While the Waste Management in not a major, it is viewed by players and fans as one of the most fun tournaments on tour. Hole 16, the stadium hole, is the loudest hole in golf. Fourteen of the top 20 players in the world will be taking part. If the past is any indication, in which Brooks Koepka, Matsyuma, Phil Mickelson, and Webb Simpson are among past champions, the winner is likely to be one of the best players in the world. So, given course history at TPC Scottsdale and recent form, who are we likely to see in contention come Sunday?
Louis Oosthuizen– Oosthuizen can be a frustrating golfer due to his lack of finishing ability, however his iron play is undeniable. The veteran South African finished 14th in the Fedex Cup standings last season despite recording zero victories. This came as a result of four runner-ups and two third-place finishes. If he can carry over this form from last season, expect Louis to contend in Scottsdale.
Hideki Matsuyama– Matsyuma should be considered one of the favorites to win the Waste Management, as he has dominated at this course twice before, winning in back-to-back years in 2016-2017. Matsyuma already has one victory in 2022, battling back from a significant deficit in the final round at the Sony Open to force a playoff before finishing Russell Henley off with one of the best second shots at a par 5 that you will ever see.
Expect the 2021 Masters champion to compete again this weekend.
Daniel Berger– In the past five years, Berger has finished 11th or better at the Waste Management Phoenix Open three times. While he missed the cut on the other two occasions, Berger has the talent to compete at TPC Scottsdale with the best. After finishing 11th in the Fedex Cup standings in 2020-21 and getting in the top ten in more than 1/3 of his starts, the Florida State Seminole will be looking for a strong result to get this season on track.
