Phoenix Open: Jon Rahm believes that the issues from the WM Phoenix Open last year won’t happen again.
After off-course disturbances dominated the PGA Tour event at the TPC Scottsdale last year, it returns on Thursday.
Sam Ryder’s hole-in-one on the 16th hole caused a 10-minute delay when several of the 20,000 spectators in the grandstand threw beer cans over the green. When Rahm’s playing partner Justin Thomas chipped in on the same hole during the final round, similar scenes ensued.
Rahm, who attended university in Arizona, stated that since he arrived here for the first time eight years ago, it has been exponentially louder and louder.
“Every year, it has made a big difference. I didn’t want to see the water bottle heading straight for my head from the third storey [of the grandstand] on hole 16 last year when Justin Thomas made a contribution, but I did, so hopefully, those are things they rein back on and keep it completely about the game.
“Those are issues that people prefer to avoid on a regular basis. As it only occurs once a year, I believe many of us look forward to it for that week.”
With prize money of $20 million (£16.6 million), the WM Phoenix Open is one of the Tour’s new “elevated” events and has drawn a stellar field, featuring 18 of the top 20 players in the world.
Rahm continued, “I believe that this was a scheduled event before we even knew what they were going to be.”
“Whatever the prize pool, this tournament will remain the same. There aren’t many sporting events in the world that can safely take place the same week as the Super Bowl while still having this much of an impact.
“Having said that, I don’t believe it is everyone’s favourite. You either love it or you don’t, in my opinion. There is no middle ground. I adore it in my situation. I would like to visit annually.
“It is very high on my list, but I am aware of several players who place it very low.”
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