With seven previous champions in the mix, the WM Phoenix Open attracted the world’s best players when building the 2026 player field.
Notable names that returned to the People’s Open for the first time since 2023 or longer include two-time winner Brooks Koepka, official world golf rank no. 16 Viktor Hovland and Tony Finau.
Among the three, only Hovland finished under par Thursday after first round competition at TPC Scottsdale. His 2-under left him tied for 24th, while Finau was 2-over and Koepka closed the day at 4-over.
More than 40 tournaments are scheduled for 2026, giving a range of experiences and courses. However, the WM Phoenix Open stands out as a distinct stop on the PGA Tour.
As the world’s most attended tournament, the spectacle for fans is clear. But the different atmosphere also incentivises players’ participation as well.
Jason Eisenberg, Thunderbird and chairman of this year’s tournament, emphasized the importance of having the world’s best competing against each other at events.
“At the end of the day, the fan does not care about how much money is made or about the travel schedule or anything else,” Eisenberg said. “I think they just want to see the best names competing on the leaderboard on Sunday.”
The last time Koepka played the WM Phoenix Open was in 2022, when he finished tied for third. Since then, he has spent his time overseas on the LIV golf tour.
However, with the PGA Tour Returning Member program that started early in January, specific players were given an opportunity to return to the PGA Tour up until February 2. Koepka decided to return.
The WM Phoenix Open is his second stop back on the PGA Tour after a slow start finishing 4-under in the Farmers Insurance Open the week before.
Koepka won the WMPO in 2015 and 2021, giving him familiarity with the atmosphere of the tournament.
“Any time you win twice on a golf course, you’re going to feel pretty good and comfortable,” Koepka said. “I enjoy the chaos. It’s fun.”
Viktor Hovland made his first WM Phoenix Open appearance since his tied-for-42 finish in 2023.
Hovland related the WM Phoenix Open’s chaotic nature to the Ryder Cup, adding it is a fun environment to be around at times.
However, Hovland is not only making his return to TPC Scottsdale but is also kicking off his 2026 campaign at the greenest and greatest show on grass.
“I really like the golf course,” Hovland said. “Being perfect conditions, it’s a nice place to start the year off and see where the game is at.”
Hovland has been underwhelming relative to his standard historically at the WM Phoenix Open, missing the cut in 2020 and 2022 with his best performance being tied for 42nd.
Finau’s first venture back at TPC Scottsdale ended with him 2-over-par after finishing with no birdies on his front nine stint. This leaves him a difficult climb back to get under par on Friday.
With the expected cut to sit between even par and 3-under, Finau and Koepka have work to do in Friday’s outing.
The current leader, Chris Gotterup, sits 8-under-par heading into Friday.
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