WM Phoenix Open: Weekend Play Kicks Off with Excitement Ahead
As we gear up for the weekend at the WM Phoenix Open, the suspense is palpable. Does anyone else feel like we’ve all signed up for a suspense thriller instead of a golf tournament? With the Friday night light show of sorts cutting play short due to darkness, there’s still no 36-hole cut in sight. But hey, nothing like a little drama before "Moving Day," right?
The Situation at Hand
Three players will return to the course bright and early on Saturday to finish their second rounds, and then we will finally know who’s packing their bags early and who’s sticking around for the weekend. With anticipation building among fans, we all know that it wouldn’t be the WM Phoenix Open without a few thrills!
“It’s a unique kind of atmosphere here,” noted Golf Analyst Sam Greene. “The players know they’re not just playing for themselves, but for the crowd and the ambiance which is something special at this event."
Broadcast Information for Saturday’s Third Round
If you’re looking to catch all the action, here’s when and where to tune in:
- ESPN+: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
- Sirius XM: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
Saturday’s Third-Round Tee Times
Tee times will follow the completion of the ongoing second round. Expect the final group to get underway around 2 p.m. ET (or noon local time). Certainly, this derailed timeline makes for an interesting twist. So, let’s grab our popcorn and settle in!
The Current Leaderboard
With Ryo Hisatsune putting on a show and seizing the outright lead thanks to an eagle and four birdies in his last six holes, Team Japan has been painting the desert green! Here’s how the leaderboard stood when play was suspended:
| Position | Player | Score | Thru |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryo Hisatsune | -11 | F |
| 2 | Hideki Matsuyama | -10 | F |
| T3 | Pierceson Coody | -8 | F |
| T3 | Chris Gotterup | -8 | F |
| T5 | Si Woo Kim | -7 | F |
| T5 | Sahith Theegala | -7 | F |
| T5 | John Parry | -7 | F |
| T5 | Akshay Bhatia | -7 | F |
| T5 | Matt Fitzpatrick | -7 | F |
An All-Star Cast
It’s fantastic to see such a mix of players at the top, especially the competitive spirit of both Hisatsune and Matsuyama. As they say, when it rains, it pours—except in Scottsdale where we’re still waiting for rain, but the birdies have certainly been pouring.
“Competing against a fellow countryman adds a whole new dimension,” observed Matsuyama. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about making our nation proud.”
The Road Ahead
With the anticipated excitement of Moving Day coming up, there’s no telling how the competition will unfold. Buckle your seatbelts, golf fans; it’s sure to be a thrilling ride as we dive into the heart of the weekend at the WM Phoenix Open.
Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to set those viewing reminders because this tournament is just getting started! Remember, in golf as in life, it’s not always how you start but how you finish that counts!

