If you’re heading to the WM Phoenix Open this week, the NBC reporter Kira K. Dixon has one request: leave the heels at home. Seriously. This isn’t a rooftop brunch—it’s a massive, dusty golf course, and the wrong footwear choice could turn your day into a full-blown disaster. Dixon, clearly fed up with seeing questionable shoe decisions at tournaments, took to Instagram with a PSA that was both hilarious and brutally honest.

Captioned, “A Public Service Announcement- Sensible footwear, a wide brim hat, and lots of sunscreen. Have fun! @wmphoenixopen,” the video opened with Dixon saying on February 4, “Hi, this video is for the girlies attending the WM Phoenix Open this week. If that’s not you, just keep scrolling. I cede my Monday tee time this week to discuss an issue that’s become an epidemic in our game and that’s open-toed shoes and heels at golf tournaments. I’ve already been to two golf tournaments this year and let me tell you, I’m not mad at what I’ve seen. I’m disappointed…”

“Look, I know we want to look cute, but there is nothing cute about snapping your ankle walking down a hill or getting nasty dirt in between your toe. Or having to step into a porta potty on a late Friday afternoon after it’s been used for all sorts of things. You might say, ‘Well, Kira. I have designated seating. I’ve got hospitality somewhere’. I’m so happy if you do. But this golf course is huge. And you’ve still got to get there…”

“On the way, is only treachery and dust. So please, wear sensible footwear. An Air Max, a Samba, A Veja, whatever you like. Bonus points for a nice, thick sole to keep you comfortable as you walk around this golf course for hours because it is a giant place. Thank you for your consideration, and if you are a man watching this video and you bring a girl with you for the first time to a golf tournament, and you do not tell her what kind of sensible footwear she should be wearing, you don’t deserve to come to the WM Phoenix Open. Make good choices,” she concluded.

Well, thanks for the shoe tip, Dixon—the feet of women on the course will thank you for sure. Not only fans but even golf journalist Amanda Balionis’ seemed impressed. The CBS Sports broadcaster commented: “I have watched this 5 times and can’t stop snort laughing. The ‘make good choices’ felt like a personal attack on Team Liability but will allow it for the greater good.”

Now, if Balionis is calling herself part of “Team Liability,” you know this is a real issue. Maybe she’s witnessed one too many disastrous footwear choices at events, or maybe she’s even been guilty of one herself. Either way, she—and every seasoned golf fan—knows Dixon is 100% right. In fact, Balionis was so sold on this advice that she reposted Dixon’s post on her Instagram story, captioning: “The PSA ALL ladies need before this weekend at the @wmphoenixopen. Please heed the advice of Miss America.”

Talking about ‘Team Liability’, it’s not the first time Balionis has used this same term. Back in 2019, she had shared an Instagram photo with her peers, including golfer Michelle Wie West, golf apparel company FORAY GOLF founder Megan LaMothe, Dixon, and fellow golf journalist, Hally Leadbetter. The kicker? All of them were wearing high heels! “Team Liability (plus @ninjamegatron ) unite! #Kandrewfeelthelove,” the caption to the post read.

Having said that, was Dixon too harsh? Maybe. But is she wrong? Absolutely not. So, take it from her (and Balionis, by extension): wear the sneakers. Save the heels for after-party drinks. And if you see someone wobbling through the course in stilettos, well… they can’t say they weren’t warned.

How is the event going so far?

WM Phoenix Open isn’t just any golf tournament. Here the fans are just as important as the players on course. This event is a week-long desert fiesta where the crowd’s energy is as intense as the competition. The TPC Scottsdale course, stretching over 7,261 yards, is no walk in the park. The infamous par-3 16th hole, known for its party-like atmosphere, remains a fan favorite. However, this year, organizers have implemented a “zero tolerance” policy, meaning no more flying beverages. Security has been ramped up with wider walkways, digital ticketing, and a new entrance near the 18th hole to manage the enthusiastic crowds.

While some big names like Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy, and Viktor Hovland are absent, the field is still stacked. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is back, aiming for his third win at TPC Scottsdale. Other top contenders include Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time winner here, and rising star Tom Kim. The total prize purse is a cool $9.2 million, with $1.6 million going to the winner.

As for the action on the course? The first round brought started with a bang. Wyndham Clark leads at 7-under par, with Taylor Moore and Lee Hodges hot on his heels at 6-under. Play was suspended due to darkness and will resume Friday morning.

So, whether you’re here for the golf, the party, or both, the WM Phoenix Open 2025 is delivering on all fronts.