Last year’s WM Phoenix Open didn’t go as expected.

Bad weather created muddy conditions on the hills of TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, usually bustling with spectators. This resulted in overcrowding and overindulgence among fans, highlighting the inherent risks of hosting the rowdiest event on the golf calendar.

What had become a festive atmosphere—the tournament’s key selling point—descended into chaos, especially on Saturday’s third round. Entrances were blocked, and alcohol sales were even halted at times. Tensions escalated, leading to confrontations between golfers and unruly fans. PGA Tour golfer Billy Horschel remarked, “Things have crossed a line a bit the last couple of years,” after being filmed asking rowdy patrons to “shut the hell up.”

Tournament director Chance Cozby shared with Golf Channel, “Saturday at the WM Phoenix Open in 2024 is going to be a turning point for our tournament and organization to improve our event.”

Officials labeled it a perfect storm of issues, prompting a series of adjustments to ensure the 2025 WM Phoenix Open runs more smoothly. Here’s a look at how this tournament evolved into golf’s biggest celebration and what to expect this week as round one begins on Thursday:

History of the WM Phoenix Open

The inaugural Phoenix Open took place in 1932 and was revived in 1939 by Bob Goldwater and the Thunderbirds, a civic group associated with the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. The event has been held annually since 1944, bearing various names such as the Western Open, the Arizona Open, the Ben Hogan Invitational, the Phoenix Open, the FBR Open, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, and currently, the WM Phoenix Open.

Since 1987, TPC Scottsdale has served as the tournament’s home course, while venues like the Phoenix Country Club and Arizona Country Club have hosted in the past. Notable winners include Byron Nelson (1939, 1945), Ben Hogan (1946, 1947), Arnold Palmer (1961, 1962, 1963), Jack Nicklaus (1964), Phil Mickelson (1996, 2005, 2013), Brooks Koepka (2015, 2021), and Scottie Scheffler (2022, 2023).

The Famous 16th Hole

The WM Phoenix Open has attracted massive crowds, reaching record attendance in 2018 with a single-day total of 216,818 spectators on Saturday’s third round, culminating in an overall attendance of 719,179 for the week, the last time official figures were released.

This surge in popularity is primarily attributed to the lively atmosphere surrounding the par-3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course. Temporary grandstands encircle the hole, accommodating up to 20,000 fans. This spot has earned the nickname “The Coliseum,” where tee shots elicit either loud cheers or boos from the festive crowd.

Tiger Woods’ hole-in-one in 1997 is credited with making the 16th hole iconic, as Woods celebrated with an ecstatic crowd, becoming a memorable part of tournament history. Other players like Jarrod Lyle (2011) and Sam Ryder (2022) have also made aces on the 16th during the typically jubilant Saturday round.

Scottie Scheffler remarked this week, “You’re not just battling the golf course; the crowd can be quite intense. It’s exciting to perform in front of fans excited for you. But if you miss the green or fail to make a birdie, the cheers fade quickly. Ultimately, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s special to play in front of such a supportive crowd.”

Changes Made for the WM Phoenix Open This Year

In October, the Thunderbirds announced several adjustments for this week’s WM Phoenix Open following the events in 2024 at TPC Scottsdale.

Notably, a new entrance has been added near the 18th hole to improve the flow of foot traffic, especially on busy Friday and Saturday days. The tournament will also implement all-digital ticketing, restricting fans to purchase tickets for specific days rather than offering an “any day” option to mitigate last year’s overcrowding issues.

Additionally, organizers widened pathways, enhanced concession areas, and implemented more fan-friendly features throughout the course. Police and security will actively monitor and manage unruly fans outside the ropes.

Matt Mooney, chairman of the WMC Phoenix Open, stated, “We expect strict enforcement of the rules across the course, and the new digital general admission tickets necessitate that fans agree to a fan code of conduct,” highlighting the commitment to maintaining order. “However, we want to ensure this remains ‘the People’s Open’ and the PGA Tour’s premier party.”

“While we’re making improvements, we don’t want to over-correct since this event generates significant economic impact—over half a billion dollars annually—for the area, and we’ve contributed more than $200 million to local charities since its inception,” added Mooney. “Our goal is to continually enhance the experience for fans and players.”

How to Watch the 2025 WM Phoenix Open: TV and Streaming Details

The WM Phoenix Open will be broadcast live on Golf Channel across all four days of the tournament, with CBS covering the third and final rounds.

Streaming options include ESPN+, Paramount+, the NBC sports app, and the CBS sports app. The 2025 WM Phoenix Open can also be watched on Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Catch the 2025 WM Phoenix Open on Fubo

Thursday, Feb. 6

First Round

• 9:15 a.m.-7 p.m. ET, ESPN+
• 4-8 p.m. ET, Golf Channel
• 4-8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports app

Friday, Feb. 7

Second Round

• 9:15 a.m.-7 p.m. ET, ESPN+
• 4-8 p.m. ET, Golf Channel
• 4-8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports app

Saturday, Feb. 8

Third Round

• 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+
• 1-3 p.m. ET, Golf Channel
• 1-3 p.m. ET, NBC Sports app
• 3-6:30 p.m. ET, CBS
• 3-6:30 p.m. ET, Paramount+, CBS Sports app

Sunday, Feb. 9

Final Round

• 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. ET, ESPN+
• 1-3 p.m. ET, Golf Channel
• 1-3 p.m. ET, NBC Sports app
• 3-6 p.m. ET, CBS
• 3-6 p.m. ET, Paramount+, CBS Sports app