The NFL season is coming to a close and the PGA Tour provides one of the best pre game shows to the Super Bowl with the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The WM Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course in Arizona boasts one of the best environments(both scenic and energetic) on tour. The crowds at TPC Scottsdale offer a golf experience unlike any other, especially at the Par three, 16th hole.

The grandstands and 15,000-plus fans surrounding the 16th green are an experience only the WM Phoenix Open can provide. The party like atmosphere provides an incredible energy.

Scottie Scheffler will attempt to do what only three golfers have previously done by winning an event three straight years. Steve Striker was the last to do it at the John Deere Classic from 2009-2011.

Scottie won the Waste Management last year shooting a final round 65. He held off Nick Taylor and Jon Rahm by two strokes shooting 19 under. Last year’s event was an elevated event making the win even more impressive considering the field strength and a whopping $3.6 million payday.

In 2022, Scottie Scheffler got his first of four wins on the year after defeating Patrick Cantlay in a playoff. Scheffler shot a 62 on Saturday which certainly helped propel him to the win.

Although this event is sandwiched between two signature events, the field certainly isn’t lacking talent. Seven of the top Ten in the official world golf rankings will be in the field with Scheffler, Hovland, Schauffele, Homa, Fitzpatrick, Harmon and Clark all playing. They’ll be joined by Tom Kim, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler to name a few.

The TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course is a 7,200-yard, par 71, with what’s listed as TifEagle Bermuda greens; but they are not your typical Bermuda. They’re more of a mix and run a bit faster than typical Bermuda. The course generally plays firm and fast.

There are eleven par fours, four par threes, and three par fives on the course. Ten of the eighteen holes are par fours ranging from 400-500 yards. Half of them are 400-450 and the other half are from 450-500 yards. The 17th hole is a 330-yard, potentially driveable, par four for some golfers and plays as the 3rd easiest hole on the course. Two of the three par fives play as the two easiest holes on the course and will need to be taken advantage of for anyone looking to contend.

Mid to long irons will be used often on approach shots with 150-175 yards making up a quarter of all approach shots. Shots from over 200 yards make up a little over 21%. Greens in regulation percentage is around 67% and if golfers are missing greens they likely have no chance here.

Driving accuracy is just slightly below PGA Tour average coming in at 60%. With golfers choosing to mash it off the tee, the average driving distance at TPC Scottsdale is well above the tour average coming in at 295.7 yards. That helps to make the three par fives reachable in two for most of the field. Eagles on those holes will be necessary to contend.

The field consists of 138 golfers; with the Top 65 and ties making the cut to play the weekend.

WM Phoenix Open: Key Stats and Figures

• Approach
• Proximity 150-175 yards
• Par 4 400-450 & 450-500 yds
• Eagles Gained
• Opportunities Gained

Historic Cut Line

• 2023: +1
• 2022: -1
• 2021:  -2
• 2020:  E
• 2019:  E

Previous Winners

2023: Scottie Scheffler-19
2022: Scottie Scheffler -16
2021: Brooks Koepka- 19
2020: Webb Simpson -17
2019: Rickie Fowler -17