'Better, Not Bigger' - WM Phoenix Open Announces Several Key Changes After Difficult 2024
'The People's Open' was marred by bad behaviour and poor weather in 2024, but organizers say several operational changes will hopefully help to reduce issues at next year's tournament


Organizers of the WM Phoenix Open have confirmed several changes to the PGA Tour event for next year which they hope will help reduce issues that took place in 2024.
Along with bad weather which transformed hills at TPC Scottsdale into mud slides and caused public corridors to become log-jammed, there were reportedly a higher number of arrests than usual as well as increased counts of unruly behavior due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Players such as Billy Horschel and Zach Johnson were filmed airing their frustration towards a couple of fans after shouts from the gallery arrived while golfers were playing shots.
However, The Thunderbirds - hosts of what is still considered one of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour calendar - issued a statement on Monday which pointed out the tournament raised a record $17.5 million for charity before detailing a handful of alterations ahead of the 90th edition of 'The People's Open' in February.
“Each and every year, The Thunderbirds review the previous tournament and look for ways to improve,” said 2025 WM Phoenix Open tournament chairman, Matt Mooney.
Nick Taylor holds the 2024 WM Phoenix Open trophy
"We’ve been working closely with the PGA TOUR, Scottsdale Police and Fire, title sponsor WM and our other valued partners to make impactful changes for 2025. We are excited to announce these enhancements as the countdown to ‘The People’s Open’ begins.”
Stating the event at TPC Scottsdale is looking to "get better, not bigger," The Thunderbirds outlined the enhancements which include adding another tournament entrance, introducing an all-digital general admission ticketing platform, creating improved spectator walking areas, and upgrading general admission venues for fans.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
The new site entrance will be near the 18th tee in a bid to ease traffic on the week's busier days - Friday and Saturday.
“The additional entrance will significantly improve the flow of fans entering and exiting TPC Scottsdale,” Mooney said. “This entrance will provide relief at our main entrance and offer a much shorter walk for those fans in high-demand areas near holes 16, 17 and 18.”
A handful of controversial moments at the 2024 WM Phoenix Open
Meanwhile, several walkways around the course have been expanded, including the path between the 17th fairway and the 11th tee box - which runs between the 16th and 10th - which has been doubled in width.
Mooney said: “We understand the importance of ease and accessibility for our fans to navigate the golf course. Expanding these key walkways and repositioning some of our vendors, particularly around high-traffic areas like the 16th and 10th holes, will provide fans better access to popular venues and viewing areas.”
2025 will be the first year at the WM Phoenix Open with a fully digital ticketing format, too, designed to help speed up entrance times and aid in monitoring crowd numbers, therefore helping law enforcement keep everyone safe. As well as no physical tickets, good-any-day tickets and grounds passes sold via third-party providers have also been eliminated.
Finally, a couple of general admission areas near the seventh and 12th holes, respectively, are being upgraded to "create more accessible viewing areas, along with expanded space for upgraded concessions and new fan engagement opportunities."
Mooney said: “With upgrades to the Taylor Morrison Fairway House and Desert Oasis, we are improving two of the more popular spots on the golf course. Fans can look forward to better viewing, upgraded concessions and an increased area to watch ‘The People’s Open.”
Earlier this month, building began on the suites and grandstands at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course - an extremely time-consuming task - before play begins on Thursday, February 6, days before Super Bowl LIX.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Tony Finau Misses 3-Inch Putt In Costly Houston Open Gaffe
The six-time PGA Tour winner had a nightmare moment on the 15th during the third round at Memorial Park Golf Course
By Mike Hall Published
-
T-Mobile Match Play Prize Money Payout 2025
Nelly Korda defends her title as a field of 64 competes for an eye-catching purse at Nevada’s Shadow Creek Golf Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tony Finau Misses 3-Inch Putt In Costly Houston Open Gaffe
The six-time PGA Tour winner had a nightmare moment on the 15th during the third round at Memorial Park Golf Course
By Mike Hall Published
-
Valero Texas Open Prize Money Payout 2025
Akshay Bhatia defends his title as players compete in the final PGA Tour event before The Masters
By Mike Hall Published
-
'Tiger Did Some Stuff In 2000...But Scottie’s Year Was The Best We’ve Ever Seen' - Bubba Watson Sparks Debate With Controversial Scheffler Claim
Bubba Watson has sparked a huge golfing debate after claiming Scottie Scheffler's 2024 season was better than Tiger Woods' all-conquering 2000 campaign
By Paul Higham Published
-
PGA Tour Pro Playing In 12th Event In A Row In One Final Bid To Make Dream Masters Debut
Ben Griffin has put in a three-month run of consecutive PGA Tour starts in a bid to make his Masters debut, which now all comes down to his result at the Houston Open
By Paul Higham Published
-
Houston Open Tee Times 2025: Round Four
Min Woo Lee has a commanding lead heading into the final round at Memorial Park Golf Course
By Mike Hall Last updated
-
‘You Don’t Want 10-Year-Old Kids Punting Their Putters Across The Green Every Time They Miss A Putt’ - Rory McIlroy Says Tour Pros Have ‘Responsibility’ To Set Good Example After Recent Viral Clips Showcasing Players’ Frustrations
Speaking at the Texas Children's Houston Open, McIlroy explained how displaying emotion on the course shows the pros 'are human', but there's also a 'responsibility to set an example'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'The Loss Of A Few Trees Is Definitely Noticeable' - Rory McIlroy On What He Learned From Augusta National Practice Round Ahead Of 2025 Masters
The four-time Major winner made a trip to Augusta National earlier this week in preparation for The Masters
By Elliott Heath Published
-
‘It’s The Craziest Thing In The History Of Sport What Tiger Woods Did’ - Brandel Chamblee Questions 15-Time Major Winner’s Swing Changes During Peak Of Career
Speaking on the Dan on Golf podcast, Chamblee claimed that Woods' move to coach, Hank Haney, in 2004 was one of the 'craziest things in the history of sport'
By Matt Cradock Published