Waste Management Phoenix Open 2026
About the Waste Management Phoenix Open
In 2026, the Waste Management Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, living up to its reputation as "The Greatest Show on Grass." This isn't just another golf tournament — it's a week-long celebration that transforms Scottsdale into a sports and entertainment destination.
The tournament's atmosphere, crowned by the 16th hole, creates an experience that's truly one of a kind in professional golf. Thousands of passionate fans create stadium-like energy that you simply won't find anywhere else on the PGA Tour.
World-Class Golf
Watch the PGA Tour's elite compete on one of golf's most exciting and challenging courses. The tournament attracts the biggest names in golf year after year.
Unmatched Atmosphere
Stadium seating, grandstands, music, and a festival-like energy give this event a personality unlike any other tournament.
Celebrity Appeal
Spot athletes, entertainers, and celebrities throughout the week in pro-ams, hospitality venues, and premium viewing areas.
Tournament Week Schedule
Monday: Practice rounds begin
Tuesday: Celebrity & pro-am events
Wednesday: Final practice & Pro-Am
Thursday: Round 1 — tournament begins
Friday: Round 2 — cut day
Saturday: Round 3 — biggest crowds, peak energy
Sunday: Final round & champion crowned
All Week: Concerts and off-course entertainment
What Makes This Tournament Different
The Waste Management Phoenix Open has evolved into much more than a golf tournament. It's become the "Super Bowl of golf" — a destination event that draws fans from around the world, many of whom have never attended another tournament.
Stadium Golf
TPC Scottsdale transforms into an arena with grandstands around key holes, especially the 16th. The roar of the crowd when a shot lands close or a putt drops is unlike anything else in the sport.
Concerts & Nightlife
After the golf, the party continues at concert venues and local hotspots throughout Scottsdale, creating full days and nights of entertainment.
Food & Beverage
From local favorites to elevated hospitality menus, the tournament offers a wide range of dining and bar options across the property.
Corporate Hospitality
Chalets, skyboxes, and private venues provide the ideal setting for entertaining clients or rewarding teams with high-touch service and prime views.
The 16th Hole
The Coliseum of Golf
The par-3 16th at TPC Scottsdale is completely enclosed by stadium seating, accommodating more than 20,000 fans. It feels closer to a college football environment than a traditional golf hole, and players lean into the energy.
When a tee shot lands tight to the flag, the roar is deafening. When a big putt drops, the reaction is instant. When a shot misses badly, the collective groan makes its way around the course. And when someone makes a hole-in-one, the celebration becomes a moment fans talk about for years.
Atmosphere
- Stadium seating with 20,000+ fans
- Music and energy from first group to last
- Premium suites and skyboxes surrounding the hole
- Food and beverage service within the stadium
What to Expect
- Players feeding off crowd energy
- Birdie putts that feel like buzzer-beaters
- Occasional aces that send the place into chaos
- Outstanding photo and video moments
16th Hole Insider Tips
- Book hospitality early: The best 16th hole skyboxes and suites are spoken for long before tournament week. Securing space early gives you better placement and flexibility for your group.
- Arrive relaxed, not rushed: With skybox credentials, you don't need to line up at sunrise to secure a spot. Check in on your own schedule and walk straight into a reserved, shaded environment.
- Use the all-inclusive comfort: Enjoy catered food, open bar, shade, private restrooms, and a controlled guest list. It's the most comfortable way to spend a full tournament day at the 16th.
- Come and go as you like: Hospitality access allows you to walk the course, visit other holes, and then return to your skybox without worrying about losing your seat.
- Experience peak energy comfortably: Saturday on 16 is still the wildest day of the week, but a skybox lets you enjoy the atmosphere without dealing with GA lines and congestion.
TPC Scottsdale: Stadium Course
The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is purpose-built for tournament golf and spectator viewing. The desert layout features elevation changes, water hazards, and fast greens that bring drama to every round.
Key Holes
15th: Long par 4 framed by spectators.
16th: Fully enclosed stadium par 3.
17th: Risk–reward par 4 with water in play.
Course Set-Up
Pin positions and tee placements change daily to keep players on edge and create scoring swings throughout the leaderboard.
Spectator-Friendly
Multiple grandstands, mounded viewing areas, and wide corridors make it easy to follow one group or sample highlights from across the course.
Ticket & Access Options
The tournament offers a range of access levels:
- General Admission: Course access with open viewing areas.
- Reserved Seating: Guaranteed seats at specific holes and stands.
- Hospitality: All-inclusive food and beverage with shaded viewing.
- Skyboxes & Chalets: Private spaces ideal for groups and corporate hosting.
Contact us for current availability and package options tailored to your group size and preferences.
Travel & Accommodations Guide
Getting to Scottsdale
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
Distance: ~30 minutes to TPC Scottsdale.
Notes: Major hub with most domestic and international carriers; full rental car and rideshare access.
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
Distance: ~15 minutes to TPC Scottsdale.
Notes: Ideal for private and charter flights with quick access to surrounding resorts.
Where to Stay
Scottsdale offers a wide range of properties, from full-service resorts to boutique hotels and vacation rentals.
Near TPC Scottsdale
Best for: Easy access to the course.
Vibe: Resort-style stays with a golf focus.
Tip: Inventory is limited — these sell out first.
Old Town Scottsdale
Best for: Dining and nightlife.
Vibe: Walkable area with bars, restaurants, and shops.
Distance: Short drive to the course.
North Scottsdale & Desert Resorts
Best for: Spa, golf, and quiet desert settings.
Vibe: High-end properties with strong amenities.
Note: Slightly longer commute but great for extended stays.
Booking Strategy
- Plan ahead: Peak nights sell out months in advance.
- Weekday value: Midweek stays can be more available and cost-effective.
- Groups: Villas and homes are excellent for larger parties.
- Packages: Many properties offer shuttle service or bundled options during tournament week.
Transportation
Shuttles: Official shuttles operate from select locations and hotels.
Rideshare: Dedicated zones for Uber and Lyft are established near the course.
Parking: On-site parking is limited and often requires pre-purchase.
Recommendation: For groups or VIP itineraries, private car service is the most efficient and comfortable option.
Beyond the Tournament: Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a destination in its own right, and February is one of the best times of year to be there.
Dining
A strong restaurant scene that covers everything from steakhouses and fine dining to casual local favorites and standout Mexican food.
Nightlife
Old Town Scottsdale offers a dense mix of lounges, bars, and clubs, all within walking distance of each other.
Desert Experiences
Consider sunrise hot-air balloons, guided Jeep tours, hiking Camelback or Pinnacle Peak, or guided desert photo tours.
Additional Golf
With hundreds of courses in the region, it's easy to build a multi-round golf itinerary around tournament days.
Spas & Wellness
Resort spas offer everything from classic treatments to desert-inspired wellness programs and recovery therapies.
Typical February Weather
Daytime: Mid-60s to mid-70s °F | Evenings: Mid-40s to low-50s °F
Dry, sunny conditions make February a comfortable month for both golf and exploring the city.
How Xenia Events Can Help
Our role is to make the week feel organized, smooth, and tailored to your group. Here's what that looks like in practice:
- Trip design: We align tickets, hotels, and daily logistics with your budget and pace.
- Accommodation selection: We help you choose the right property and room types for your group.
- Ticketing & access: We handle procurement and confirmations so you're not chasing details.
- Transportation coordination: From airport arrivals to daily course transfers.
- Local guidance: Suggestions on restaurants, bars, golf, and activities that actually fit your schedule.
- Support: A direct point of contact for questions or changes before and during the trip.
Tournament Access
General admission, reserved areas, hospitality, skyboxes, and select pro-am opportunities when available.
Stays & Extensions
Core tournament nights plus optional pre- and post-event nights for extra golf or desert time.
On-Site Flow
Thoughtful daily timelines so you're not rushed — or stuck — getting to and from the course.
From First Call to Final Putt
Our goal is simple: you focus on the experience; we quietly handle the pieces that make it work.
Ready to Plan Your Phoenix Open Week?
Reach out to talk through dates, group size, and priorities. We'll walk you through options and build a plan that fits.
Available to discuss custom packages, hospitality, and full-trip itineraries.