The swings and putts at the WM Phoenix Open were put on pause not once, but twice, as Mother Nature threw her weight around at TPC Scottsdale yesterday. Play was first halted just past the half-hour mark post-noon when the heavens opened up, deeming the greens "unplayable." as ABC15 reported the PGA Tour's announcement of the suspension due to soggy scenarios unfolding across the course. Spectators soon faced the setting sun cutting short any hopes for a full day of golf, with activities conclusively ceasing at 6 p.m. amid the encroaching darkness.
Eager fans weren't the only ones forced to quickly adjust their expectations. Out on the front line, Sahith Theegala managed to edge out ahead despite the disruptions, securing the lead with a solid -6, as per a report by Arizona Sports. The subsequent standstill led to a schedule shuffle, moving the tee time back to 7:30 a.m. today, so as to salvage the tournament's tempo. If there was déjà vu in the air, it's because for the third consecutive year, this Open has seen its first round drenched or darkened into delay. And if history were to repeat itself, Theegala is one to watch — just two years prior, darkness also suspended his strong opening day play.
yesterday's unforeseen intermissions were not just about the weather playing spoilsport. Parking lots transformed into ponds thanks to the downpour, with ABC15 remarking on the vast closures necessitating parking plan revisions. Golf enthusiasts had to make do with alternative arrangements over at Hayden Road and Mayo Blvd, or take a shuttle ride from WestWorld of Scottsdale or Salt River Fields. Preferring instead to focus on Friday's promise, attendees lined up well before the crack of dawn, eager to claim their spot and witness what they hoped would be an uninterrupted day of championship golf.
The tournament itself was attempting to bravely battle on, despite back-to-back bouts with bad weather. After a Pro-Am preamble got pummeled by precipitation on Wednesday, yesterday's deluge was part of a "window of showers" previously predicted for the midday stretch. Certain optimists might dare to hope that, with the worst out of the way, the WM Phoenix Open can stride forward unhampered. The eagerness to witness whether Theegala can maintain his lead, or if Novak can come from behind to snatch the spotlight, remains palpably potent in the Arizona air.
