Dave J. Renke

Mike E. Tiffany

Tom D. Lawless

Bill A. Moore

Paul P. Rhodes

Webb Todd

Spike M. Lawrence

Ed L. Moran III

Warren C. Ridge

Chip H. Tolleson III

Rick A. Lee

Bill B. Murney

Jim P. Riley

Chris P. Ulrich

George E. Leonard

Jim M. Murphy

Jeff T. Riley

Jim Valenzuela

Herman K. Lewkowitz

Bud Neal

Rustin R. Roach

Ted B. Vallone II

Jerry Lewkowitz

Phil A. Neri

Jerry T. Roberts

Dick A. Van Arsdale

Mark P. Linsalata

Tom C. Niccoli

Clark E. Rorbach

Tom A. Van Arsdale

Tim C. Louis

MJ J. Nodilo

Harry Rosenzweig Jr.

Ken J. Vegors

Jeff D. Lowe

Pat Q. O'Connor

Jason C. Rowley

C.W. W. Waddoups Jr.

Dan A. Madison

Jim C. O'Malley Jr.

Pete L. Scardello Jr.

KJ J. Wagner II

Mac M. Magruder Jr.

Larry L. O'Malley

Jason S. Schechterle

Zack C. Walz

Dan M. Mahoney

Jim R. Orders

Kevin C. Schillig

Rob L. Ward

Steve Mardian

Mike R. Osborn

Jay R. Schneider

Randy S. Warner

Andy A. Markham III

Payne Palmer III

Tim Sexson

Mike A. Warren DDS

Jim E. Marsh

Brett B. Parker

John J. Shannon

Jeff H. Wasson

Greg L. Mast

Doug G. Parker

Michael C. Sheedy

Craig M. Weems

Steve P. Matteucci

Shaun D. Parson MD

Dave L. Slaughter

Jim R. Wentworth

Bob L. Matthews

John W. Perkinson

John C. Smeck III

James N. Wentworth

John R. Maus

Wally Perry

Mike L. Smith

Steve Whisler

Cullen C. Maxey

Jay P. Phillips Jr.

Jim W. Spellman

Steve J. Whitehead

Tom S. Mazer

Mike C. Piazza

Larry A. Spitalny MD

Jim V. Whitehead

Robbie B. McGarey

Brett M. Polachek

Chris O. Stamets

Mike A. Wilmink MD

Pat McGinley

Mike D. Polachek

Russ Stamm

Larry R. Wilson

Kelly McKone

Phil Polich

Larry M. Stewart

Jim A. Wolfinger

Danny D. McKone

John A. Propstra

Rox Stewart

Tim T. Woods LTC

Mike R. McQuaid

Michael B. Pylman

Brian J. Stoll

Dana Woudenberg

Byrl Meeks

Brett E. Ransom

Wade A. Stooks

Darren J. Wright

Steve Mehagian

Jack Rasor

Greg J. Strunk

Dillan J. Micus

David E. Rauch

Jay C. Stuckey Jr.

honoraryTHUNDERBIRDS

* DECEASED

Beman, Deane

* Drinkwater, Herb

* Kush, Frank

* Pride, Charlie

Bentley, Dierks

* Ford, Ernie

* Low, Willie

Quayle, Dan

* Briley, Charles

* Garagiola, Sr., Joe

* McQuaid, R. Michael

* Rolls, Dick

* Bryan, Jimmy

* Haas, Lew

Mickelson, Phil

* Solheim, Karsten

* Campbell, Glen

* Hance, Margie

Miller, Johnny

* Stoneham, Horace

* Chauncey, Tom

* Harris, Phil

Moffett, Bubba

* Teets, John

* Chirkinian, Frank

* Hogan, Ben

Nantz, Jim

Tryhus, Gregg

* Chisolm, Scotty

* Hope, Bob

Nicklaus, Jack

* Vanderhoff, C.R. "Van"

* Crosby, Bing

Irwin, Sam

O'Connor, Sandra Day

* Venturini, Ken

* Dean, Dizzy

* Kennedy, Edgar

* Palmer, Arnold

* Webb, Del E.

183

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

185

deceasedTHUNDERBIRDS Bill Margolf

William J. Paul

Patrick J. Harris

Andy Tomlinson

Fred Porter Jr.

Herschel R. Collins Jr.

Daniel P. Lawless

Charles B. Sherrill

Clark Rorbach Sr.

Charles Sporleder

Charles N. Johnson

Robert M. Reade

William G. Bennett

Jimmy Geare Jr.

John Quinn

Terence W. Thomas

Gene E. Rice

Edwin C. Lynch

George Trehearne

Frank Schwentker

Roland W. Baird Jr.

David A. Prechel

Phillip D. Wilson

Roy Tait

F.W. "Zud" Schammel

Michael K. Kennedy

Leon F. Bentley

John F. Murphy

Barry M. Goldwater

Cavett Robert

Tracy R. Thomas

E. Paul Ganz

Craig Stevenson

Dutch Kunde

Fred Riggins

Douglas J. Yonko

Owen F. Childress

Robert S. Stephens

Walter Craig

Jack Redmond

Dave Alderman

Raymond M. Hunter

Paul Fannin

J.A. "Ted" Riggins Jr.

Laurens Henderson

Edward V. O'Malley

Ben A. Butler

D. Milton Whitley

Harry Robertson

Alan Stewart

Gerald W. McGrath

Jerome H. Sharpe

Daniel F. Norton

Ralph Cash

Richard J. Vanderhoff

Don Dedera

Peter Kiewit Jr.

Weldon M. Jones

Milt Sanders

Joe Hunt

John E. Gaskin

Robert Greening

James C. Quayle

Edward Tovrea

Bill Boutell Sr.

John J. Low

Alan Houle

A.B. Robbs Jr.

Charles Case

Randy Barton

Bill R. Bass

JayD Schlueter

Richard G. Kleindienst

Ivan Shun

Wilbur Asbury

Wally C. Kelly

Edward M. Carson

Thomas W. Richardson

Warner A. Gabel Jr.

Vic Armstrong

Ronald A. Ewing

Theodore Allen Jr.

Paul H. Case MD

LeRoy Lanuti

Frank Achauer

William T. Boutell Jr.

Thomas G. Coffin

Ed H. Bringhurst

Herbert J. Bool

Gene Buehler

Arthur S. Mehagian

John C. Baldwin Jr.

Dell Trailor

Gregg G. Cebulski

John M. Vivian MD

John M. Lewis

Mark B. Heglie

Brian A. Goldsworthy

Russell Chick MD

Arthur Burgher

Ralston L. Shannon

Joe Kealy

Douglas S. Turner

Stewart Hood

Royal W. Treadway

Karl Eller

J. Daryl Lippincott

Earl L. Bimson Sr.

Ralph L. Diamond

Charlie Pride

Richard J. Seminoff

William T. Garland

John R. Williams

Herb Franklin

Claude P. Stephens

Tom Cavanagh

Edwards Brown

Robert Creighton

Richard E. Hollenbeck

Allen L. Rosenberg

William R. Cutter

C. R. Igoe

C.A. Carson III

Norman S. Hull

Marvin Redburn Jr.

John McKone

Dave Wynne

Bill Beardsley

Allen Matthews

Fred J. McWenie

Thomas H. Ross MD

William J. Graham

John Mason

Ed Peterson

Robert Abbott

Brian J. O'Connor

Ben F. Brooks II

Bob Charles

Payne Palmer Jr.

Phil Davidson

Stephen F. Butterfield

Robert B. Nairn

John Quebedeaux

J.E. "Brick" Miller

John C. Koppen

Gary R. Long

James A. Murphy

Ray Korte

Ben Miller

Jack Harris

Joseph H. Porter III

A. Lee Moore

Phil Hack

Lou Melczer

Dick Hance

William G. Farrow

Nick J. Volcheff

Les Rhuart

Robert G. Sloane

John Haldiman

Robert N. Ewing

Roger S. Hagel

Carl Bimson

John McAtee

Frederic Fahlen Jr.

William E. Miller

L.D. Maloney

Bill Clements

Joe Ralston

Chuck Erickson

Robert D. Fisher

Robert W. Goldwater Sr.

Jim Berridge

Gordon Marshall

Bill Brophy

Herbert J. Louis MD

Samuel F. Kitchell

Robert E. Gosnell

Gray Madison Sr.

Walt Ditzen

J.E. Deger

Milton H. Graham

Harry Rosenzweig Sr.

Jack Laney

E.N. Holgate

Hazen S. Arnold Jr.

Edward W. McLoone MD

F. Britton Burns Sr.

Frank Kelly

Bob Davenport

Henry Sargent

Lynn Hester

Dick Searles

Russ Keeton

Norman Conkle

Frank E. White

Grant Hoel

Herb Lindner

Lewis "Boy" Johnston

John Cohill

Robert L. Bayless III

John C. Entz

Walter Lucking

Ken McHale

Whitey Chambers

Michael J. Curley

Charles E. DeWall

Angus DePinto

Don Scott

Roger Carhart

Walter Switzer

Charles Frank

Leighton Cress

Dick Heath

Phil Calihan Sr.

James R. Marshall

Donald P. Charles

Dave Dennerline

Ken Barton

Clarence Edlund

Howard E. Kraft

Leslie Heitel

Hohen Foster

Paul Wilmore

J. Rukin Jelks

Lincoln B. Howe

Jim Coles

Peter VanVoorhis

Patrick D. Calihan

William Saufley

Joe Melczer Jr.

Jack Tinker

James P. Simmons

J. Robert Stark

Ed Ziegler

Ernie Suggs

186

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

SKYBOX 16PRESENTEDbyCOORSlight ABC Home Delivery Adolfson & Peterson Construction Advantage Barricade & Roadmarks (ABR) Albertsons/Safeway Alexander Building Company All Access Golf Travel & Events Alliance Residential Company AmeriFirst Financial Anton Sport Aon Apex Sales & Marketing, Inc. Apex Systems Area Wide Protective (AWP) Arizona Coyotes Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona Industrial Properties Arizona's Family (3TV, CBS 5 & azfamily.com) Arrow Electronics Inc. Avalon Development Avnet Baird Private Wealth Management Balfour Beatty Bally Sports Arizona Bank of America Bankers Trust Bell Sports Marketing Berkadia BHJK Big Elk Funding, LLC Bison Ventures Black Gould and Associates Inc. Blackhawk Capital Partners Blake Sports Group Blue Square Manufacturing BMO Harris Bank BMO Private Bank BOK Financial Breakthru Beverage Arizona Bristol Global Mobility Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Buchalter Burns & Wilcox Buzz Rx C4 Industrial CALCAP Caretaker Landscape Carlisle Companies Cavalry CCMC CDW CEM-TEC Corporation Chasse Building Team Cigna Cimex Control CKP Insurance Clark Hill Clayton Floor Covering Clean Energy

The Collins Family Constellation Wines Coors Light Copper State Bolt & Nut Co. CopperPoint Insurance Companies Creative Printing & Packaging Cresa Global CREXI CSG cStor Cubex Cyberpower Daniel Burkhart David Harbour Defero Devereux - Proper Threads Dick Lloyd Custom Homes DLA Piper LLP Dorsey & Whitney DP Electric DPR Construction Draft Kings E&J Gallo Winery Eagle Roofing Earnhardt Auto Centers Elanco Animal Health Encore Landscape Mgmt. Enterprise Environmental Solutions Group EP Wealth Advisors Epic Insurance Brokers and Consultants Equitable Advisors Southwest Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Fairway Independent Martgage Corp Farmer Woods Group First American Title Insurance Co. First Western Trust FirstBank Flexential Footprint Foursite FTI Consulting Gardner Real Estate Genuine Concepts Global Roofing Group Gold Dust GolfLogix Graham's Tire Grayhawk Golf Club Great Clips, Inc. Healing Resources Henry+Horne HilgartWilson HollyFrontier Hormel Deli Solutions Humana Immedia Infinity Hospice Care

SPECIAL thanks InProduction Insight & HP Inc. Insight & HPE Insight & Intel J.M. Distributing, Inc. JDB Capital Partners JE Dunn Construction JLL JLL Capital Markets John Dorsey Kidder Mathews Kiterocket Konica Minolta KPMG LLP KTAR & Arizona Sports Kudelski Security Kutak Rock LLP Land Advisors Organization Land Development Consultants The Landscape Broker Legacy Sports USA Legrand Av Lincoln Property Co Link Capital Liquorverse.com Lockton Companies Logitech Lone Star Med, P.C. Lovitt & Touché, A Marsh & McLennan Agency Mabrey Bank Manheim Phoenix MassMutual Master Electronics McCarthy Building Companies MCO Associates MFRG-ICON Construction MJ Insurance Morgan Stanley Mosaic Interiors Groupe Motive Companies & Raymond West Murphy Henriksen Wealth Management National Bank of Arizona Nationwide E&S/Specialty NetApp Next Level Steel NextCare Urgent Care NortonLifeLock Inc. Oakley Oasis a Paychex Company OnTrac The Opus Group Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona Outfront Media Pacific Office Automation Paradigm Technology Paradise Valley Multi-Specialty Surgery Parker & Sons PCL Construction

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

SKYBOX 16PRESENTEDbyCOORSlight Pentair Performance Foodservice Phoenix Suns PHX Beer Co. Polsinelli PPG Paints Precision Facility Group Premier Financial Concepts Presidential Pools Prime Capital Investment Advisors PRO EM National Event Services Pro Event Productions LLC Proactive MSD Property Resources Group, LLC Pro-Serv Quarles & Brady LLP Quorum I.T. R Entertainment Company Raintree Investment Corporation Randstad Technologies Raymond James & Associates Rockefeller Capital Management RSM Rush Truck Centers RWC Building Products Ryan Companies US, Inc. S & K Enterprises Schubert Hackett Capital Markets Scott Salomon SCS Advisors, Inc. Send It Shamrock Foods Company Sharp/NEC Signature Consultants Silicon Valley Bank Sirius Snell & Wilmer Sonora Investment Management Sonora West Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Squire Patton Boggs SRS Real Estate Partners StandardAero Statewide Safety Systems Steve Kovach STORE Capital Strategic Office Partners Sunland Asphalt & Construction Suntec Concrete Superior Executive Services Sysco Teknion TEKsystems Teladoc Health Tepcon Construction Tequila Corcel Thurston Creek Vineyards Tickets Unlimited

TPI Composites, Inc. Trademark Traffic Safety Rentals (TSR) Trafficade Service Trench-Ade, LLC Tyson Foods United Rentals, Inc UnitedHealthcare UPS vCORE Technology Partners Velocity Vehicle Group Vertical Development Vinson & Elkins VIP Mortgage Tempe Vizient Inc. Voxtur Walker & Dunlop Waste Management of Arizona, Inc. Weems Asphalt Wells Fargo Wentworth Wespac Construction Westmark Wealth Wholesale Floors Wist Business Supplies & Equipment WM Wright Asphalt Products Company Zelus

SKYBOX 16LOGE

PRESENTED byCOORS light 10X 8am Golf Aligned All Access Golf Travel & Events ANM Arizona Ford Dealers AvAir Axon Bell Bank BOK Financial Canyon State Electric CBE and Company CBRE CBRE National Partners Colliers International Commonwealth Land Title NCS Cousins Properties DBM Global Dell Diversified Pattern & Engineering Co., Inc. Eastdil Secured Elite Contractors Alliance Elite Roofing Supply Enterprise Bank & Trust Equitable

187

SPECIAL thanks evolvedMD Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. FedEx GCON Inc. GLL Real Estate Partners Global Atlantic Financial Group GoDaddy Greater Phoenix Economic Council Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino Homeowners Financial Group Insight Invitation Homes KP Aviation Layton Construction LeClair Calihan Advertising M Culinary Concepts Matthew Reis NBC Sports / Comcast Business Newmark On Q Financial, Inc. Prologis RAD, LLC Re-Create Companies, LLC Silverhawk Private Wealth Taylor Morrison Thermo King West TPQ Foods Trinity Capital Troyer Farms UCE UMB Bank VMware Watermark Wealth Strategies Western Alliance Bank Worldclass ZLG

BAY club

PRESENTED byCAPITAL one Accenture Adaptive Shelters, LLC Annexus Banner|Aetna Breakthru Beverage Capital One Financial Services Casamigos Chileno Bay Club Clayton Floor Covering & Design The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Defero Deloitte LLP DriveTime Automotive Group Empire Title Agency Farmer Woods Group Fenway Capital Advisors First Fidelity Bank

188

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

SPECIAL thanks BAY clubCONT.

First International Bank & Trust First Trust Portfolios L.P. Fox Restaurant Concepts GCON, Inc. JLG JPMorgan Chase & Co. The Karas Group Jeremiah Kraft Merrill Lynch MidFirst Bank Nathan & Associates, Inc. NetApp & Partners NFM Lending Opwest Partners PHX Beer Co. Pro Em National Event Services Rosendin San Tan Ford SRMG & CTI Sterling Tifec Trademark Troon Tyson Foods, Inc. UBS V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc. Vertical Development Western Alliance Bank WM Younger Brothers Companies

cove

PRESENTED byCOORS light Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Altrus Capital Amazon Web Services Arevon Arizona Bank & Trust Arizona Commerce Authority Aspirant Development Auto House Bay Equity Home Loans Brycor Builders CADI Carrier Transicold Chicago Title Clark Street Financial Classic Packaging Cognex Cohesity Coors Light The Coverage Pro cStore Delta Dental

Diamond Resorts Emerson The Empire Group Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply Expeditors Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. First Horizon Bank Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation FSI Construction Greenberg Traurig Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino and Resort Haydon Building Corp Healing Resources CBD iHeart Media Insight, Samsung & Targus Jani-King Johnson Consulting Group Juncture Wealth Strategies JVG Kitchell Leavitt Group Lewis Roca LiftedTrucks.com Lument Macerich Northern Trust Northmarq Peoples Mortgage Petro Canada America Lubricants Pioneer Title PNC Bank Potempa Team Premier Title ProCopy Office Solutions, Inc. Pure Storage Resideo RoadmasterGroup RSI Enterprise Scott & Lisa Taylor SEI Smead Capital Management Starcorp Sunstate Equipment Synergos Talking Stick Resort TCI Wealth TD Synnex Technologent Thales Third Coast Commodities Trace3 Trinchero Family Estates Truss Fab Companies Valley Maintenance Group WaFd Bank Arizona Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management Wesco White Cap

E18hteen

PRESENTED byCOORS light Acosta - Impact NSS AIG Alerus Financial American Airlines Apisero Arizona Bank & Trust Array Technologies B. Riley Advisory Services Biter Enterprises Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona BluSky Brown-Forman Cardon Development Group Coors Light Cowboy Midstream LLC DXC Technology Engineering Wireless Services EO Arizona ePoolSupply EY Freeport-McMoRan Hinkle Oil & Gas Hubbard Radio Phoenix | 2060 Digital IBM Klotz Investments, LLC Knock Kodiak Building Partners LGE/Creation LHM Financial Corporation LOCALiQ Molson Coors Beverage Company Morgan Stanley - Arizona / New Mexico Complex New Way Trucks Nutanix Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona Orbital Energy Group Orr Investments, LLC Parts Authority Pentair A&A Manufacturing Perkins Coie LLP Pisoni, Chip PV Suites LLC RBAZ | Republic Bank of Arizona RBC Wealth Management Rummel Construction, Inc. Sacks Tierney SDB Contracting Services SiteOne Landscape Supply Spectrum Capital Spectrum Dermatology Swire Coca-Cola Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. Trane Technologies U.S. Bank

WM PHOENIX OPEN 2022

189

SPECIAL thanks

SCORE keepers PRESENTED byCREST insurance Avnet Cemex Chapman Automotive Group Crest Insurance Desert Diamond Casino West Valley Edgehill Investments Flagship Credit GuidePoint Security Gurstel Law Firm PC KeyBank & HUB Insurance Knight-Swift Transportation KORE Software M Culinary Concepts Mariner Wealth Advisors Pure Edibles Southern Glazer's/Beam Suntory Sunflower Bank and Guardian Mortgage Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel

thePERCH

Bank of America Curaleaf / Select Discover Global Network Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. Mortenson onsemi

the 1937club SUITES curatedBY the

FAIRMONT scottsdalePRINCESS Carvana Cox Business Dell Technologies & Intel Ferguson Enterprises, LLC The Flower Shop Optiv Security, Inc. Ortega RDO Equipment Co. Stealth Partner Group

2022 carlisle 2022 annexus PRO am

Albertsons-Safeway AOR Direct Bacardi USA Carlisle Coca-Cola Cullum Homes FedEx FFLSE Gateway Chevrolet Golf Channel Grey Goose Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and Resort Lexi Pyette Molson-Coors New Media/Republic Media P3 Capital Partners PGA TOUR PING Pro Event Productions R&R Realty Taylor Morrison Tito’s Vodka Trane Technologies Tyson Foods Waste Management

PRO am

American Airlines The Annexus Group Arizona Industrial Properties Carlisle Companies Discovery Land Company Draft Kings Equitable Advisors Globe Corporation Humana JB Health Solutions Larry H. Miller Real Estate Molson-Coors PGA TOUR PING Right Toyota San Tan Ford Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Taylor Morrison Trinity Capital Tyson Foods Waste Management

2022 WM Phoenix Open Program

Articles from 2022 WM Phoenix Open Program