WM Phoenix open updates from Thursday at TPC Scottsdale

On By Littum

game

The 90th edition of the WM Phoenix Open is underway Thursday at TPC Scottsdale.

Known as “The People’s Open”, the event draws annual headlines for its violent crowds and party atmosphere. Last year, the scene went too far, with 54 arrests, when overcrowded crooked the tournament. Organizers are aiming for the right balance with a series of reforms aimed at maintaining the entertainment factor while minimizing the chaos.

Leaderboard: WM Phoenix open

On the course, the World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler takes on his third Phoenix Open title of four years.

Justin Thomas signed his scorecard number two on the leaderboard after a round of the first game day at the WM Phoenix Open.

Thomas had six birdies, including one that made him 5-under-pair on his last hole. He was one over after four holes, but found a rhythm.

“Being a patient is important out here because you can make a lot of birdies, but you can get a little aggressive or take on some unnecessary risks,” Thomas said.

-Jose M. Romero

Rasmus Hojgaard bursts down on the stretch

Early on, Rasmus Hojgaard played fantastic and mapped an eagle on his 12th hole to get to 5 under and resume the lead at the moment.

But Hojgaard Bogeyed his last two holes and finished his opening round tied to sixth at 3 under par. His third shot of his 18th hole jumped back against him as he tried to get into the green and he needed two putts to end it with a five on the ninth hole.

The day still had to be something encouraging for natives in Denmark who came in ranked 107. In the FedEx Cup position.

-Jose M. Romero

As the morning progressed on Thursday, the notorious wild crowd at the 16th hole of the WM Phoenix Open had not yet reached full neck.

Fans complied with the signs that asked to be quiet and hid comments, remarks and noise between the players’ putts. BOOS TO OFF-TARGET TEE shots were there, just as cheering for balls hit near the pin.

Nick Taylor, last year’s WM Phoenix Open Champion, was Serenaded with Canada’s national anthem under his tee shot at 1 p.m. 16. Taylor is from Winnipeg.

The Suits of 16 were far from being full, but the general admission area was packed. When Jordan Spieth landed that his tee shot a few feet from the hole, the crowd shouted “You did well! You did well!”

Then Spieth missed Birdie Putt.

“I’m disappointed!” A fan screamed.

Some players threw their golf balls in the crowd to cheer; Others, like Hideki Matsuyama, remained numb and went into the tunnel that led to the 17th hole without any movements to the fans.

When the group of Sepp Straka, Sungjae IM and Sam Burns went out, the gigantic video boards went dark, so some fans did not know who they were watching. It led to some songs of “Turn on the screens on!”

Through nine holes, Jake Knapp was 4 under Pari and chased Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Rasmus Hojgaard from Denmark at 5 under.

Hojgaard eared No. 3 and now plays his 14th hole on the day.

—Jose M. Romero

Thursday’s early wave of players was led by Rasmus Hojgaard from Denmark, who were 3 under Pari through four holes, with a one-stroke lead over Ben Kohles and Rafael Campos. Follow here for more live updates all day.