Scottie Scheffler and Rickie Fowler give their opinions on the fans at the WM Phoenix Open ahead of this year’s event

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Scottie Scheffler returns to the scene of his first-ever PGA Tour win this week as he takes on the WM Phoenix Open.

Scheffler drew praise from Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in his first PGA Tour event of the season.

World number one Scheffler finished T9 as he returned from a hand injury for his first start, with the WM Phoenix Open now next on his schedule.

Two-time winner Scheffler leads the field for the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, with defending champion Nick Taylor also involved.

Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, Wyndham Clark and Sepp Straka are also teeing it up at TPC Scottsdale.

Scottie Scheffler and Rickie Fowler enjoy boisterous WM Phoenix Open atmosphere

Fans at the PGA Tour event are certain to be as rowdy as ever, particularly at the world-renowned par-three 16th party hole.

As quoted by Golfweek, Scheffler and his fellow American Rickie Fowler have been sharing their thoughts on the atmosphere ahead of getting their first rounds underway.

READ MORE: Watch the Tiger Woods shot at the WM Phoenix Open that has been labelled ‘the greatest shot’ in golfing history

“I think it’s fun,” said Scheffler. “It doesn’t really seem like it would suit my personality, but I seem to like it, I don’t know.”

Fowler meanwhile noted: “The fans can be borderline there. As players, we have to be open to some things that might be said.

“I can’t imagine being in the outfield against the New York Yankees or the away team against the Philadelphia Eagles or something.

“But I love the event. I wouldn’t want every event to be like Phoenix. That’s part of what makes it special. As a player, you know going in it’s a little different and you have to accept what it’s going to be.”

Billy Horschel tells WM Phoenix Open fans to ‘be respectful’ at TPC Scottsdale

As Fowler alluded to, however, a handful of fans have often been close to the line or have indeed crossed it over the years.

The likes of Billy Horschel and Zach Johnson have had infamous run-ins at TPC Scottsdale, with that situation perhaps going to be repeated once more this week.

READ MORE: Professional golfer says what Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods can do which Scottie Scheffler simply cannot match

Adding to the verdicts of his compatriots Scheffler and Fowler, Horschel commented: “I like hearing the roars.

“I like trying to hit golf shots that get people excited. I want the fans to have fun. I want you guys to enjoy the time out there.

“Just be respectful when someone’s hitting a shot and make sure whatever you say then doesn’t cross a personal line. That’s it. And then, you know, have all the fun you want in this world.”