Bags awaiting players are lined up near the media center before the start of round one of the WM Phoenix Open Thursday. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
SCOTTSDALE – Although the winner of the WM Phoenix was determined Sunday when Nick Taylor won in a playoff, rounds one and two set the tone for the rest of the weekend. A three- and-a-half hour rain delay pushed the remainder of the first round into Friday and led to the setting of a course record.
Just a week earlier, weather inflicted its wrath at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, resulting in a handful of top names pulling out of the rowdiest stop on the tour. Still, plenty of stars showed up.
Former Arizona State golfer Kevin Yu was playing in his first WM Phoenix Open and posted a 69 in Thursday’s round. Unfortunately for the former Sun Devils golfer, a 73 in round two meant Yu did not make the cut.
Justin Thomas tees off on the 17th hole Friday morning after round one play of the WM Phoenix Open was suspended Thursday.
Cameron Young hits out of the sand on the 9th hole during the first round of the WM Phoenix Open Friday morning. (Photos by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
Left: Justin Thomas tees off on the 17th hole Friday morning after round one play of the WM Phoenix Open was suspended Thursday. Right: Cameron Young hits out of the sand on the 9th hole during the first round of the WM Phoenix Open Friday morning. (Photos by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
Another name who failed to make the cut was Rickie Fowler, the winner of the 2019 WM Phoenix Open. Fowler missed out thanks to a first round 73 and a second round 75, sending one of the tour’s fan favorites home two days early.
The story was much better for world number one Scottie Scheffler, who’s quest for his third straight victory at this tournament began with a 68 in round one and a 66 in round two, setting him up to go on a run in the final two days of the tournament.
Former ASU golfer Kevin Yu tees off on the 18th hole during the first round of the WM Phoenix Open, a tournament hindered by rain. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
Rickie Fowler, a popular player among fans, walks to the 18th tee box during the first round of the WM Phoenix Open Thursday morning.
Rickie Fowler lowers his sunglasses to line up a putt on the 18th green during competition in the “People’s Open.” (Photos by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
Left: Rickie Fowler, a popular player among fans, walks to the 18th tee box during the first round of the WM Phoenix Open Thursday morning. Right: Rickie Fowler lowers his sunglasses to line up a putt on the 18th green during competition in the “People’s Open.” (Photos by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
Given his status among golf’s elite, Scheffler attracted some of the biggest crowds to watch his rounds throughout the weekend. His attempt to three-peat came up just short, finishing tied for third at -18.
Left: Scottie Scheffler blasts a drive on the 17th hole during the first round of the WM Phoenix Open. He started strong in the tournament. Center: Scottie Scheffler watches his putt on the 16th hole where fans were vocal about his efforts. Right: Scottie Scheffler tees off on 16 Friday morning, a hole he would eventually par. (Photos by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
En route to his fourth victory on the PGA tour, this year’s first round will go down in history for Canadian golfer Taylor, who tied the course record for a single round with a 60. A handful of golfers have matched Taylor’s mark in the past, including Phil Mickelson who did so in 2005 and 2013. Taylor followed up his first round 60 with a bogey-free 65 on Sunday to win the tournament.
The stars were out at the 16th hole this weekend to get their taste of the WM Phoenix Open energy. On Friday, those who had a front row seat to the magic of the coliseum were Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, Corbin Carroll and Michael Phelps.
Nick Taylor tied the course record at TPC Scottsdale during his first round of the WM Phoenix Open Friday. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
From his prime seat, Cody Bellinger waves to Los Angeles Dodgers fans who serenaded him on the 16th tee box . (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
Corbin Carroll and Michael Phelps take a photo together in the afternoon of Friday’s action at the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite news)
Joe Eigo expects to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism. Eigo is in his third semester at Cronkite News. He has previously worked with Inferno Intel, WCSN, The State Press and The Racing Experts.