The WM Phoenix Open is ready to roll at TPC Scottsdale’s cutthroat holes. The event begins on Feb 4th, 2025, with the 3rd day hosting the awaited music concert. Unsurprisingly, the green golf experience is hosting a lineup of champions with defending pro, Nick Taylor, ready to conquer the gritty fairways like previous legends.
Ludvig Aberg’s entry was highly anticipated at the Tour and he even started the prior event, At&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a lead on Day 1. It was all cruise-breeze from here. Soon after the matchplays, many players reported illness but Aberg fell sick enough that he couldn’t stay, leaving the tournament on a tempting note. Presently, Casey Reamer has replaced the 25-year-old Swede. So, what does it look like for Aberg ahead with WM Phoenix approaching soon?
Ludvig Aberg navigating a rocky season-start
“It’s been difficult since I got ill last week. I am not swinging good at the moment, I have lost weight and feel weak in general.” Ludvig Aberg expressed to the Swedish media after his withdrawal confirmation. After a spotless day 1, the golfer was seen waiting out between shots before he started hurling. Although he left as last on the leaderboard, we know he could’ve done some serious damage if things were all good. Now, his absence from the tour has become a louder buzz than the fans at “the Coliseum.”
This illness also affected Aberg during the previous week’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, where he finished T42. Last year, the golfer had completed the AT&T Pebble Tour as the season-best finish. this time for “The Greatest Show on Grass,” Aberg’s appearance seemed risky. Despite his health issues, he managed to finish tied for 42nd place at Torrey Pines. Looking ahead, Aberg was aiming to regroup and make a strong comeback at the WM Phoenix Open before he is expected at The Genesis Invitational.
The PGA Tour Communications X account posted the lineup for the WM Phoenix Open and it looks like Ludde wasn’t able to get on “The People’s Open” charts.
WM Phoenix Open field updates:
Viktor Hovland – WD; Paul Waring – IN https://t.co/FpD2yVsG4h
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) February 1, 2025
While the Swede is preparing for a quick recovery, what are the other prominent names missing from the lineup?
Others alongside Aberg that are missing the WM Phoenix Open
Viktor Hovloand has decided to withdraw from the WM Phoenix Open, despite initially being named in the field. Currently, the PGA Tour did not provide a reason for his withdrawal, but Hovland did not have a pretty start to this season. Considering this he also made a statement recently, “I’m still not happy with my game, how it looks, but that doesn’t mean that I can have great individual days or great individual tournaments.” Hovland has great potential hence this must be and calculative move on his part as he prepares for a better performance for the rest of the season. He will be replaced by Paul Waring in the lineup.
More bummer ahead! Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy are among other professionals not at the tournament. McIlroy has had an amazing start after grabbing the AT&T Pebble Beach trophy and completing fourth at the Dubai Classic. But as everyone knows by now, McIlroy will be participating in a lesser number of events in the PGA Tour this season, and go for more DP World Tour events. Meanwhile, Schauffele has yet to make a return as he is still undergoing recuperation from his injuries.
If Ludde had made it to the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, he would’ve been facing multiple top players, from Scottie Scheffler, and Justin Thomas to the rising star, Wyndham Clark. The event is scheduled from February 6 to 9 at TPC Scottsdale, so, seems like there wasn’t much time for Ludvig Aberg to roll back up on his feet for some of the toughest holes that TPC Scottsdale has in the bag.
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