WM Phoenix Open learns its lessons after 2024 debacle, 2025 event set to be bigger and safer

At one point in the 2024 edition, officials halted alcohol sales due to safety concerns.

PUBLISHED OCT 22, 2024

Nick Taylor of Canada celebrates making his putt on the 18th green to tie for the lead and force a playoff during the final round of the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on February 11, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Imag

Phoenix, Arizona: It wouldn't be overstating it to call the 2024 WM Phoenix Open a bit nightmarish, what wth all the severe weather and overcrowding. The 2025 edition, however, which will be held from February 3-9 at TPC Scottsdale is set to be a markedly different experience.

At this year's Open, delays in tournament play forced dorganizers to honor tickets from earlier in the week for the weekend, which ultimately resulted in significant overcrowding. At one point, officials had to close the gates early and even temporarily halted alcohol sales due to safety concerns.

Tournament chairman Matt Mooney acknowledged the issues and announced a series of changes designed to enhance the experience for all attendees. “We’ve identified several choke points from last year and are focused on making improvements,” Mooney said.

Charley Hoffman of the United States and Jordan Spieth of the United States walk the 16th hole during the final round of the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on February 11, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

One of the key changes is controlling crowd capacity. For the 2025 event, only single-day tickets will be sold, which will allow organizers to control the exact number of attendees each day. This is a shift from the previous “Anyday” tickets, which gave fans the flexibility to attend any day of their choice, contributing to overcrowding.

In addition to ticketing changes, the Phoenix Open is transitioning to a fully digital ticketing system, which Mooney believes will streamline entry and improve efficiency at the gates. “It’s really going to be helpful for us in terms of scanning tickets and managing crowd flow,” he said.

Walkways throughout the course will be widened, and a new fan entrance will be added on Greenway Hayden Loop near the 18th tee, further easing congestion.

The 2025 WM Phoenix Open will be free on Monday and Tuesday, and tickets will be $75 on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and $125 on Friday and Saturday.