WM Phoenix Open announces several changes ahead of the 90th edition

World Cup Phoenix Open organizers have confirmed several changes to the PGA Tour event for next year that they hope will help reduce problems encountered in 2024.

Combined with inclement weather that turned the hills at TPC Scottsdale into mudslides and caused public corridors to become clogged with logs, there were reportedly higher than usual numbers of arrests and increased levels of unruly behavior due to excessive alcohol consumption.

Players including Billy Horschel and Zach Johnson were filmed expressing their frustration to some fans after shouts could be heard from the stands as golfers played shots.

However, the Thunderbirds – host of what is still one of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour calendar – issued a statement on Monday noting that the tournament raised a record $17.5 million for charity before they detailed a handful of changes ahead of the 90th edition of “The People’s Open” in February.

“Each year, the Thunderbirds review the previous tournament and look for ways to improve,” said Matt Mooney, chairman of the 2025 WM Phoenix Open tournament.

Nick Taylor holds the 2024 World Cup Phoenix Open trophy

(Image credit: Getty Images)

“We have worked closely with the PGA TOUR, Scottsdale Police and Fire Departments, title sponsor WM and our other valued partners to make impactful changes for 2025. We are pleased to announce these improvements as the countdown to The People’s Open begins.”

Stating that the event at TPC Scottsdale is intended to be “better, not bigger,” the Thunderbirds outlined the improvements, which include adding another tournament entrance, introducing a fully digital platform for general admission ticket sales, creating improved spectator areas and the Modernization of general entry points is for fans.

The new entrance to the site will be located near the 18th tee to ease traffic on the busier days of the week – Friday and Saturday.

“The additional entrance will significantly improve the flow of fans entering and exiting TPC Scottsdale,” Mooney said. “This entrance will relieve congestion on our main entrance and allow fans a much shorter walk in high-traffic areas near holes 16, 17 and 18.”

Images of controversial moments at the WM Phoenix Open 2024

A handful of controversial moments at the 2024 World Cup Phoenix Open

(Image credit: X)

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 tees – and its width has been doubled.

Mooney said: “We know how important it is for our fans to have easy and accessible navigation around the golf course. We’re expanding these important walkways and repositioning some of our vendors, particularly in high-traffic areas like 16th^Th and 10^Th Holes will allow fans better access to popular venues and viewing areas.”

2025 will also be the first year for the WM Phoenix Open to have a fully digital ticketing format, designed to help shorten entry times and facilitate attendance monitoring, helping law enforcement keep everyone safe. In addition to the elimination of physical admission tickets, there are also no day tickets and terrain tickets that are sold through third-party providers.

Finally, some general admission areas near the seventh and twelfth holes will be upgraded to “provide more accessible spectator areas as well as more space for improved concessions and new fan engagement opportunities.”

Mooney said: “With the upgrades to the Taylor Morrison Fairway House and Desert Oasis, we are improving two of the most popular spots on the golf course. Fans can look forward to better viewing options, improved concessions and a larger area to watch “The People’s Open.”

Construction began earlier this month on the suites and bleachers on TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course – an extremely time-consuming task – ahead of games beginning on Thursday, February 6, days before Super Bowl LIX.

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