Get ready for the WM Phoenix Open! This exciting golf tournament, known for its energetic atmosphere and entertainment options, is back in 2025. Explore its rich history, from its early years to its current status as a popular event on the PGA Tour. Discover the highlights of the Bird's Nest, a popular venue known for its music and nightlife, and learn about the tournament's commitment to environmental sustainability. Plus, find out about the recent changes implemented by organizers to enhance the fan experience.
For a number of golf fans and music fans in the Phoenix area, the start of the year also means a chance to see their favorite stars in action as part of the WM Phoenix Open.The open, which is a golf tournament on the PGA Tour, is considered by some to be the start of the golf season.Here's what to know about the annual event, its history, and what's new for 2025.
Per the golf tournament's website, the event that we now know as the 'WM Phoenix Open' went by many different names over the years, including: The event, per the website, had an initial run from 1932 to 1935.Figures released by tournament officials show that the purse, or the total amount of money offered as prizes for the tournament, was $2,500 for the 1932 edition. Calculation from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' CPI Inflation Calculator show that it would be the equivalent of about $55,175 in December 2024.The initial tournament, according to the tournament's website, came to an end in 1935 due to a lack of local support, but it made a comeback in 1939, and has remained ever since.Per the tournament's website, the event took place at either the Phoenix Country Club or the Arizona Country Club, depending on the year, until 1987. That year, the event took place at TPC Scottsdale, where it has remained ever since.A 2021 article published by the magazine Golf Monthly describes the origins of the term 'open,' as used in names for golf tournaments like the WM Phoenix Open.According to the article, the term is commonly used across a number of tournaments, and the meaning is self-explanatory, in that the event is 'open' to all golfers, in contrast to events that have restrictions.Despite the 'open' moniker, the article notes that most opens have minimum entry requirements that players must meet, or qualifying events that they will need to attend prior to the open.For the WM Phoenix Open, a competition was held for three qualifying spots in the open.Officials say the open no longer records daily or weekly attendance statistics.However, historical figures can still provide a look into how much the tournament has grown over the years.Figures provided by organizers show that in 2018, the last year statistics were available, 719,179 people attended the tournament.That compares to a total attendance of 257,000 in 1987, the first year the open was played at TPC Scottsdale.Besides golf, the WM Phoenix Open is also known for its entertainment options.Perhaps one of the best known venues at the golf tournament site is the Bird's Nest. The open's website describes the Bird's Nest as a 21-and-over event that features music and partying.For 2025, the Bird's Nest will have performances from Feb. 5 to Feb. 8. The performers are:Past performers at the Bird's Nest, according to officials, include The Chainsmokers in 2019 and 2023, Snoop Dogg in 2019, Dierks Bentley in 2020, and Machine Gun Kelly in 2023.In recent years, the open has also been known for its commitment to environmental issues. Per a statement in 2024, water conservation measures were enacted, in addition to a program of recycling, composting, donation, reuse and fuel creation that results in no residual byproduct arising from the event.In recent years, we have covered a number of incidents that happened at the WM Phoenix Open.In 2018, we reported on a streaking incident at the open. The person involved, identified as Adam Stalmach, reportedly streaked across the course at the 17th hole.Stalmach told us, following the incident, that he made a last-minute drunken decision on the matter, and that he does not regret it.'I blame it on the alcohol,' said Stalmach at the time. 'Do I regret it? No. Would I do it again? No.'In 2023, there was another streaking incident at the open, when a man named Sean Patrick McConnell reportedly jumped from the general admissions bleachers at the WM Phoenix Open's 16th hole and went onto the course. From there, he ran through a player access tunnel to the 17th hole.McConnell could be seen on camera running half naked on the turf, with the words '19TH HOLE' written on his back. Police said McConnell, who also went by the name ‘Mac Savage,’ was never naked during the incident.'As I was running, everyone just got it going crazy right away, so the feeling of the whole crowd just cheering you on, it is so exhilarating,' said McConnell, in an interview he did with us following the incident.He was accused of trespassing, disorderly conduct, and failure to obey a lawful order from law enforcement.2024's edition of the open also had its share of troubles. According to our report at the time, entry to the open had to be paused for some time one day due to what Scottsdale Police deemed as 'larger than usual crowds,' resulting in fans taking to social media to air their grievances.In late October 2024, the open's organizers detailed a number of changes they were implementing for 2025's open. They include
WM Phoenix Open PGA Tour Golf Tournament Entertainment Bird's Nest Environmental Sustainability History
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The People's Open: All You Need to Know About the 2025 WM Phoenix OpenGet ready for the People's Open! This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, including parking, ticket prices, free days, concert details, and the Coors Light Birds Nest lineup.
Read more »
College Basketball: Wide-Open Race and Arizona's NCAA Tournament HopesThe 2024-25 college basketball season is heating up with the field as competitive as ever. Auburn holds the top spot, but the margin for error is slim. The NET Rankings continue to be crucial, with several Big 12 teams vying for high seeds. Arizona is eyeing the West Region and potential matchups against Gonzaga, Saint Mary's, and Oregon.
Read more »
Jennifer Coffey to Open First Yoga Studio, The Phoenix YogaFormer QVC program host Jennifer Coffey announced plans to open her first yoga studio, The Phoenix Yoga, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, in February 2025. The studio will offer classes for all levels and aims to help people explore their bodies, minds, and spirits.
Read more »
The Hornets look to win two straight versus the Phoenix SunsCan the Hornets keep moving in a positive direction?
Read more »
Hornets Look for Two-Game Sweep Against Phoenix SunsThe Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns meet for the second time this week on Sunday, with the Hornets looking to win their second straight game against their opponent. The Suns have been playing well since making roster changes and are vying for a playoff spot.
Read more »
WM Phoenix Open vows for a better experience than 2024The WM Phoenix Open tees off on Saturday, Feb. 1, and after last year's rough patch, things will be different.
Read more »