the peoples open

WM AMBASSADOR AND FOUR-TIME PGA TOUR WINNER CHARLEY HOFFMAN RECEIVES FIRST SPONSOR EXEMPTION FOR 2023 WM PHOENIX OPEN

January 13, 2023 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

Tournament Chairman Pat Williams announced today WM ambassador and 23-year PGA TOUR veteran Charley Hoffman will receive the first of five available sponsor exemptions for the 2023 [geoswitch][geoswitch_case country_code=”US” state_code=”AZ”]WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison[/geoswitch_case][geoswitch_case]WM Phoenix Open[/geoswitch_case][/geoswitch], set to tee it up February 6-12 at TPC Scottsdale.

“We’re obviously very proud to present our first sponsor exemption to 23-year PGA TOUR veteran and WM ambassador Charley Hoffman,” Williams said. “Charley has been a wonderful friend of not only our tournament, but our title sponsor and our local communities. We’re looking forward to seeing him in action this February and excited to welcome him back to ‘The People’s Open’.”

Since, turning professional in 2000, the San Diego native has recorded four PGA TOUR wins including the 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, the 2010 Deutsche Bank Championship, the 2014 OHL Classic at Mayakoba and the 2016 Valero Texas Open. Hoffman also was a member of the 2017 U.S. Presidents Cup team. Hoffman will make his 17^th start at “The People’s Open” with his best finish coming in 2009 as a runner-up to eventual winner Kenny Perry.

“I’d like to thank the Thunderbirds and WM for their continued support of me, my family, and my career,” Hoffman said. “This is hands down my favorite event on the calendar, not only because of the fans and the amazing atmosphere, but because I get to represent WM during the week of their biggest event. I’m so grateful to be given the opportunity to compete at this stage, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for what seems to be the biggest WM Phoenix Open ever.”

The Thunderbirds and WM have a total of five exemptions to award for the 2023 WM Phoenix Open. The remaining four exemptions will be announced leading up to the tournament.

The competitive WM Phoenix Open field will be competing for the increased purse of $20 million, the $3,6 million first-place check and 500 FedExCup points. PGA TOUR members have until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, to commit to play in the WM Phoenix Open. Eligible players are assigned one of 34 PGA TOUR priority ranking categories based on their past performance on TOUR. The field will continue to change as players with higher priority rankings commit to play in the WM Phoenix Open. This year, the WM Phoenix Open is guaranteed to have the top 20 players at its event thanks to the commitment from PGA TOUR players in the Player Impact Program. The 2023 WM Phoenix Open will be one of PGA’s ‘designated status’ events.

WORLD NO. 1 RORY MCILROY OFFICIALLY JOINS FIELD FOR 2023 WM PHOENIX OPEN

January 12, 2023 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

Tournament Chairman Pat Williams announced today World No. 1 and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy has officially committed to play in the 2023 [geoswitch][geoswitch_case country_code=”US” state_code=”AZ”]WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison[/geoswitch_case][geoswitch_case]WM Phoenix Open[/geoswitch_case][/geoswitch], which is set to tee it up February 6-12 at TPC Scottsdale. This will be McIlroy’s second appearance at “The People’s Open”, he finished T-13 in his 2021 debut.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome one of the most decorated golfers of this generation, Rory McIlroy, back to ‘The People’s Open’,” Williams said. “Rory’s accomplishments on and off the golf course are indicative of what it means to be a ‘pro’s pro,’ we are thrilled that our fans get to watch him in action at TPC Scottsdale for a second time.”

McIlroy is arguably one of the most decorated players in golf history, racking up 23 PGA TOUR victories and eight International titles – including four DP World Tour Rankings victories – over his illustrious 16-year professional career. The Northern Ireland native was named PGA TOUR Player of the Year three times (2012, 2014, 2019), European Golfer of the Year three times (2012, 2014, 2015), twice recognized as the PGA TOUR’s leading money winner (2012, 2014) and held the World No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking for a cumulative total of 116 weeks beginning in March of 2012. McIlroy also is a three-time FedExCup champ, led the PGA TOUR in scoring four times (2012, 2014, 2019, 2022) and has represented Team Europe in the Ryder Cup six times, four of which were victorious.

WM PHOENIX OPEN ONCE AGAIN TO OFFER FREE ADMISSION AS PART OF “FORD FREE DAYS”

January 9, 2023 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

Thanks to Ford, the Official Vehicle of the [geoswitch][geoswitch_case country_code=”US” state_code=”AZ”]WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison[/geoswitch_case][geoswitch_case]WM Phoenix Open[/geoswitch_case][/geoswitch], all fans will be admitted FREE of charge on Monday, Feb. 6 and Tuesday, Feb. 7 to the WM Phoenix Open as part of “Ford Free Days” courtesy of your Arizona Ford Dealers.

As part of this renewed partnership, the fifth-annual closest-to-the-pin contest called “Ford Drive One for Arizona Charities” will be held on the iconic 16^th hole, giving players a chance to win $10,000 for one of 10 local non-profit organizations, many of whom support green initiatives in Arizona communities.

“This marks the seventh year ‘The People’s Open’ and Ford have partnered to offer free admission to all of our fans,” said 2023 Tournament Chairman Pat Williams. “We couldn’t be more excited to continue this program. This partnership serves as a commitment to our local communities and ensures all WM Phoenix Open fans have an opportunity to experience everything the tournament has to offer.”

Monday’s schedule includes practice rounds by PGA TOUR players and the Carlisle Pro-Am, while Tuesday will include practice rounds, the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day and the popular San Tan Ford Special Olympics Open.

The R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day features motivational talks and Q&A with PGA TOUR professionals, a trick shot show, and a junior golf clinic presented by PING. The event is located on the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course practice range.

The popular San Tan Ford Special Olympics Open Putting Challenge is located at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course putting green and features a friendly competition between teams comprised of Special Olympics Arizona athletes, celebrities and sports stars, and business leaders from the community.

“The Arizona Ford dealers are delighted about the opportunity to bring Ford Free Days and Ford Drive one for Arizona Charities to the WM Phoenix Open. We hope everyone is able to come out and enjoy Monday and Tuesday as well as the rest of the tournament,” said Arizona Ford Dealers Chairman, Mark Witthar. “The Arizona Ford Dealers are proud to be a part of a tournament that gives so much back to the local community and deserving causes throughout Arizona.”

Ford will bring out the latest Ford gas and electric vehicles and showcase them near the driving range for fans to check out all tournament long, along with some special giveaways. Beyond the on-course showcase, Ford Free days, and the Ford Drive one for Arizona Charities, Ford will also host Country Night at the Coors Light Bird’s Nest on Thursday, Feb. 9 with Jason Aldean and special guest Mackenzie Porter.

As the Official Vehicle of the WM Phoenix Open, Arizona Ford dealers will be providing more than 150 courtesy vehicles during tournament week to transport PGA TOUR players, tournament officials and WM Phoenix Open staff. Those vehicles, comprised of all 2022 Explorer SUVs, will go up for sale at the Phoenix metro Ford Dealerships following the tournament.

DEFENDING CHAMPION SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER, XANDER SCHAUFFELE AND SAM BURNS AMONG FIRST COMMITMENTS TO FIELD FOR 2023 WM PHOENIX OPEN

December 29, 2022 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1672328530881{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Tournament Chairman Pat Williams announced today the [geoswitch][geoswitch_case country_code=”US” state_code=”AZ”]WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison[/geoswitch_case][geoswitch_case]WM Phoenix Open[/geoswitch_case][/geoswitch] has received early commitments from some of the top PGA TOUR players who will tee it up at “The People’s Open” February 6-12 at TPC Scottsdale. Those among the first to officially commit include defending WM Phoenix Open champion and 2022 PGA TOUR Player of the Year Scottie Scheffler, seven-time PGA TOUR winner and 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Xander Schauffele, and four-time PGA TOUR winner Sam Burns.

“With the WM Phoenix Open being named a designated event, we have high expectations for showcasing the best field we’ve ever had,” Williams said. “We can’t wait to introduce the rest of the field as we get closer to the 88^th edition of ‘The People’s Open.’”[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”35363,35365,35361″ img_size=”medium”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1672328442880{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Scheffler turned in a memorable 2022 campaign that included his first major win at the 2022 Masters on his way to winning PGA TOUR Player of the Year honors. He earned his first four PGA TOUR titles in a span of six starts, starting with the 2022 WM Phoenix Open (his first career win), followed by victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play and the Masters. That winning stretch proved to be historic as Scheffler was the first player to achieve such a feat since Jason Day accomplished it back in 2015. Scheffler was the PGA TOUR’s leading money winner in 2022, earning himself a President’s Cup appearance, a runner-up finish in the 2022 FedExCup standings and Player of the Year honors to move into the top spot in Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career following his third victory (March 27), becoming the 25th player in the OWGR era to reach the No. 1 position. He maintained his position as World No. 1 through the end of the season, and currently is second in the rankings behind Rory McIlroy. This will be Scottie’s fourth appearance at “The Peoples Open.”

Schauffele also had a stellar year in 2022, earning seven Top-10s that included wins at the Travelers Championship, Genesis Scottish Open and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. He recorded Top-15 finishes at three of the four majors (The Open Championship, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship), as well as a Top-5 performance at the TOUR Championship to finish solo fourth in the final 2022 FedExCup standings. This will be Xander’s sixth appearance at the WM Phoenix Open, with his best outing a runner-up finish in 2021. He finished solo third last year behind Scheffler and runner-up Patrick Cantlay. He currently ranks sixth in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Burns was selected to his first President’s Cup team and had a breakout season in 2022 with three wins (Sanderson Farms Championship, Valspar Championship, and the Charles Schwab Challenge). He advanced to the TOUR Championship for the second consecutive season, finishing No. 24 in the final FedExCup standings. With his three victories, Burns was one of five players to win three or more times on the season. The LSU alum finished the season with eight Top-10s in 24 events played. This will be Burns’ fifth appearance at “The Peoples Open,” with his best performance a Top-25 finish in 2021. He currently sits 13^th in the OWGR.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

PHOENIX SUNS STARS DEVIN BOOKER AND CHRIS PAUL TO HEADLINE WM PHOENIX OPEN TEE-OFF LUNCHEON AT CHASE FIELD

November 1, 2022 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

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The Thunderbirds announced today Phoenix Suns superstars Devin Booker and Chris Paul will be the featured guests for the WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison Tee-Off Luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 1, on the diamond at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix.

Tickets are sold out. Please click here to join the waitlist.

“The Tee-Off Luncheon is an extremely popular event in which we get to kick off Open season and tell the community what’s in store for the upcoming tournament,” said 2023 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Pat Williams. “We’re especially excited to be joined by two of the Valley’s best athletes and hear their thoughts on not only their incredible NBA careers, but also how they feel about ‘The People’s Open’.”

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Booker and Paul are influential athletes in the Valley, helping the Suns win a franchise-record 65 wins last year. Paul is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time, granting him another nickname as “The Point God.” Currently in his 18^th season, Paul has won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, an NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, two Olympic gold medals, and led the NBA in assists five times and steals a record six times. Paul also has been selected to 12 NBA All-Star teams, 11 All-NBA teams, and nine NBA All-Defensive teams. In 2021, he was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Paul just recently became the third NBA player to surpass 11,000 career assists, and now trails only John Stockton (15,806) and Jason Kidd (12,091).

Booker has risen to fame quickly in the league after becoming the youngest player to score 60 points in a game and just one of six NBA players to score 70 points when he dropped 70 on the Boston Celtics in 2017. Just last season Booker earned his first All-NBA First Team selection and was an MVP candidate. Other notable accolades include three NBA All-Star Game appearances, All-NBA First Team (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), NBA Three Point Contest Champion (2018), and member of the USA Basketball team that took Gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. and the program will run from 12 – 1:30 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall will once again act as emcee for the event.

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