Several changes incoming for 2025 WM Phoenix Open
Oct 22, 2024, 6:27 AM | Updated: Oct 24, 2024, 10:47 am
Fans are seen on the 16th green during the second round of the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on February 09, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Thunderbirds, who are the event organizers for the WM Phoenix Open, announced on Monday there will be several changes to the tournament coming in 2025.
Among the changes are an additional tournament entrance, a digital-only ticketing platform for general admission patrons, enhanced walking areas for spectators and venue upgrades.
“The People’s Open” will be making its return to TPC Scottsdale on Feb. 3-9. It will mark the 90th anniversary of the tournament and the 16th time Waste Management will be the title sponsor.
The announcement comes after some fans were denied entrance on the Saturday of this year’s tournament when the event’s gates were temporarily closed.
The gates were closed after officials deemed the crowds were too large. The tournament also stopped serving alcohol at multiple spots around TPC Scottsdale for a short period of time.
“Each and every year, The Thunderbirds review the previous tournament and look for ways to improve,” 2025 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Matt Mooney said in a release. “We’ve been working closely with the PGA TOUR, Scottsdale Police and Fire, title sponsor WM and our other valued partners to make impactful changes for 2025. We are excited to announce these enhancements as the countdown to ‘The People’s Open’ begins.”
What changes are coming to the WM Phoenix Open 2025?
A new entrance will be installed on Greenway Hayden Loop, just north of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, near the tee on the 18th hole.
After nearly an inch of rain fell near TPC Scottsdale during this year’s tournament, fans were forced off the muddy grass and dirt spaces, where they could normally walk or view the course, onto the concrete walkways as a result.
“The additional entrance will significantly improve the flow of fans entering and exiting TPC Scottsdale,” Mooney said. “This entrance will provide relief at our main entrance and offer a much shorter walk for those fans in high-demand areas near holes 16, 17 and 18.”
In addition, some of the walkways around the course have also been expanded, including the path near the 17th fairway that extends to the 11th hole which is now twice as wide as it was before.
RELATED STORIES
The digital-only ticketing platform for general admission attendees will also help manage crowds during times of entry and exit.
“We are upgrading technology to provide a more seamless experience for our fans who purchase general admission tickets,” Mooney said. “By eliminating physical general admission tickets, good-any-day tickets and tickets sold by third-party partners, we not only improve the buying and scanning process, we also improve our oversight of crowd management.”
Two of the course’s general admission venues will also see upgrades before next year’s event.
The Taylor Morrison Fairway House at the 12th hole will provide viewing areas that are more accessible, including an upgrade to the concessions area.
The Desert Oasis BBQ and Beer Garden, located near the seventh hole, will be revamped to offer fans a view of multiple holes along the course.
“With upgrades to the Taylor Morrison Fairway House and Desert Oasis, we are improving two of the more popular spots on the golf course,” Mooney said. “Fans can look forward to better viewing, upgraded concessions and an increased area to watch ‘The People’s Open.”
