Tournament Preview
WM Phoenix Open ⛳
The PGA Tour heads to the Sonoran Desert this week for "The People’s Open," a high-octane contrast to the traditional hush of the tour. Hosted at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, this event is famous for its massive galleries and the rowdy atmosphere of the 16th hole. Unlike the grueling grind of last week, Phoenix is often a scoring blitz where the desert heat helps the ball travel and the desert floor rewards aggressive play. Defending champion Thomas Detry will look to recreate the magic of his 2025 victory, where he secured his first PGA Tour win with a staggering 24-under par.
The Stadium Course, designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, plays as a par 71 measuring approximately 7,261 yards. While the course offers plenty of birdie opportunities. The closing stretch is anchored by the par-3 16th "Coliseum" and was designed for maximum drama. The 17th is a drivable par 4 with water in play, and the 18th provides a challenging finish with a lakeside fairway. Precision into the greens is paramount, as the putting surfaces are protected by strategic bunkering and require players to navigate subtle breaks at high speeds.
For bettors, TPC Scottsdale is a quintessential ball-striker’s paradise. Historical data emphasizes Strokes Gained: Approach and Tee-to-Green as the primary indicators of success, with "course horses" like Scottie Scheffler often dominating the leaderboard. With a winning score expected to push past 20 under, we are looking for players who can fill it up from the fairway and maintain composure amidst the loudest fans in golf. Our models have identified several matchups with positive equity, including this week's featured pick below ⬇