2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open: Reflections on a Thriller

Feb 5, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Hideki Matsuyama reacts on the green of the 17th as his putt nears the hole during a playoff against Web Simpson during the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /

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Friday’s round at the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open was riveting. Some players were just trying to make the cut but others were getting into position to charge for the win.

J.J. Spaun and Jonas Blixt each carded a round low 64, giving both a serious if temporary boost on the leaderboard.

Even though Blixt had a bumpy rest of his tournament, he caught eyes on Friday with his 7-under round performance. The Swede knocked home 8 birdies and had only one bogey setback. Blixt looked good on Friday but would go on to finish the tournament at 4-under in a tie for 52nd.

J.J. Spaun had a much better end to his tournament, finishing in 4th place, thanks to Friday’s flawless round. Spaun, who’s only playee 11 career events, finished his tournament at 15-under par, which was good for his second top 10 finish this season.

Matsuyama began to make his move on Friday, carding a 2nd round 68. Never mind that he also recorded his first 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open bogey on Friday. After he put together 4 birdies and 13 pars, Hideki left himself in an ideal position come the weekend.

Justin Thomas and Bubba Watson disappointed the fans and themselves. The pair failed to make the cut, finishing Friday at 1-under par. No doubt each expected a much greater performance than they delivered this week.

Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK /

Rickie Fowler carded a 68, Jordan Spieth carded a 68 and Jon Rahm carded a 69.

Byeong Hun An flew under the radar on Friday, saving his breakout for Saturday’s round.

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