Waste Management Phoenix Open Preview

It’s where Phil lipped out for 59, James Hahn did the Gangnam Style, Tiger made an ace on 16, and a robot did too. Yes, we’re talking about the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Although this year won’t be the definition of pandemonium we’ve come to anticipate, the rowdiest stop on Tour will surely deliver a noteworthy highlight reel. With only 5,000 fans allowed in each day, golf’s most convivial week is getting downgraded from raging frat party to close-knit family gathering. But hey, who says those can’t be just as fun? Will there be fewer viral videos of the madness on 16? Probably. Will it seem especially subdued given the tournament’s track record of beer guzzling and caddie races? Of course. But before we get all somber and think of what could have been, let’s focus on the positives as we set the stage for a promising week.

Yes, it’s a lot of fun and games, but let’s not forget that this week remains a priority stop for many of the top pros. The field in Phoenix is always strong, and in some minds marks the unofficial start to the bulk of the PGA Tour schedule. A healthy number of Official World Golf Ranking points are up for grabs, while the WMPO’s hefty purse indicates its elevated standing among regular tour events. This year expect much of the same, with one of the strongest fields in recent memory set to compete. As it stands, 19 of the world’s top 50 players have committed, including Rory McIlroy, who’s making his desert debut.

For all the extracurricular hoopla surrounding the event, it can be easy to forget just how exciting the golf has been here over the years. Four of the last five winners were decided by a playoff, including the defending champion Webb Simpson, who took down Tony Finau in extras. Then there was that incident in 2019 when Rickie Fowler made a drop, the ball came to rest, and then once deemed in play trickled back into the water for a one-shot penalty. Fortunately, Fowler held on for the win. We’re not sure if it’s the electric atmosphere, the dry Arizona air, or the fifty shades of verdant greens that seemingly glow through the television set, but there’s definitely something about this tournament that lends itself to dramatic Sunday afternoons.

As per usual, TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course will be the host venue. The par-71 staple has held the event every year since 1987. The WMPO, known lovingly as #ThePeoplesOpen, runs from February 4-7.

Limited Edition Waste Management Apparel

This week we will be releasing limited edition Nike & PUMA Waste Management gear. Below we outline what each brand will be releasing and the story behind it.

NIKE

The Nike Polo Waste Management Short Sleeve Polo

This isn’t your average polo—it’s The Nike Polo. Every detail, from its innovative, sweat-wicking fabric to the hints of orange that nod to Nike’s original shoebox, has been thoughtfully crafted to meet the needs of the everyday street-ready style that looks great at your home course or everywhere else. This design celebrates the fact that golf is in the only sport ever played in outer space, the whimsical print showcases a variety of space-inspired graphics, like aliens, spaceships, planets and golf clubs.

Waste Management Space Squad T-Shirt

Celebrating the fact that golf is in the only sport anyone has played in outer space, the Nike T-Shirt features a variety of space-inspired graphics, like a spaceship, a planet and an alien holding a golf club. Jersey fabric feels soft and comfortable. Nike’s worldwide order phone number is featured on the back.

Waste Management Tie Dye Space T-Shirt

Golf is the only sport that’s been played in space. The Nike T-Shirt celebrates that historic moment in sport history with unique graphics, including an astronaut carrying a bag of golf clubs. An astronaut carrying golf clubs is printed on the back. Nike’s worldwide order phone number is featured on the back.

Nike Air Max 90 NRG Spikeless Shoe – Waste Management

Golf is the only sport that’s been played in space. The Nike Air Max 90 NRG celebrates that historic moment in sport history with a variety of space-inspired graphics. The whimsical graphics showcase a variety of space-inspired designs, like aliens, spaceships, planets and golf clubs.

PUMA

First Mile Flash Short Sleeve T-Shirt

First Mile fabrics are created with plastic bottles responsibly collected from Haiti, Honduras and Taiwan to create sustainable jobs and reduce environmental waste. Each bottle is sorted, cleaned, shredded, and turned into yarn that makes products with purpose. Every time you purchase these products you support local opportunity and create positive impact. Puma Golf x First Mile is defining sustainability and sport.