The 2025 WM Phoenix Open got off to an electrifying start, with a day full of highlight-reel moments that had golf fans on the edge of their seats. From a near-ace on the infamous 16th hole to a flurry of birdies and eagles, the first round of this premier PGA Tour event delivered non-stop excitement. Let's dive into the key storylines that emerged from the opening day at TPC Scottsdale.
Wyndham Clark's Scorching Start
Local favorite Wyndham Clark stole the show with a sizzling 7-under 64, putting him atop the leaderboard after the first 18 holes. The Scottsdale resident played a flawless round, carding no bogeys and making seven birdies to take a one-shot lead over Taylor Moore and Lee Hodges. What this really means is that Clark, who has struggled with consistency this season, found his groove on a familiar course and put himself in prime position to potentially capture his first PGA Tour victory in front of a raucous hometown crowd.
Justin Thomas and Nicolai Hojgaard Lurk in Contention
While Clark's performance was the headline, two other big names made their presence felt as well. Justin Thomas and Nicolai Hojgaard both shot 6-under 66s to sit two shots off the pace. The bigger picture here is that these two major champions are right in the mix, setting the stage for an epic battle over the next three days. Thomas, in particular, will be looking to end his 33-month winless drought and cement his status as one of the game's elite, while the rising star Hojgaard continues to make his case as a future force on the PGA Tour.
Aces and Beer Showers on the 16th Hole
No recap of the WM Phoenix Open would be complete without mentioning the iconic par-3 16th hole, which once again lived up to its raucous reputation. Emiliano Grillo stole the show with a spectacular hole-in-one that sent the crowd into a frenzy, triggering a celebratory beer shower. Not to be outdone, Justin Thomas nearly matched Grillo's feat, hitting his tee shot to within 3 feet of the cup. The 16th hole's unique atmosphere and the players' reactions to it are a big part of what makes this event so special and captivating for golf fans.
As the WM Phoenix Open heads into the weekend, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion. With Wyndham Clark leading the way, and big names like Thomas and Hojgaard lurking, the final two rounds promise to be must-see TV for any golf enthusiast. And with the iconic 16th hole continuing to deliver unforgettable moments, this tournament is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling events of the PGA Tour season.