A Thrilling Year in Arizona Golf: Highlights from 2025
The Phoenix region hosts four major professional golf tournaments each year, cementing Arizona’s reputation as a vibrant golfing destination. Notably, the WM Phoenix Open takes center stage annually during Super Bowl weekend at TPC Scottsdale, known for its lively atmosphere and passionate fans. Alongside this event, the top women’s tours and the senior circuit also showcase their talents across various Arizona venues.
Key Golf Tournaments in 2025
As we look ahead to 2026, Arizona will once again welcome premier golf events, maintaining its status as a key player in the professional golf landscape. Here’s a look at the standout achievements from the 2025 golf season.
WM Phoenix Open: A First-Time Victory
The WM Phoenix Open delivered yet another exciting finish with first-time winner Belgium’s Thomas Detry. He delivered a stellar performance, finishing strong with birdies on the last four holes. Detry shot a remarkable 6-under-par 65 at TPC Scottsdale, securing a seven-stroke victory over competitors Daniel Berger and Michael Kim. His standout moment came on the iconic 16th hole, proving his nerves were as steady as his swing.
“A statement shot from Thomas Detry! 🎯 The leader sticks it to a foot on No. 16 in search of his first career win.”
- PGA TOUR [Twitter]
Playoff Drama at the Cologuard Classic
In Tucson, the Cologuard Classic brought excitement as Steven Alker faced off against Jason Caron in a nail-biting playoff. The contest ended swiftly, with Alker sinking a birdie on the first hole, marking his ninth win on the PGA Tour Champions.
LPGA Ford Championship: Excitement in Extra Holes
The Ford Championship saw yet another playoff, with Lilia Vu and Hyo Joo Kim battling it out for supremacy. Kim emerged victorious after hitting a birdie on the 18th hole during their second playoff round, making her the sixth different winner in as many tournaments this year – a remarkable statistic within the LPGA Tour that would ultimately lead to a record-breaking 29 winners throughout the 2025 season.
Epson Tour Mother’s Day Triumph
Mother’s Day 2025 took on special significance for Sophia Popov, who clinched victory at the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic in front of her daughter, Maya. It was a heartfelt win, as Popov returned to the Epson Tour after a hiatus since winning a major championship in 2020.
Stewart Cink: Double Schwab Champion
Stewart Cink made history by becoming one of only four players to win both the Charles Schwab Cup Championship and the Charles Schwab Cup title in the same year. Cink secured his third win on the PGA Tour Champions at Phoenix Country Club, illustrating his enduring prowess in the game.
Changes and Additions to Arizona Golf Courses
October 2025 saw significant alterations in Q-School dynamics, notably affecting the Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale, which lost an event as a result. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour’s traditional Q-School format remains, continuing to evolve through three distinct stages.
Notable Renovations:
Arizona’s golf landscape experienced a renaissance with several key renovations:
Desert Highlands: This iconic venue reopened after an extensive $10 million renovation, restoring its historical significance as the original host of the Skins Game. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and overseen by Senior Designer Chad Goetz, the renovation focused on enhancing playability while preserving the course’s original character.
Quintero Golf Club: Recognized as Arizona’s second-best public course, Quintero underwent its first major renovation since opening 25 years ago, led by its original architect, Rees Jones.
- Boulders North: This popular Carefree location reopened following a meticulous five-month refinement, boosting its standing among Arizona’s top public-access golf courses.
New Arizona Golf House Opens
After years of planning, the Arizona Golf House opened at Papago Golf Course, establishing a collaborative hub for local golf nonprofits. This facility aims to promote research, sustainability, and education within the state’s golf community, serving as a beacon of growth for golf in Arizona.
Key Takeaways:
- Achievements: Significant wins, including Thomas Detry’s breakthrough and historic wins by Stewart Cink.
- Renovations: Major investments in golf course improvements across Arizona.
- Community Focus: The launch of the Arizona Golf House underscores the commitment to support local golf initiatives.
As Arizona continues to host world-class tournaments and foster community through golf, the future looks bright for this beloved sport in the Southwest. Don’t miss out on the action as we approach another thrilling season in 2026!
