WM Phoenix Open field filling up fast with big names, former champions
The 2024 WM Phoenix Open is three weeks away and the field is rounding into shape.
Rickie Fowler, the 2019 tournament champ, joins Tony Finau and Sahith Theegala among the latest commitments to play in the event, scheduled for Feb. 8-11 at TPC Scottsdale.
Tournament Chairman George Thimsen had some other recent player announcements as well, as 2023 FedEx Cup champion Viktor Hovland and Max Homa are also set to play. Other big names in the field are Xander Schauffele, Sam Burns, Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Justin Thomas and two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
Luke Donald, captain of the winning European Ryder Cup team, received the second of five available sponsor exemptions for the tournament. Past champion Kevin Stadler, who hoisted the trophy in 2014, got the first.
PGA Tour members have until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, to commit.
A signature event in 2023 with a $20 million purse and a $3.6 million first-place prize, the Phoenix Open this year will have a purse of $8.8 million, with $1.584 million going to the winner.
The PGA Tour is in San Diego this week for the Farmers Insurance Open. Next week, it’s the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which is a signature event in 2024. Then it’s the Phoenix Open on Super Bowl weekend before the West Coast Swing concludes at the Genesis Invitational.
Phoenix Open qualifiers quickly sold out
The WM Phoenix Open is a hot ticket for fans but it’s also one for the pros. For those who need to play their way in, the Monday qualifier will be on Feb. 5 at Pinnacle Peak Country Club. The top three finishers there get the final spots in the Phoenix Open field. Before the Monday qualifier, though, are eight scheduled pre-qualifiers at various locations around the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.
McCormick Ranch Golf Course (Pine) in Scottsdale, the 500 Club in Glendale, Western Skies Golf Club in Gilbert, Dobson Ranch Golf Course in Mesa, Aguila Golf Course in Laveen, Lone Tree Golf Club in Chandler and Toka Sticks Golf Club in Mesa are all set to host.
If you were thinking about entering, though, it’s too late. All eight are sold out, according to Monday Q Info on X.com, which tracks Monday qualifiers around the country and reports that a total of 624 golfers are playing in those eight pre-qualifiers. Only the top two at each will move on to the Monday qualifier.
Phoenix Open traffic alert
Fans making plans to attend the Phoenix Open will need to remember that there is a widening project on Loop 101 in Scottsdale. The two-year project will lead to improved access to Shea Boulevard and Pima Road/Princess Drive but in the meantime will mean temporary barriers and slower drive times.
"ADOT is working with the city of Scottsdale to limit restrictions during local special events, including the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament," the Arizona Department of Transportation stated in a news release.
Chip shots
Annika Sorenstam finished tied for second with Derek Lowe in the celebrity division at the LPGA’s season opener, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, on Sunday in Orlando, Florida. Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets won the tournament. Former Arizona Coyote Jeremy Roenick was fifth and former Arizona State golfer Blair O’Neal tied for 14th.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: WM Phoenix Open field filling up fast with big names, former champions
