The annual Waste Management Phoenix Open took place from Feb. 6-9 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Golfers from all over the world participated in the tournament. Belgian Thomas Detry finished in first place with an impressive total of only 260 strokes over four days. The 32 year old studied at and played golf for the University of Illinois. As a Big Ten Golfer of the Year in 2015 and two-time PING All-American, his college athletic accomplishments foreshadowed his future success at the professional level.
Michael Kim and Daniel Berger, both representing the United States, ended with 267 strokes and tied for runner up. These reputable scores were -17 under par at this course. Other players to make the leaderboard were Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa and Jordan Spieth from the U.S., both with 268 strokes.
The first WM Phoenix Open, originally called the Arizona Open, was held in 1932. The tournament has been going strong since; however, it was discontinued between 1935 and 1939 due to lack of public enthusiasm and in 1943 due to World War II. Regardless, the Phoenix Open has a longer history than even the Super Bowl.
On top of the fun and games, WM Phoenix Open aims to be the world’s largest zero waste event. The Open builds awareness around emissions reduction, sustainable materials management and water management. In 2024, the WM Open diverted 100% of the tournament’s materials from landfills. After the tournament, they recirculated almost 500,000 pounds of material back into the local economy.
The WM Open partners with Thunderbirds Charities to give back to Arizona’s communities and beyond. Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit civic organization that distributes the money raised from the Phoenix Open. Their funds have gone to causes ranging from cancer research to greenhouse gas reduction for local families in Phoenix. Their work is truly inspirational, as they also provide grants to low-income communities for health services and education. Furthermore, the Thunderbirds have recently worked with Midwest Food Bank Arizona to deliver nutritional and healthy foods to those facing food insecurities in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Not only is this a competitive tournament for professional golfers, it also serves fans with entertaining events and engaging activities. On Feb. 4, there were events including a “Trick Shot Show” and a “Junior Golf Clinic” scheduled for fans to start the tournament off. With well-known artists in attendance and performances by Luke Bryan, Nickelback and many more, the tournament was also seen as a music festival by many.
The WM Phoenix Open would not be the same without the loyal fanbase that attends year after year. People come from near and far to witness one of the best events in professional golf. Fans wear a plethora of unique and quirky costumes including those dressed as bananas, cacti and yodelers. The Open is like a week-long party with cheering, friendship and music.
The Open also boasts one of the most famous holes in golf in number 16, dubbed “the skybox.” If fans are lucky enough, they can witness a hole-in-one, and with the golfers feeding off of the hyped-up, roaring audience. With support from the exhilarating crowd, Argentinian Emiliano Grillo sunk a hole-in-one on the 16th hole during the second round of the tournament prompting a massive response from the crowd.
“Grillo and all the spectators in his vicinity by the tee box had no idea the ball went in until fans watching by the green went ballistic. A shower of beer rained down and onto the course to celebrate” Samuel Nute from Cronkite News wrote.
Whoever says golf is boring should attend a WM Phoenix Open to see if their mind changes. The talented players, riveting entertainment and passionate spectator environment puts this event above many others. It is very possible that the fans may even have more fun than the players.
