The 2022 Waste Management Phoenix Open is set to kick off on Thursday, February 10th through the 13th. Though the season is still young, many players are looking to make a statement this weekend. This tournament holds a 536 strength of field rating, topping the previous record at TPC Scottsdale by 120 points. With competition at its peak, PGA fans are foaming at the mouth for this week’s play to unfold.
Mike Quintero, Chris Gallagher, and Charlie Parent contributed to this article.
The Course
Being the host, TPC Scottsdale provides a course suited best for the premier ball strikers on tour. Players like Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas should fare well in this week’s competition. This tournament will boast a loaded field including names like Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth, and Patrick Cantlay to name a few. Golf loyalists will be locked in for this one as the field and location couldn’t be more favorable. Below we’ll break down our favorites to win the tournament, as well as a sleeper pick that we believe could flip the weekend on its head.
Mike’s Picks
Favorite: Viktor Hovland
The OWGR No. 3 has done nothing but impress in the past year and a half. Over 14 months Hovland has secured four worldwide wins split between the PGA and DP Tour. The young pro has made it clear he is here for the long haul, climbing his way up the World Rankings in recent months. Coming off a win at the Dubai Desert Classic, Hovland is hopeful to maintain this consistency, and remain atop the leaderboard for the remainder of the season. Although his last start at this event ended in a missed cut in 2020, expect him to bounce back strong.
Favorite: Hideki Matsuyama
To say Matsuyama is dialed in would be an irrational understatement. Winning the Zozo Championship and Sony Open in the past months has him looking to keep up the pace. The 2021 Masters winner is also the last player to win back-to-back titles at TPC Scottsdale (2016, 2017). With a history of success, Matsuyama is sure to make his way into contention while navigating a familiar course. Playing in a landscape complimentary to his playstyle, Matsuyama shouldn’t struggle on his way to a top-10 finish this week.
Sleeper: Gary Woodland
The 2018 Waste Management Open champion is looking to become one of many multiple-time event winners at TPC Scottsdale. Following a T39 finish at Torrey Pines last month, Woodland has higher aspirations for this week. In what will be his 13th WM Open appearance, Woodland is looking to continue his success at the event. The 37-year-old has carded three Top-10’s and six Top-25 finishes at TPC Scottsdale. Be on the lookout for the tour vet to make a splash and continue earning his cut of that sweet Waste Management cheddar.
Chris’ Picks
Favorite: Justin Thomas
Thomas is coming off a disappointing 20th place finish in the Farmers Insurance Open. He followed up a second-round 68 with a third-round 73 and a final-round 74 to fall down the leaderboard. Looking to rebound this week in Phoenix, the 28-year-old is searching for his first win of the year on the young season. The University of Alabama alumni is still one of the best ball strikers in the world. He is currently inside the Top-30 on tour in driving distance, greens in regulation, and strokes gained tee to green. If he can figure out the ongoing issues he has had with his putter, look for the Kentucky native to be among the final groups on Sunday.
Favorite: Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay was in the mix to capture the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am title a week ago. He carded a third-round 68 to sit in a tie for fourth place with Spieth and Joel Dahmen heading into the final round. Never able to make a move on Sunday, the 2021 FedEx Cup winner ended with a 71 to finish in fourth place. He is regarded as one of the most consistent players on tour. The 29-year-old has now finished inside the Top-10 in all three of his starts in 2021. With the accuracy off the tee and the iron game to attack the risky holes down the final stretch of TPC Scottsdale, it is only a matter of time before the nine-year veteran enters the winner’s circle this season.
Sleeper: Corey Conners
Conners is looking to get right after a slow start to his 2022 season. The Canadian has now missed the cut in each of his last two events. Showing strongly at the Waste Management a year ago, he had four straight rounds under 70 to finish 17th. With his stellar iron play, he’s nailed over 77% of greens in regulation, saving nearly 1.3 strokes per round. Still struggling with his short game, TPC Scottsdale remains an extremely forgiving course for players. He is currently listed at +5000 to capture the victory. The 30-year-old sets up well to score low this weekend.
Charlie’s Picks
Favorite: Jordan Spieth
Spieth was the runner-up at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week and quite frankly should’ve won as he had the lead with a couple of holes to play. His iron game at Pebble was second to none and Spieth will be flag hunting at a course he’s very familiar with. Spieth’s best performance in Scottsdale saw him tied for fourth in 2020, so we know he’s got the potential to shoot low and climb up that leaderboard.
Favorite: Scottie Scheffler
While he may not be the biggest favorite over guys like Rahm and Thomas, Scheffler has been playing some really nice golf. He’s placed Top-25 in his last three starts and has gained strokes across his last six starts. A guy with this much momentum should once again find him fighting for the top spot on the leaderboard.
Sleeper: Bubba Watson
Watson’s career at TPC Scottsdale has been one of great success, with everything but a win. Coming off a runner-up finish at the Saudi International, Watson is another player with momentum. He’s placed in the Top-10 in Scottsdale six times. Watson will definitely be a guy to look out for starting Thursday.
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