We preview the Waste Management Phoenix Open set to take place at TPC Scottsdale from 1 – 4 February.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is famously known as ‘The Greatest Show on Grass’ and this week it promises to dazzle with a star-studded field featuring five of the world’s top eight golfers. Initially dubbed the Arizona Open, and later known as the Phoenix Open and the FBR Open, this captivating event now carries the name of its key sponsor, Waste Management.
From 1 to 4 February, the iconic Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale will welcome fans and players alike. The course, co-designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, underwent a $12 million revamp in 2014. Stretching 7,260 yards, it favours skilled ball strikers and boasts the only fully enclosed par 3 on the PGA Tour – the famous 16th hole, where 20,000 spectators form an electric atmosphere like no other.
We will see Jon Rahm returning to Arizona where he attended university, having stunned many with a fifth-place finish here as an amateur. Jordan Spieth is a consistent contender, while Rickie Fowler has also excelled on this course. Justin Thomas, despite a quiet start to his season, remains a strong player with the spotlight also firmly on Hideki Matsuyama, aiming to clinch an unprecedented third straight title at TPC Scottsdale. Matsuyama leads the betting odds this week after his last win at Firestone last season.
Past Winners
- 2017: Hideki Matsuyama (-17)*playoff
- 2016: Hideki Matsuyama (-14)*playoff
- 2015: Brooks Koepka (-15)
- 2014: Kevin Stadler (-16)
- 2013: Phil Mickelson (-28)
To Win Outright:
Hideki Matsuyama 9/1 | Jordan Spieth 9/1 | Jon Rahm 10/1 | Rickie Fowler 14/1 | Justin Thomas 16/1
Value Picks
Daniel Berger – To Win 40/1, To Place 17/2
Good friend of Jordan Spieth, Daniel Berger has been impressively consistent over the past few years, with both wins at the St Jude Classic. Known for his proficiency on Bermuda greens, Berger has started the season well with top finishes in recent tournaments, including T11 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and a T14 at the Sony Open. His record at Scottsdale is encouraging with two top 10 finishes, including T7 last year.
Zach Johnson – To Win 50/1, To Place 11/1
Zach Johnson is quietly in the mix this season, often overlooked but finishing near the top in several events like second at the halfway point in the Sony Open and fourth at the CareerBuilder. He boasts six top 25 finishes in eight appearances at Scottsdale, and while his shorter driving distance can be a concern, his consistent form makes 11/1 to place a tempting bet.
Ryan Palmer – To Win 70/1, To Place 15/1
Ryan Palmer is undervalued at 70/1 in a strong field but has shown excellent form recently, including a playoff loss at the Farmers Insurance Open and steady performances at the CareerBuilder Challenge. His history at Scottsdale is particularly noteworthy with two top 10 finishes, including runner-up in 2015.
The Man to Beat – Justin Thomas 16/1, To Place 7/2
Justin Thomas hovers as a potential dark horse at 16/1. Despite a slow start to the season and missing the last two cuts here, his powerful driving and precise iron play mark him as a serious contender. Expect his game to click this week and pose a strong challenge to the favourites.
