The Waste Management Phoenix Open has typically been one of the more boisterous events on the PGA Tour and a far cry from what is usually witnessed.
The iconic par-three 16th Stadium Hole at TPC Scottsdale is the loudest atmosphere on the PGA Tour and has hosted some memorable moments over the years, including a hole-in-one from Tiger Woods.
Given the party-like nature of the event, unsavoury scenes can occur. Last year, Zach Johnson lost his temper with one fan on the final day. In 2025, the WM Phoenix Open will operate a zero-tolerance policy to clamp down on disorder.
Golf Channel pundit Ryan Lavner likes what he’s witnessed before at the WM Phoenix Open and believes the vibe at the event should be replicated elsewhere.
Ryan Lavner predicts PGA Tour change after WM Phoenix Open
There are multiple areas at TPC Scottsdale where fans can congregate and take a break from walking the course. Lavner likes the idea of mini villages around the venue to enhance the spectator experience.
“There is at least the potential, and maybe it’s not as debaucherous as this one, but the Phoenix Open could be the norm rather than the exception. The point is that it is really hard to follow 72 holes of a tournament competition; it is even harder to follow 18 holes. There are very few fans who are going to be turning up this week and saying I am going to follow Scottie Scheffler from hole one to hole 18 and make it a five-hour endeavour,” Lavner told the Golf Channel Podcast.
“You are going to veer off, you are going to get food and you’re going to need to rest, make phone calls, whatever it may be. So, the PGA Tour model is to set up these little villages where you can still be immersed in the action and pay attention, but you don’t have to plot your way around the golf course over and over again.
“If the tournament organisers can striker a balance this week where it’s fun, it’s lively, it maybe close goes close to the edge but does not go over it, I think the PGA Tour is going to look at this and say, hey we have the potential to duplicate this ala Formula One at every signature event they have in the future. I am hoping, and I am optimistic, that there will not be incidents that we have seen in the past.”
PGA Tour must become more fan-friendly
The PGA Tour must make venues more entertaining and fan-friendly. If the WM Phoenix Open remains free of drama, this can be replicated elsewhere.
LIV Golf has made a habit of including a party hole at every single event, and, for the most part, the atmosphere at breakaway league events improves as a result.
Innovative ideas would be welcomed at a time when the PGA Tour is under fire for its pace of play, weakened fields, and poor broadcasting.
The WM Phoenix Open will draw significant attention this weekend, with several high-profile players competing. Jay Monahan will undoubtedly hope for a competitive leaderboard and for fans to enjoy what’s on offer in Phoenix.
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