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If you tuned in to the Waste Management Phoenix Open this past weekend, you got exactly what you signed up for: rowdy crowds, dramatic golf, and enough storylines to keep the Twitter debates flowing well into the next tournament. As always, TPC Scottsdale’s stadium-style 16th hole was the epicenter of golf’s wildest weekend, but the drama didn’t stop there. Let’s break down the biggest takeaways.

Daniel Berger is Back

After a long layoff due to injury and uncertainty surrounding his return to elite form, Daniel Berger announced his presence in a big way. He found himself in contention deep into Sunday, reminding everyone why he was a force before his hiatus. His ball-striking was sharp, and his steely demeanor proved he still has what it takes to close out tournaments. While he didn’t get the win, this performance suggests we’ll be seeing a lot more of Berger on leaderboards in 2025.

Jordan Spieth in the Mix? Inject it Into My Veins

Golf is just better when Jordan Spieth is part of the conversation late on a Sunday. Whether he’s draining long putts, escaping from impossible lies, or making the gallery collectively hold their breath with every aggressive approach shot, Spieth’s presence adds an undeniable energy. He contended throughout the weekend, delivering highlight-reel moments and keeping fans on edge. Although he fell just short, Spieth’s game is trending in the right direction heading into the meat of the season.

Scottie Scheffler Chasing You Down is a Nightmare

If you’re a professional golfer with a lead on a Sunday, there are a few names you don’t want lurking behind you. Scottie Scheffler is one of them. The world No. 1 made his inevitable charge, showcasing the ridiculous consistency that has made him the most feared player in golf. He came up just short, but the ease with which he plays TPC Scottsdale should terrify the field moving forward—expect him to be a staple in the final groups here for years to come.

16th Hole Madness (Including a Hole-in-One!)

As always, the 16th hole delivered peak entertainment, featuring everything from wild celebrations to some of the most unique “fan interactions” you’ll see on a golf course. The big moment? A hole-in-one, which sent the already raucous crowd into complete hysteria. Beer showers, chants, and pure pandemonium followed as fans celebrated in true Phoenix Open fashion. The hole continues to be the rowdiest scene in golf, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

During the second round, Argentine golfer Emiliano Grillo achieved a remarkable hole-in-one on the iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. His 155-yard shot flew directly into the hole without bouncing, igniting wild celebrations among the 17,000 fans present. Spectators enthusiastically hurled beer from the stands, creating a shower of cups that covered the green and tee areas. This was the 12th ace on the 16th hole in the tournament’s history, and the first since 2022. Grillo’s feat places him among an elite group of golfers who have aced this storied hole, including Tiger Woods, who made a famous hole-in-one there in 1997.

For a closer look at this incredible moment, you can watch the shot here: https://youtu.be/1N-_8k-bSRU?si=etcLvHJs8C9D_i40

Rickie Fowler’s Withdrawal

Rickie Fowler, a fan favorite at this event, was forced to withdraw due to illness, disappointing the massive crowd that always rallies behind him at TPC Scottsdale. While it wasn’t the storyline anyone wanted, his absence left a noticeable gap in the excitement, especially given his past success at this tournament. Hopefully, he gets back to full health soon and returns to the desert next year.

Controversy Alert

It wouldn’t be the WM Phoenix Open without a little bit of controversy. This year, there was plenty of debate surrounding crowd control after multiple instances of overzealous fans breaching security near the 16th hole. The PGA Tour is now facing questions about whether they need to tighten restrictions or lean further into the chaos that makes this event so unique. Additionally, there were complaints about slow play bogging down the final round—never a great look when momentum is everything on a Sunday.

Final Thoughts

Once again, the WM Phoenix Open proved why it’s one of the most entertaining stops on the PGA Tour. Between Berger’s resurgence, Spieth’s thrilling presence, Scheffler’s intimidating charge, and the absolute mayhem at 16, this weekend had everything golf fans could ask for. The 2025 season is heating up, and if this tournament was any indication, we’re in for one hell of a year.