What happened the last time Rory McIlroy played the WM Phoenix Open?
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy is making his much-awaited return to the PGA Tour in February with the 2023 WM Phoenix Open. The World No. 1 hasn't featured in any PGA Tour events since his phenomenal victory in the CJ Cup which propelled him to the top of the OWGR list.
Rory McIlroy's last appearance at the WM Phoenix Open was in 2021 at TPC Scottsdale. It was his debut in the tournament and he ended it on a good note. He hit nine birdies and shot 7-under-64 to finish T13.
McIlroy was going through a rough patch when he played at the WM Phoenix Open 2021. He hadn't won a tournament in 15 months and had decided to compete in the event because his stats man had been telling him for five years that TPC Scottsdale was the perfect course for him.
He said at the time:
"It’s sorts of been disappointing. You know, two very pedestrian rounds. Played a little better on Friday. Then I played better today. I putted better. I really struggled on these greens to read them more than anything else."
The situation has completely changed now ahead of McIlroy's second appearance at the WM Phoenix Open. He had been struggling with his game when he entered the tournament in 2021, and is now at the peak of his powers in 2023.
Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Scottie Scheffler highlight the 2023 WM Phoenix Open
The 2023 WM Phoenix Open promises to be a thrilling affair. The tournament will take place from February 9 to 12 at the TPC Scottsdale - Stadium course. The event will feature a whopping $20,000,000 prize purse.
The tournament will be headlined by defending champion Scottie Scheffler, reigning World No.1 Rory McIlroy and the most in-form player on the PGA Tour, Jon Rahm.
Eight of the top 10 players in the world will tee-off at TPC Scottsdale. The field that typically consists of 132 players will have a 136-player field in 2023. So far, 133 names have been announced. The last three spots will be decided by Monday's qualifier at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale.
22 of the top 25 players in the Official World Golf Ranking (and 37 of the top 50)
Commitments to the WM Phoenix Open (February 9-12) include:
▪️22 of the top 25 players in the Official World Golf Ranking (and 37 of the top 50)
▪️The top 10 players in the FedExCup standings (and 26 of the top 30)
▪️All 11 players that have won on TOUR this season
Field: https://t.co/kFCwb4zcg0