Waste Management Phoenix Open Preview (2-7-24)
By: Victor Herrera
Headline Photo Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
While most of America is getting ready for Super Bowl weekend this week in Las Vegas, Nevada; where the San Francisco 49ers will be taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. The golf community is preparing for the first big event of the season. This week the PGA Tour will be in Scottsdale, Arizona for the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Many fans love this event for the party feelings that they get watching golfers tee off at the infamous hole number 16. Others may not be fans as last time a hole-in-one was made alcoholic beverages were thrown on the green for staff to pick up. Either way, a fan is going to enjoy the star-studded field that is going to be fighting for the 1.5-million-dollar prize to the champion.
Scottie Scheffler who is the current world number 1 is the favorite leading into this event. He has won the event the past two years and looking the be the first player to win the same event 3 times in a row on the tour. Another favorite to win this week is number 5 in the world Xander Schauffele. Schauffele who found success last year and consistently has stayed competitive in his career has finished in the top 10, 4 times during his 6 appearances.
My favorite to win this week at the Phoenix Open is none other than Viktor Hovland. Hovland ended last season with supreme confidence. I fully expect him to pick up where he left off and start this season strong. This year’s wildcard is Tom Kim. Kim is a young golfer who has made a name for himself last year. He is a guy who can get in on the green and make a save when needed. Although he has yet to be consistent this could be what he needs to get over the hump. My dark horse is Min Woo Lee. Lee had his coming out party when he came close to winning The Players last year. Lee can make the shots necessary to stay in contention late in this tournament.
