WM Phoenix Open: Key Matchups & Highlights

WM Phoenix Open: Key Matchups & Highlights

February 5, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Scottsdale’s TPC course rewards players who seize momentum early. Firm desert conditions, reachable par‑5s and a raucous crowd turn the Western & Medical Phoenix Open into a fast‑paced showdown where a hot opening round can dictate the week’s narrative.

Did You Know? Nick Taylor captured the 2024 Phoenix Open title after opening that week with a 60‑stroke round, a performance that set the tone for his victory.

Round‑1 Head‑to‑Head Picks

Nick Taylor (‑120) vs. Wyndham Clark (‑112)

Taylor has a proven knack for early success at TPC Scottsdale, highlighted by his 2024 playoff win that began with a blistering 60. In 2026 he posted a 62 at the Sony Open and a 65 at The American Express, both among his lowest weekly scores. Clark has shown flashes of form but recent Sunday rounds of 72 and 76 have interrupted his momentum.

Andrew Novak (‑114) vs. Rico Hoey (‑116)

Hoey entered 2026 as a breakout candidate, ranking second on Tour in Strokes Gained: Tee‑to‑Green and third in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. However, his putting lagged at 180th, prompting a switch to a broom‑stick putter that has yet to translate into strong results; he has posted T50 and T70 finishes and withdrew from The American Express.

Novak, by contrast, recorded a T7 at Torrey Pines with a Sunday 66 that featured seven birdies and only one bogey, indicating a positive trend heading into the Phoenix Open.

Read the equipment report on Hoey’s putter switch

72‑Hole Matchups

Rasmus Højgaard (‑120) vs. Kurt Kitayama (‑110)

Højgaard has not missed a cut this season and finished T12 in his debut at TPC Scottsdale last year, leading the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and adding over five strokes per round. Kitayama, who was T49 at the venue in 2025, posted a respectable T40 at Waialae but missed the cut at The American Express and continues to struggle on the greens.

Harry Hall (‑128) vs. Keith Mitchell (‑104)

Hall entered 2026 with a T6 in Hawaii and a T24 at The American Express, gaining 0.5 strokes off the tee, and 1.12 strokes with his putter, ranking 12th on Tour for putting. Mitchell showed a T11 at Torrey Pines and ranks fifth in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, but his putting losses of 0.88 strokes per round could undermine his advantage on the firmer desert layout.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the Phoenix Open’s low‑lying desert greens amplify any putting inconsistency, making the “steady hand” picks—Taylor, Novak, Højgaard and Hall—particularly attractive. She cautions that players who rely heavily on driving distance may see those gains eroded by the course’s demanding greens, especially under the pressure of a packed crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is early momentum so critical at TPC Scottsdale?

The course’s firm conditions and short‑par‑5s reward low opening rounds; a strong start can place a player on the leaderboard and force competitors to play catch‑up, as demonstrated by Taylor’s 2024 victory after a 60‑stroke opening round.

Which players are considered the favourites in the round‑1 matchups?

Nick Taylor is favored over Wyndham Clark, and Andrew Novak is favored over Rico Hoey, based on recent form and statistical trends highlighted in the round‑1 analysis.

What factors could influence the outcomes of the 72‑hole matchups?

Key factors include each player’s recent consistency, performance on desert greens, and ability to translate tee‑to‑green strengths into scoring opportunities, especially for Højgaard, Hall, Kitayama and Mitchell.

Which of these matchups are you most intrigued to follow as the tournament unfolds?