As far as par threes go, few come with more pressure than the 16th at TPC Scottsdale.
The 12th at Augusta National has ruined so many players’ Masters dreams, and the 17th at TPC Sawgrass poses a greater challenge, but there is nothing like the Coliseum hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
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It measures around 162 yards, but it’s a pressure-cooker environment where only the strongest minds survive. The hole is completely enclosed by a stadium, and fans will mercilessly boo you if you miss the green.
Players on the PGA Tour relish this challenge, but some more than others. Rickie Fowler was asked which player he trusts the most to hit this green.
Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Who Rickie Fowler trusts the most to hit the green on the Colesium hole
Fowler was asked to name the player he would trust the most to hit the green on this hole if the fate of the universe was on the line. He first asked if he could pick himself, but he was pushed to name another golfer.
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He responded, “Couple names that come to mind, Tiger, JT, Scottie obviously right now. Cantlay. We can keep going down the list.
“Xander. Guys that stand out and obviously guys that continued to play well or had careers like Tiger, they’re not afraid of those situations and the moment.”
It’s interesting that outside of Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler, Fowler named players who thrive at the Ryder Cup, which is maybe the event that generates the most amount of pressure for players. So, if you need a big shot maker, pick a Ryder Cup star!
Rickie Fowler explains why the WM Phoenix Open is ‘special’
The WM Phoenix Open brings a unique party environment to the PGA Tour, and players seem to love it. The 16th hole is the epitome of that. It’s the closest golf gets to a football environment, and it’s great to see these players on that stage.
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But the best part about the event? It never feels forced. This tournament has evolved slowly over 40 years, and that’s why Fowler likes it so much.
He said, “It’s great. I’ve always loved this event, especially 16. To see over the years how that’s gotten bigger, 17 has gotten more built out, same with 18. You wouldn’t necessarily want this atmosphere every week. You know, it would get to be maybe a little too much.
“But that’s what makes this event unique and special. The Thunderbirds and WM have done a great job over the years. It’s grown organically. Wasn’t like they just built it and then tried to fill as years went on. All this was added on because the demand was there.
“So this has been 30-plus years in the making.”
As Fowler said, this can’t be every week, but it’s a great event to get us into the PGA Tour season.
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