The WM Phoenix Open, now in its 91st edition, has a rich history. Before the tournament became the “Greatest Show on Grass” on TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium course in 1987, the Tour stop was called the PHoenix Country Club home – a course (and club) older than the state of Arizona.
Phoenix Country Club was founded in 1899, while Arizona became the 48th state of the United States more than twenty years later in 1912. Located in the middle of downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Country Club remains an integral and vibrant part of the history of the WM Phoenix Open to this day, with a star-studded list of champions including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Billy Casper and Johnny Miller.
The club has also not changed much over the years. Although it has all the modern amenities, there are no tee times. Instead, each day is first come, first served – in person. But members can also choose to participate in nearly a dozen standing cash games each week, some of which have been around for decades.
“It’s amazing — the history of the place, the number of players, the tournament history — and yet the size of the course hasn’t changed,” said Paul Griffin, Phoenix Country’s head professional. “It still holds its own to this day.”
In Episode 2 of Destination GOLF: Phoenix, our editors explore the origins of the WM Phoenix Open at Phoenix Country Club and its time at modern host TPC Scottsdale, where it remains the PGA Tour’s most attended tournament every year. We hear from the Thunderbirds, the philanthropic organization that hosts the WM Phoenix Open each year, and from tournament fans like you, about what makes the WM Phoenix Open so beloved.
The big takeaway? The tournament is truly an event like no other. To experience a piece of the WM Phoenix Open’s illustrious history, watch the second episode of Destination GOLF: Phoenix below. Missed episode 1 about public golf in Phoenix? Follow it by clicking here.
This feature video is also available on our YouTube channel. Check it out and subscribe to our channel here.
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