SCOTTSDALE: It's hyped as "The Greatest Show on Grass" and after a brief but eye-opening experience at the Phoenix Open, there's simply no doubt about it.
I have never been much of a golf fan despite plenty of my family members loving it, whether it be playing on a weekend or watching major events in the early hours.
But when the opportunity to be part of the launch of PGA Tour 2K25 was presented to me, it seemed like a perfect chance to see what all the hype was about.
It's safe to say I wasn't disappointed and it's easy to see why this event is such a bucket list item for not only golf fans, but sporting fans across the globe.
Attending the first two days – which is simply used for players to practice prior to the tournament proper beginning on Friday (AEDT) – didn't turn the crowd away.
Fans flock to the opening days of the Phoenix Open. iPhone
The atmosphere kicked in from mid-morning onwards and rolled well into the afternoon, with DJs playing a wide range of music and drinks flowing freely.
But there's more to this famous event than a bunch of drunken fans partying.
There were young kids with their parents, desperate to get a glimpse of some of their favourite players on the tour, while lifelong fans in their 70s and 80s were amongst it.
The opportunity for spectators to walk so freely around the complex and mingle with ease was a far cry from so many other sporting events.
If there was this much fun being had before the tournament even began, it's hard for a complete golfing casual to comprehend what it would be like later in the week.
Fans during the 2024 Phoenix Open. Â Getty
According to sources in the city, there could be up to 280,000 fans packed into the TPC Scottsdale course on Saturday, which is notoriously their biggest day.
Compare that to some other major golf tournaments in the United States and abroad, where an entire four days would be lucky to reel in that many people, and it truly puts in perspective what a phenomenon the Phoenix Open has become.
It's a massive boost for the Arizona region and a massive thrill for those in attendance.
On the course, Canada's Nick Taylor will look to defend his crown but there's plenty of superstars in the mix for their share of $14.64 million in prize money.
Australia has attempted to follow suit with LIV Golf Adelaide, bringing that same type of party atmosphere to the sport that encourages younger fans through the gates.
While I'm not expecting to be hitting my local course any time soon, my two days at the Phoenix Open opened my eyes to a rare sport I've never been overly interested in.
Liam O'Loughlin is in Arizona covering the Phoenix Open for Wide World of Sports. His trip has been funded by PGA Tour 2K25 – released on February 28.
