Golf: PGA Tour – Waste Management Phoenix Open
Venue: TPC Scottsdale, Arizona
Dates: Thursday 4th – Sunday 7th February 2021
Tournament Preview
The infamous Phoenix Open rolls in once more on the PGA Calendar, sadly without the flocks of fans that contribute to the boisterous atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale. The event first hit the PGA Tour back in 1932 as the Arizona Open and has taken on many incarnations before becoming the Phoenix Open it is today. Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh are just some of the incredible names to have won the event which has a special place steeped in PGA Tour history. Historically, a four-day attendance of around 500,000 people would be expected at the event – with crowds gathering around the spectacular 16th hole to create a carnival atmosphere. With over $7 million in the prize pot and over $1.3 million on offer for the champion, there is plenty to play for in Phoenix this week.
Betting Preview
Outright Winner
The field at the Waste Management Open is particularly strong with many talents from the USA and further afield keen to get their hands on the trophy come Sunday:
Spaniard Jon Rahm continues to blaze a trail on both the European and PGA Tours and he was in contention until the final few holes at the Farmers Insurance Open last weekend.
Justin Thomas looks well placed to challenge once more here in Phoenix, despite not displaying his best golf thus far in 2021.
Despite fading badly on Sunday at Torrey Pines last time out, McIlroy showed glimpses of his best form and can never be discarded in any event he plays.
Defending champion Webb Simpson always plays good solid golf and he will be relishing the opportunity to defend both ranking points and prize money here.
Two-time champion at this event Hideki Matsuyama loves playing here in Arizona and he looks good value to challenge once again this year.
1st Round Leader
The TPC Scottsdale can be unforgiving for all levels of player and getting off to a good start could be the catalyst to an excellent week:
The world number 9 has two top 10 finishes from his last 3 starts and he will fancy his chances of getting off to a good start here at the TPC Scottsdale.
Despite enduring a week to forget at the Farmers Insurance Open last time out, Matthew Wolff has been in good form of late and could be one to watch from the off here.
American Max Homa is starting to put consistent results together on the PGA Tour and he should arrive full of confidence in Arizona after a good week at Torrey Pines last time out.
Top 10 Finish
With so many quality players assembled here in Arizona, getting into the winning enclosure could be tough but there are plenty of candidates to finish in the top 10 come Sunday:
2019 US Open Gary Woodland needs a kick start to his 2021 season and having won this event back in 2018, few would bet against him featuring on Sunday afternoon.
Rickie Fowler has endured a tough 12 months on the PGA Tour but returns to the site of one of his best career wins back in 2019 and could be a surprise package.
Fomer world number 1 Jason Day has slowly been creeping back into form of late and the Australian will fancy his chances here at TPC Scottsdale.
BetXChange Best Bets:
Outright Winner: Jon Rahm – 6.50
1st Round Leader: Xander Schauffele – 28.00
Top Ten Finish: Gary Woodland – 3.00
