Now in its 91st edition, the WM Phoenix Open has a storied history. Before the tournament became the “Greatest Show on Grass” at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium course in 1987, the Tour stop called the Phoenix Country Club home — a course (and club) older than Arizona’s statehood.
Phoenix Country Club was founded in 1899, while Arizona became the United States’ 48th state more than two decades later, in 1912. Located in the middle of downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Country Club remains an integral and vibrant part of the WM Phoenix Open’s history to this day, with a star-studded list of champions that includes Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Billy Casper and Johnny Miller.
What makes the public golf in Phoenix so great? Let us count the ways
The club hasn’t changed much over the years either. While it includes every modern amenity, there are no tee times. Instead, every day’s tee sheet is first-come, first-served — in person. But members can also opt to participate in nearly a dozen standing money games each week, some of which have existed for decades.
“It’s amazing — the history of the place, the amount of players, the tournament history — and yet the size of the golf course hasn’t changed,” said Phoenix Country head professional Paul Griffin. “It still holds its own to this day.”
In Episode 2 of Destination GOLF: Phoenix, our editors explore the WM Phoenix Open’s origins at Phoenix Country Club and its tenure at modern-day host, TPC Scottsdale, where it continues to be the PGA Tour’s most-attended tournament each year. We hear from the Thunderbirds, the philanthropic organization that puts on the WM Phoenix Open every year, as well as from tournament fans like you, about just what makes the WM Phoenix Open so beloved.
The grand takeaway? The tournament is truly an event unlike any other. To experience a slice of the WM Phoenix Open’s illustrious history, take a look at the second episode of Destination GOLF: Phoenix below. Missed Episode 1 on Phoenix public golf? Catch up by clicking here.
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