📷 A view inside WM Phoenix Open

February 7, 2025
by RJ Hamster

Read in browser

Your Week with AZCentral

A SPOTLIGHT ON THE JOURNALISM YOUR SUBSCRIPTION HELPS BRING TO LIFE.

Fri Feb 7 2025

Kara Edgerson | Manager of Digital Operations

Hey readers,

For more than four decades, Republic photographer Rob Schumacherhas had a front-row seat to the evolution of the WM Phoenix Open — long before it became what it is today. When he first covered the tournament in 1981, it was a much smaller affair at Phoenix Country Club, where golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus played in an intimate setting.

Fast forward to today, and the event in Scottsdale feels more like a festival than a golf tournament, with record-breaking crowds and the raucous energy of the 16th hole. For Rob, that means navigating a much different course — literally and figuratively — to capture the perfect shot.

This week, I spoke with Rob about what it’s been like to document this transformation and the moments that have stuck with him the most, including one of Phil Mickelson’s most touching career highlights.

Here’s what he had to say:

Gallery: See the best photos from Friday’s action

Annexus Pro-Am: See Larry Fitzgerald, Jelly Roll, Zac Gallen & other celebrities

2025 changes: Despite focus on ‘better,’ WM Phoenix Open should be as big as ever in 2025

Phoenix Open 2025: Tickets, free days and why the 16th hole is so great

Birds Nest 2025: Ultimate guide to concerts at the WM Phoenix Open

Learning the shortcuts

You’ve been covering the WM Phoenix Open for a long time. Do you remember your first year photographing the event? How has it changed over the years, both from a photographer’s perspective and in terms of the tournament itself?

My first year covering the Phoenix Open (Phoenix Country Club) was in 1981. The years at PCC had a small-town feel, and Hollywood stars played in the Pro-Am. Spectators enjoyed watching Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino in an intimate setting.

The difference between my first years and the current tournament is a comparison with Smallville, Kansas, and Metropolis.

The epic crowd numbers make it difficult to move around the course for the photographers. But over the years, the photographers have identified shortcuts through the course.

‘My goal is to not get beer poured on my camera gear’

The 16th hole is legendary for its atmosphere. What’s it like capturing the energy of that crowd, and do you have a favorite or most memorable shot from that spot?

The 16th offers a lot of photographic options. The Par-3 hole is surrounded by corporate skyboxes and grandstands. My goal is to not get beer poured on my camera gear. The caddie races can make great images at sixteen.

Phil Mickelson is hugged by his daughters Sophia and Amanda (left) on the 18th green after winning the FBR Open at the TPC of Scottsdale on Feb. 6, 2005. Mickelson fired a 3-under-par 68 during his final round of the FBR Open in Scottsdale.

Rob Schumacher/The Republic

The greatest challenge

What’s the biggest challenge in photographing an event like this, and what’s your approach to getting the best shots — whether it’s of the golfers, the fans, or the unique moments that make this tournament stand out?

I try to feature the players, fans and the course under the best possible light from the most interesting positions. Knowing where to be and when is my greatest challenge.

My favorite image was from 2005, Phil Mickelson’s two small daughters ran onto the green for hugs after their dad won the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.

‘It’s the rich people’s Open’: High prices tee off fans at Phoenix Open

The WM Phoenix Open has become more about the substantial price for admission and VIP experiences. Is the tourney’s biggest impact on wallets of fans?

READ MORE

Sign up for the news you want

Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don’t miss out! We’re always working to add benefits for subscribers like you.

SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔

Newsletters | eNewspaper | Crosswords

Problem viewing email? View in browser

Unsubscribe • Manage Newsletters • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights • Privacy Notice • Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy • Feedback

Half the birthday, all the party 🥳

Check Out Our Refreshed Look – Women’s Multi+

RJ Hamster

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

📷 A view inside WM Phoenix Open

📷 A view inside WM Phoenix Open

Your Week with AZCentral

Kara Edgerson | Manager of Digital Operations

Learning the shortcuts

‘My goal is to not get beer poured on my camera gear’

The greatest challenge

‘It’s the rich people’s Open’: High prices tee off fans at Phoenix Open

How Trump’s buyout of federal workers may impact Arizona

Why are sunsets prettier in Arizona? Here’s the science

You may be missing out on a huge tax credit. Here’s why

See how Peoria has grown over the years

Essential restaurants: 100 places to dine in 2025

Sign up for the news you want

Like this:

📷 A view inside WM Phoenix Open

📷 A view inside WM Phoenix Open

Your Week with AZCentral

Kara Edgerson | Manager of Digital Operations

Learning the shortcuts

‘My goal is to not get beer poured on my camera gear’

The greatest challenge

‘It’s the rich people’s Open’: High prices tee off fans at Phoenix Open

How Trump’s buyout of federal workers may impact Arizona

Why are sunsets prettier in Arizona? Here’s the science

You may be missing out on a huge tax credit. Here’s why

See how Peoria has grown over the years

Essential restaurants: 100 places to dine in 2025

Sign up for the news you want

Share this:

Like this:

Related articles