The Coliseum Awaits: Internationals Prepare for Noise at TPC Scottsdale
With Hideki Matsuyama returning to his hunting ground and Si Woo Kim in red-hot form, the International Team heads to the rowdiest event in golf.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There is no simulation for the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. The WM Phoenix Open (Feb 5-8) is more than a golf tournament; it is a pressure cooker. For the International Presidents Cup Team, it is the perfect training ground for the hostile away environment they will face at Medinah.
Matsuyama's Kingdom
Hideki Matsuyama is a two-time winner here. The desert air, the visual framing of the holes, and the speed of the greens fit his eye perfectly. Coming off a solid T11 at Torrey Pines, Matsuyama enters the week not just as a favorite, but as the standard-bearer for the International contingent.
The "Hot Hands"
- Si Woo Kim: The hottest player on the International side right now. With a T6 at AmEx and T2 at Farmers, his confidence is sky-high. He thrives on energy, and few places provide more of it than Scottsdale.
- Ryo Hisatsune: Fresh off his breakout T2 at Torrey, the rookie faces a different test: maintaining composure when 20,000 fans are screaming at you.
Medinah Prep
Captain Ogilvy has circled this week as a key evaluation point. "Can you handle the noise?" is a question every player must answer before they step on the first tee at Medinah. A Sunday contention at TPC Scottsdale is the closest thing to Presidents Cup pressure the Tour offers in February.
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