The atmosphere at the Waste Management Phoenix Open is unlike anything else witnessed on the PGA Tour.
Every year, the WM Phoenix Open promotes a party-like atmosphere, which is felt to the max at the iconic par-three 16th hole.
The PGA Tour has been backed to replicate the Waste Management atmosphere elsewhere in a bid to improve the overall product in the midst of heavy criticism.
There have also been issues with the Phoenix Open in recent years. In 2024, Zach Johnson was involved in an altercation with a fan, and several other unsavoury incidents have occurred. In order to deter anti-social behaviour, the PGA Tour has issued a zero-tolerance policy at this year’s event.
What Akshay Bhatia said about the crowds at the WM Phoenix Open
As is usually the case at the Waste Management, those competing are asked to share their thoughts on the rowdy nature of the event.
Akshay Bhatia, speaking after his opening 18, admitted the atmosphere has actually gotten louder at this year’s edition.
“Yeah, I think it’s gotten louder and louder,” the 23-year-old said.
“You don’t really know what to expect until you play the event. Last year was an event where the weather was terrible, and I never really thought I would come back and play. But once I saw the weather was good, and I really like this golf course, I thought might as well just come back, and I think it fit pretty good in the schedule.”
“People were buzzing, and it’s a lot more fun. Last year I was freezing, and the ball was going nowhere, and it was playing really hard. Just kind of wasn’t prepared for it, I guess. This year, it’s just so much fun. You never step up to a golf shot feeling tired or anything. It’s go, go, go. So it’s fun.”
Why Akshay Bhatia changed his mind on WM Phoenix Open
Bhatia also revealed that he wasn’t originally scheduled to play the event, but after withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance, he added the Scottsdale stop to his schedule.
“Yeah, I was going to play Torrey Pines a couple weeks ago, but I came back from Dubai, the time change was too much for me,” he added.
“I felt like — I play a lot of events in a row, so four in a row didn’t scare me, so that’s why I added this event. I’m just not used to not playing a lot of weeks in a row, so I figured this is good to add to the schedule.”
Akshay Bhatia’s first round at WM Phoenix Open
Bhatia is currently in a tie for fourth after posting a five-under 66 on Friday. The American birdied three of his first four holes before picking up three more shots on the back nine, including on the par-three 16th.
Wyndham Clark currently leads the way at seven under after shooting a seven-under 64. Clark’s bogey-free round was particularly impressive, given the firm nature of the course and lightning-fast greens.
World number one Scottie Scheffler is two under after making two eagles on his back nine. Jordan Spieth, playing his second event of the season, is three under, and Justin Thomas is on the same number as Bhatia.
It was a day to forget for Max Homa, however. A five over 76 means the American is tied for 126th and well out of contention.
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