The 5 Greatest Moments in Waste Management Phoenix Open History

Introduction

Often considered the start of the unofficial golf season - The Waste Management Phoenix Open isn’t just another stop on the PGA Tour—it’s a spectacle. Known as "The Greatest Show on Grass," this tournament has drawn record-breaking crowds, transformed the infamous 16th hole into a stadium of chaos, and delivered some of the most electrifying moments in golf history.

From Tiger Woods’ legendary ace to beer-fueled celebrations, these unforgettable highlights have cemented the Phoenix Open as a fan favorite. Here are the five most iconic moments in the tournament’s history.

Watch the tournament’s all-time greatest shots:

1. Tiger Woods’ Iconic Hole-in-One (1997)

Before Tiger Woods became a household name, he lit up TPC Scottsdale with one of the most celebrated shots in golf history. At the par-3 16th hole, Tiger launched a perfect iron shot, sending the ball bouncing onto the green and rolling straight into the cup.

What followed was pure mayhem—fans erupted, throwing beer into the air, while Tiger pumped his fists in celebration. This moment defined the wild energy of the Phoenix Open and helped make Hole 16 the most electrifying spot in golf.

2. Phil Mickelson’s Wire-to-Wire Win (2013)

If there’s anyone who thrives under the Phoenix spotlight, it’s Phil Mickelson. The Arizona State alum and local fan favorite dominated the 2013 event from start to finish.

Mickelson opened the tournament with a jaw-dropping 60, nearly carding a historic 59. He carried that momentum all the way through, finishing at 28-under-par—tying the tournament record. This victory was a masterclass in precision and putting, securing Phil’s third WM Phoenix Open title.

3. Andrew Magee’s Historic Hole-in-One on a Par 4 (2001)

Hole-in-ones on par-3s are impressive. A hole-in-one on a par-4? Unheard of—until Andrew Magee pulled off the impossible in 2001.

Playing the 332-yard 17th hole, Magee’s tee shot ran hot onto the green, took an unexpected deflection off another player’s putter, and miraculously dropped straight into the hole.

To this day, this remains the only hole-in-one on a par 4 in PGA Tour history.

4. The Beer Shower After Sam Ryder’s Hole-in-One (2022)

While Tiger’s 1997 ace at Hole 16 started the tradition, Sam Ryder’s 2022 hole-in-one brought it to new heights.

When Ryder’s tee shot found the cup, the crowd at the stadium hole exploded, and beer cans rained down in one of the rowdiest celebrations ever seen in golf. The green was completely covered in beer, forcing a cleanup delay—but no one cared.

It was a defining moment that solidified Hole 16 as the loudest, most electric hole in professional golf.

5. Rickie Fowler’s Redemption Victory (2019)

Rickie Fowler had unfinished business at the Phoenix Open after a heartbreaking loss in 2016. In 2019, he came back determined to win—and did so in dramatic fashion.

Despite brutal conditions and a few costly mistakes, Fowler held his nerve, draining clutch putts and finishing at 17-under-par to finally claim victory.

His emotional win was a testament to perseverance—and an unforgettable moment for golf fans.

Conclusion

The Waste Management Phoenix Open has produced some of the most thrilling moments in golf history. From Tiger Woods' legendary ace to Sam Ryder's beer-showered celebration, this tournament continues to be one of the most exciting events on the PGA Tour.

With its wild crowds, incredible performances, and unpredictable drama, fans can always expect history to be made at TPC Scottsdale.