PGA Tour Update: Weather Threat at the WM Phoenix Open Explored

The weather is blowing hot and cold at TPC Scottsdale. After the Pebble Beach Pro-Am was cut short due to a hailstorm, the WM Phoenix Open was on the verge of a similar fate, it seemed. The first round started with Jordan Spieth conjuring magic with his wedge before the play was suspended due to bad weather. 

The situation, however, started changing late in the day, compelling the organizers to change their decisions. PGA Tour Communications announced in a tweet that the play was supposed to resume at 4 p.m. local time. How does the condition look right now? 

The topsy-turvy world of WM Phoenix Open

The People’s Open started in full swing after getting suspended due to inclement weather. Just about an hour ago, the Tour said in an official announcement that the play was set to resume at 4.02 PM local time, a delay of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Considering the sunset time (6:06 PM), the Tour had around a few hours of play at hand. Predictably, because of the long delay, not all players could complete the round when the organizers called off the day due to bad light. Round 2 will start at 9.20 AM EST and Round 1 will resume at 9.30 AM EST.

Similar to Pebble Beach, the preferred lie was already in effect. The weather forecast predicted heavy showers around 12–4 PM in that area. In fact, the Pro-Am on Wednesday was also scuttled due to bad weather.

Jordan Spieth has finished his first round at 3-under 68. Spieth was already through the 16th hole when the play was suspended. But it’s Sahith Theegala who is leading the charge after carding a spectacular 6-under 65. Shane Lowry and S.H. Kim are tied for the third spot, whereas, Spieth is at fifth place in the leaderboard. Interestingly, Lucas Glover withdrew from the WM Phoenix Open after he missed his tee time. 

The sudden change of weather is surely a positive development after the last Signature event, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, was canceled due to inclement weather. Wyndham Clark bagged the $3.6 million winner’s payout after shooting 12-under 60 in the third round. What does the future hold for the WM Phoenix Open?

What does the weather spell for the next few days?

Per the official communication, the temperature is lower than expected, with the maximum temperature reaching only 60s and the minimum going as low as in the 30s. It seems like the overcast condition will be accompanying the Pros until Sunday. Friday’s forecast calls for a slight chance of rain, but the moving day has a 60% chance of heavy showers.

Read More: 2024 WM Phoenix Open: Most Iconic Moments at No.16 Revisited

It’s not clear how the Tour will proceed this time. In Pebble Beach, the gutsy wind and heavy showers prevented them from starting the final round. It wasn’t moved to Monday as well because of the shelter-in-place orders. Notably, in the initial announcement at Pebble Beach, Tour officials said no audience would be allowed even if the play resumed. Presumably, if the weather continues to batter Arizona, a similar situation might arise. Not a good omen for the famous 16th at the TPC Scottsdale.

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