‘Two Free Rounds’: Rory McIlroy Gets Honest About the Fan-Loving Atmosphere at the Phoenix Open

Rory McIlroy makes his way back onto the PGA Tour this week. Having competed and won in the Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour recently, the golf pro is now in Arizona for the Tour’s fan-favorite event. From watching the celebrities at the pro-am to cheering on the pros during the four rounds of play, the vibe of the Phoenix Open remains unmatched on the PGA Tour. The Irish golfer recently even opened up about how the atmosphere affected the players.

The golf great’s close win against Patrick Reed in the last week of January was the talk of the town. Many fans hope he can grab a win this week too at one of the most fan-filled Tour events.

Rory McIlroy claims the WM Phoenix Open is the best fan experience

Soon after the first round of the Phoenix Open, McIlroy sat down for a press conference with the media. The recent European Tour victor was questioned about being back on the PGA Tour and how he felt about the event’s atmosphere. “I think if I wasn’t a player and I wanted to come to one PGA TOUR event, this would probably be the one,” stated the World No. 1.

The 23-time PGA Tour winner claimed that other events’ ambiance on the Tour paled in comparison to the Phoenix Open. He had even “joked” about the atmosphere with his caddie, Harry Diamonds, and suggested that playing at the Phoenix Open was like competing for “two free rounds,” because regardless of their score, a pro would have a good time.

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The Irishman explained that the players had a choice to either focus on winning the event if they were playing well or focus on the atmosphere instead and go home content having enjoyed the experience if they didn’t make the cut. “You can go out and just completely wing it,” he stated. “Either shoot 63 or 80, and you know you’re going to have a good weekend regardless.”

Which way is McIlroy leaning at the event?

The first round of the Tour event was suspended midway due to darkness this week. But McIlroy seems to have welcomed the break. He is currently tied for the 82nd spot on the leaderboard. The golf great is not one to be counted out so easily. Yet, he seems to be leaning towards shooting an 80 and enjoying the Phoenix Open vibe, as per his words.

The event sees a cut made after 36 holes for the top 65 players and ties. So that means, if the 4-time Major winner wishes to grab another victory, he would have to pull up his socks in the second round. Or else, he might head home early, having enjoyed “everything that this tournament has to offer.”

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Which of these do you think is the case? Can The golf great pull through to the third round? Or will he succumb to the pressure once more? Tune in to find out.