DETRY DOMINATES IN THE DESERT

The 2025 WM Phoenix Open has come to a thrilling conclusion, with thousands of golf fans once again putting the Super Bowl on hold to witness the crowning of this year’s champion.

Continue reading

FRIDAY AT THE 2025 WM PHOENIX OPEN

Is there anything better than a Friday at the WM Phoenix Open? Fans packed TPC Scottsdale for another electric day of golf, and they weren’t disappointed. The leaderboard is stacked, the energy is building, and with the weekend on the horizon, things are just getting started.

Thomas Detry holds the outright lead at 12-under par, following a scorching 7-under round today. But he’s got company. Alex Smalley and Michael Kim sit just two shots back at 10-under, with Smalley carding a 6-under 65 and Kim firing a bogey-free 8-under 63 to surge into contention.

Right behind them, three players sit at 9-under, including Jordan Spieth, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Tom Kim – all within striking distance heading into the weekend. With big names and lots of red numbers on the scorecard, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch Moving Day at The People’s Open.

Emiliano Grillo (3-under) stole the show at the loudest hole in golf. He didn’t just make an ace – he dropped it straight in the cup. A clean, slam-dunk, straight-dart from 155 yards that spun around the hole before finally disappearing, sending 17,000 fans into a flurry. That’s how you make history at the Coliseum.

Play was suspended due to darkness at 6:10 p.m., meaning a handful of players will resume their second rounds Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. before third-round action begins at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Saturday pairings will be released after the completion of the second round.

Saturday is #GreenOut Day! Fans are encouraged to wear green in support of title sponsor WM’s sustainability efforts and to help make the WM Phoenix Open the largest Zero Waste event in the world.

Oh, and in case you’ve been living under a rock, Saturday at the WM Phoenix Open is BIG. Expect crowds, expect a buzz, and expect a line at the gate. Plan accordingly – gates open at 7 a.m.

It’s shaping up to be another unforgettable weekend at “The People’s Open.” Buckle up, golf fans!

MY JUNIOR COURSE REPORTING EXPERIENCE

By: Trey Mayer, First Tee – Phoenix

I have attended the WM Phoenix Open for three years now. Usually I am first in line for the “Running of the Bulls” to the iconic 16th hole. Today I got to learn behind the scenes and what takes place to run the “Greatest Show on Grass.” We interviewed members of The Thunderbirds, Scottsdale Police Department, and professional reporters to learn about what they do. I see so many people who use the First Tee Values and Key Commitments to make this tournament great.

We spoke to some of The Thunderbirds: Tim Louis, Kenny Coakley, and Jason Pritchett. Tim Louis is a starter this week and I asked him how he prepares to pronounce the players’ names. He told us that the PGA Tour gives them a list of the phonetic spellings of the names. If that does not work, he has to trust his fellow starters or ask the player how to pronounce their name. Knowing how to announce the players correctly shows professionalism and the First Tee value of Courtesy. Kenny Coakley runs the House and Grounds which manages the Open’s sky boxes and other edifices. Coakley informed us that he holds people to high standards when it comes to respecting the game of golf. First Tee places the value of Respect at the utmost importance. We all know how enjoyable this tournament can be, but we all must remember we are here to watch and celebrate this game in a respectful manner. Jason Pritchett is the head of the famous Greenskeeper suite. I asked Pritchett how they prepare for this tournament every year. He told us how crucial teamwork and a Commitment of Collaborating with Others is to making this tournament come to life. Pritchett emphasizes the need for flexibility, pointing out that “Plan B is often better than Plan A” which aligns with our Key Commitment of Growing Through Challenge. Our conversations with The Thunderbirds highlight how our First Tee Values and Key Commitments make this tournament special.

The Scottsdale Police Department surveys and protects the tournament grounds and patrons. We spoke to members of the K-9 and Bike Units. Detective Sarabia spoke on crowd control and sweeping the area with the dogs. We got to meet and pet one of the cute, floppy-eared dogs, Skaut. The Scottsdale Police Department put lots of emphasis on teamwork and trust to make the tournament run smoothly.

Later in the day we got access to the driving range and watched the player’s warm up before their round. At the range went met Mr. Harmin, a reporter for African-American Golf Digest. He gave us insights on how reporting can spread a message and bring attention to minorities. Mr. Harmin shared incredible tips on how to engage with professional golfers. He introduced us to Ryan Palmer on the range before his round. We asked Ryan what the best advice he had been given was and he said “have fun!” It is awesome to see that at the end of the day, the golfers realize that it is a game and meant to be fun.

Today, we discovered that having great preparation, respect, and being ready for anything makes the WM Phoenix Open possible.

A DAY AT THE WM PHOENIX OPEN: THE POWER OF COLLABORATION

I’m Dylan, and today, I had the honor of being selected by First Tee – Phoenix as one of two Junior Course Reporters at the WM Phoenix Open. First Tee – Phoenix has played a huge role in my development as both a golfer and an individual, teaching me invaluable lessons through its Five Key Commitments—one of which is Collaborating with Others.

Continue reading

THURSDAY AT THE 2025 WM PHOENIX OPEN

Yes, plenty happens before the first tee shot is struck, but Thursday marked the official start of the 2025 edition of “The People’s Open.” And if the opening round was any indication, we’re in for an absolute thriller.

Continue reading

WEDNESDAY AT THE 2025 WM PHOENIX OPEN

A Star-Studded Annexus Pro-Am Kicks Off Tournament Week

The Annexus Pro-Am brought out some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and music for an exciting day at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course. Fans lined the fairways to watch four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Olympic icon Michael Phelps, country music superstar Luke Bryan and comedic sensation Rob Riggle tee it up alongside some of the PGA TOUR’s best.

Baseball fans got a treat as well. Diamondbacks’ trio of aces Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Corbin Burnes along with their skipper Torey Lovullo, took on the course, while former MLB MVP Jimmy Rollins and slugger Kyle Schwarber added even more star power to the mix. Jelly Roll also brought his larger-than-life personality to the fairways, giving fans an early glimpse before his headlining performance at the Coors Light Birds Nest later that night.

While the celebrities kept the crowd entertained, PGA TOUR pros made final preparations to their games before competition officially begins on Thursday.

VanHyfte Takes the WHOOP Shot at Glory Title

With the pressure on and the 16th hole grandstands roaring, Curt VanHyfte delivered the best shot of the day to claim victory in the WHOOP Shot at Glory, sticking his tee shot to 22 feet, 1 inch. Golf content creator Grant Horvat finished just behind at 23 feet, 6 inches, while Adam Pritchett rounded out the top three with a solid shot landing 24 feet, 5 inches from the pin.

The Party Continues at the Coors Light Birds Nest

As the sun sets over TPC Scottsdale, the party was just getting started. The Coors Light Birds Nest kicked off its first night with a packed house, as country music headliner Jelly Roll took the stage following an opening set from Treaty Oak Revival. Fans filled the venue for a night of live music, dancing, and an atmosphere unlike any other in golf.

Looking Ahead to Thursday’s First Round

With the entertainment portion of the week in full swing, all eyes now turn to the opening round of the 2025 WM Phoenix Open.

Nick Taylor will look to defend his title, but he’ll face stiff competition from a loaded field that includes Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Wyndham Clark, Hideki Matsuyama and dozens of other Top-50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings. First-round tee times begin at 7:20 a.m. for morning groupings and 12:00 p.m. for afternoon pairings.

The 2025 edition of “The People’s Open” is officially underway, and if Wednesday was any indication, we’re in for another unforgettable week. Stay tuned for all the action!

CLICK TO SEE FIRST-ROUND PAIRINGS