Team Chris Gotterup and Daniel Berger set the pace with a 55 to take first place, edging Team Brian Harman and Tom Hoge, who matched the score but came up just short on the final nine. Team Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka finished third at 57, while Team Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele followed closely behind, also at 57. From the leaders to the middle of the board, the Stadium Course stayed busy all afternoon, with plenty of teams hanging around and pushing the pace.

But Wednesday at “The People’s Open” is never just about where you finish.

Fans moved freely between groups, cheering great shots, laughing at the bad ones, and getting up close to the kind of moments that only happen here. Celebrities leaned into the cheers and jeers of the crowd. PGA TOUR players embraced it. The result was a day that felt competitive without being stiff – the exact balance that defines this tournament.

That energy carried straight into WHOOP Shot at Glory, where the crowd packed in and every inch mattered. Brian Baumgartner — yes, that Brian Baumgartner — took the win with a clutch effort at 10 feet, 4 inches. Chazzy finished right on his heels at 10 feet, 5 inches, and Ron Shurts followed with a strong showing at 21 feet, 2 inches. It was tight, loud, and decided by inches, which felt just about right for a Wednesday afternoon in Scottsdale.

By the time the sun dipped and the last groups cleared the course, the message was clear. The crowds were dialed in. The course was alive and hoppin’ and ready for the best golfers in the world.

Tournament play is next. And if Wednesday was any indication, it’s going to get even louder.