The Rundown: The 2023 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale

As the NFL season comes to a close it’s time to shift focus to the PGA Tour for one of the best tournaments of the year.

The WM Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course in Arizona boasts one of the best environments(both scenic and energetic) on tour. The crowds at TPC Scottsdale offer a golf experience unlike any other, especially at the Par three, 16th hole.

The grandstands and 15,000-plus fans surrounding the 16th green are an experience only the WM Phoenix Open can provide. The Field is always loaded and this year is no different with 22 of the top 25 in the World Golf Ranking all making the trip to Arizona.

The cream tends to rise to the top at the WM Phoenix Open.

Last year, Scottie Scheffler got his first of four wins after defeating Patrick Cantlay in a playoff. Scheffler shot a 62 on Saturday which certainly helped propel him to the win.

The top ten was loaded with big names such as Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, Jon Rahm, and Matt Fitzpatrick. The previous year was a bit different when Brooks Koepka won. The most notable players in the top 10 at the 2021 WM Phoenix Open were Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, and Scheffler.

The TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course is a 7,200-yard, par 71, with what’s listed as TifEagle Bermuda greens; but they are not your typical Bermuda. They’re more of a mix and run a bit faster than typical Bermuda.

There are eleven par fours, four par threes, and three par fives on the course. Ten of the eighteen holes are par fours ranging from 400-500 yards. Half of them are 400-450 and the other half are from 450-500 yards. The 17th hole is a 330-yard, potentially driveable, par 4 for some golfers.

Mid to long irons will be used often on approach shots with 150-175 yards making up 24.5% of all approach shots. Shots from over 200 yards make up a little over 21%.

Driving accuracy is just slightly below PGA Tour average coming in at 60% compared to a 62% tour average. The average driving distance at TPC Scottsdale is well above the tour average coming in at 295.3 yards. That helps to make the three par fives reachable in two for most of the field. Eagles on those holes will be necessary to contend.

The field consists of 136 golfers; with the Top 65 and ties making the cut to play the weekend.

WM Phoenix Open: The Key Stats and Figures

• Approach
• Proximity 150-175 yards
• Par 4 400-450 & 450-500 yds
• Eagles Gained
• Opportunities Gained

Historic Cut Line

• 2022: -1
• 2021: -2
• 2020:  E
• 2019:  E
• 2018:  E

Previous Winners

2022: Scottie Scheffler -16
2021: Brooks Koepka- 19
2020: Webb Simpson -17
2019: Rickie Fowler -17
2018: Gary Woodland -18