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By Andrew McCarty
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The Waste Management Phoenix Open teed off on Thursday, Feb. 5 as some of the biggest names in the sport flocked to a unique venue in the golf world.
Ahead of the tournament the biggest story in the sport was the return of five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, who left for LIV Golf during its inception. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler addressed the return of Koepka to this weekend's tournament and the looming return of former Masters winner Patrick Reed.
“When you look at a lot of the discussions we’ve had and when you look at what a lot of the fans are saying, I think people want the best people playing together again,” Scheffler said. “So when it comes to great players like Brooks or Patrick Reed, Patrick Reed is a major champion and I think Brooks Koepka has won five majors, so having those guys competing out here is great for the Tour, great for the fans, and great for our sponsors.”
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While all eyes were on Scheffler and Koepka this weekend an under-the-radar name received some of the headlines on Friday morning. Emilio Gonzalez, who earned a spot on the PGA Tour this season after a top-five finish on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2025, celebrated his call up to the big leagues in a social media post.
"As a kid, I dreamt of playing and winning on the PGA Tour. A couple days ago, one of my dreams came true, I am officially a member of the 2026 PGA Tour!" he said in a translated post on Instagram. "I am forever grateful to my family, friends, sponsors and work team. Without you, none of this would be possible and would have no purpose. With your support, I'm excited to continue working towards the best version of myself as a person and golfer. Mexico, we're returning to the PGA Tour!"
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In his fourth tournament of the year, Gonzalez fired a first-round 76 to sit 13 shots out of the lead of Chris Gotterup, who shot an eight-under 63.
He carded seven bogeys, with two birdies, on the day before abruptly withdrawing from the tournament. An official reason for his decision to withdraw was not noted by the PGA Tour Communications department.
In three previous tournaments this season, Gonzalez made the cut twice, finishing t-50 at the Sony Open and t-65 at the Famers Insurance Open.
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