Rory McIlroy, the best player in the world, hasn’t made a start on the PGA Tour since the CJ Cup (an event he won). Well, that changes next week at the 2023 WM Phoenix Open where he headlines a monster field.
It’ll be the first full-field designated event in PGA Tour history (the Sentry Tournament of Champions was designated but was not full-field).
Joining the Northern Irishman – who did win his first start of 2023 in Dubai – are Jon Rahm, who’s won two of his last three starts, defending champion and world No. 2 Scottie Scheffler. Eight of the top 10 players in the world ranking will be there. Cameron Smith (4) can’t play because he’s on the LIV Golf League. Will Zalatoris (8) chose to not play.
The field is typically 132 golfers but it will be 136 in 2023, with 133 of the names announced Friday afternoon. The final three spots will be determined by the Monday qualifier at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale.
“We’ve had an incredible response from all the top players that are going to play,” said Pat Williams, the 2023 WM Phoenix Open tournament chairman.
