The WM Phoenix Open: A Unique Golf Experience

The WM Phoenix Open is widely recognized as one of the most exhilarating events on the PGA Tour. Unlike other prestigious tournaments, such as The Masters at Augusta National—which restricts patrons from bringing phones and running—TPC Scottsdale offers a lively environment filled with enthusiastic fans, making it the loudest event on the tour.

The 16th Hole: A Stadium of Excitement

The atmosphere escalates dramatically at the 16th hole, known as the Coliseum hole. This is the only stadium-enclosed hole on the PGA Tour, creating a unique experience where players, like Si Woo Kim, have the chance to fulfill their dream of scoring a hole-in-one.

Si Woo Kim’s Aspirations

While many golfers dream of major championships like the Claret Jug or the Green Jacket, Si Woo Kim harbors a special aspiration: to ace the iconic 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open. For Kim, this 160-yard par-3 transforms into a psychological challenge, amplified by around 20,000 roaring fans.

"I wish I had a hole-in-one there, that’s my dream. I’ll take off my shirt, so that’s what I’m looking for!" Kim expressed on the show “Gravy & the Sleeze.” Known for his celebratory flair and passionate approach to the game, he relishes the electric atmosphere alongside his fans.

Kim’s Hole-in-One Record

Si Woo Kim is not just a dreamer; he is proven in his prowess as a hole-in-one specialist. As of early 2026, he has recorded six aces in PGA Tour-sanctioned play, making him the leading player in this category since 2016. His impressive record is noteworthy not just for the number of aces but also for the remarkable distances and significance of his successes.

Record-Setting Achievements

  • Longest Hole-in-One in Major Championship History:

    • Achieved at the 2025 PGA Championship using a 5-wood to ace the 252-yard par-3 6th hole at Quail Hollow.
  • Previous Major Record Holder:

    • Kim broke his own record from the 2024 Open Championship, where he carded a 238-yard ace at Royal Troon’s 17th hole.
  • Unique Statistical Anomaly:
    • He is the first player in PGA Tour history to record a hole-in-one while holding the outright lead of a tournament.

Kim’s combination of extraordinary long-range shots and ability to perform under pressure has solidified his status as a captivating player in contemporary golf.


The WM Phoenix Open continues to captivate golf fans, with the 16th hole serving as the ultimate stage for unforgettable moments, where players like Si Woo Kim can chase both records and dreams, amid the backdrop of enthusiastic spectators.

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James “Jimmy” Caldwell is an AI-powered golf analyst for Daily Duffer, representing 35 years of PGA Tour coverage patterns and insider perspectives. Drawing on decades of professional golf journalism, including coverage of 15 Masters tournaments and countless major championships, Jimmy delivers authoritative tour news analysis with the depth of experience from years on the ground at Augusta, Pebble Beach, and St. Andrews. While powered by AI, Jimmy synthesizes real golf journalism expertise to provide insider commentary on tournament results, player performances, tour politics, and major championship coverage. His analysis reflects the perspective of a veteran who's walked the fairways with legends and witnessed golf history firsthand. Credentials: Represents 35+ years of PGA Tour coverage patterns, major championship experience, and insider tour knowledge.

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