Waste Management Phoenix Open: History, Insider Guide, and How to Plan the Ultimate Trip

A Brief History of the WM Phoenix Open

The Phoenix Open dates back to 1932, making it one of the longest-running professional golf tournaments in the United States. Over the decades, it evolved from a traditional desert golf event into one of the most recognizable stops on the PGA Tour.

The tournament's transformation accelerated in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when organizers embraced a more energetic, fan-forward experience. That shift culminated in what the event is now famous for: packed grandstands, loud crowds, and an atmosphere that feels closer to a sporting festival than a country-club gallery.

Today, the WM Phoenix Open consistently ranks as the most attended golf tournament in the world.

How Big Is the WM Phoenix Open?

Massive, by any standard.

The tournament regularly draws over 500,000 fans over four days, dwarfing attendance numbers at most other PGA Tour events. Peak days see tens of thousands of spectators on-site, creating an atmosphere that's unmatched in professional golf.

What sets the Phoenix Open apart isn’t just attendance, but engagement. Fans are encouraged to cheer, react, and participate. Especially in the tournament’s most famous location.

The Iconic 16th Hole

No discussion of the WM Phoenix Open is complete without the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.

Often called the loudest hole in golf, the par-3 16th is surrounded by a fully enclosed stadium that seats thousands of fans. Players are booed, cheered, and serenaded as they tee off, creating a pressure-packed moment unlike anything else on the PGA Tour.

Hole-in-ones here are legendary, often triggering roars that can be heard across the course.

This hole alone has helped turn the Phoenix Open into a bucket-list sporting event.

The Wildest Moment in Phoenix Open History

If there's one moment that perfectly captures why the WM Phoenix Open is unlike any other golf tournament in the world, it happened on the 16th hole in 1997.

That year, a young Tiger Woods stepped onto the tee at the now-famous par-3 stadium hole. As the crowd buzzed and noise echoed through the grandstands, Woods struck his shot and watched it roll straight into the cup for a hole-in-one.

What happened next has become legendary.

The crowd erupted into chaos. Beer cups rained down onto the green. Fans screamed, jumped, and celebrated as if they were at a playoff game rather than a golf tournament. Security struggled to clear the putting surface, and the delay lasted several minutes before play could resume.

To this day, that moment is widely regarded as the wildest shot in PGA Tour history.

It wasn't just the ace itself; it was the reaction. The 16th hole officially became known as the loudest hole in golf, and the Phoenix Open embraced its reputation from that moment forward.

Since then, several other hole-in-ones at the 16th have triggered similar scenes, but none have surpassed the shockwave created by Woods' shot in 1997. It set the tone for everything the tournament would become: loud, electric, unpredictable, and unapologetically fun.

For many fans, witnessing even a fraction of that energy in person is reason enough to make the trip to Scottsdale.

How to Attend the Tournament as a Spectator

One of the best things about the WM Phoenix Open is how accessible it is to fans.

You don't need a VIP badge to enjoy the tournament. General admission tickets grant access to the course, fan zones, concessions, and multiple viewing areas.

Tickets and Admission

Ticket options typically include:

• Single-day general admission
• Multi-day passes
• Premium hospitality packages
• VIP suites and sponsored lounges

Saturday and Sunday sell out quickly, so buying tickets in advance through authorized sellers is highly recommended.

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Premium Experiences and Signature Events at the WM Phoenix Open

One of the reasons the Waste Management Phoenix Open stands apart from every other stop on the PGA Tour is the sheer variety of premium experiences, hospitality packages, and on-course entertainment available throughout tournament week.

From all-inclusive hospitality suites to stadium-style party zones and post-round concerts, the Phoenix Open offers far more than standard gallery access.

General Admission vs. Hospitality Access

General admission tickets allow fans to walk the course, follow groups, and access fan zones throughout TPC Scottsdale. But many travelers opt to upgrade to one of the tournament’s hospitality experiences, which offer better views, shorter lines, and a more social atmosphere.

Hospitality tickets typically include:

• Reserved seating or shaded viewing areas
• Access to premium bars and food options
• Climate-controlled lounges (in select areas)
• Prime locations overlooking iconic holes

Daily and Weekly Hospitality Tickets

For fans who want an elevated experience without committing to a private suite, daily and weekly hospitality tickets strike a balance between comfort and flexibility.

Daily hospitality passes are ideal for visitors attending one or two days, while weekly hospitality options appeal to travelers staying for the full tournament and want consistent access to premium viewing areas.

These tickets  often grant access to hospitality venues near high-traffic holes, making them a popular choice for groups, couples, and first-time attendees looking to experience the tournament at its best.

Hospitality Suites and Cabanas

At the top end of the experience spectrum are hospitality suites and cabanas, which offer a private or semi-private setting overlooking some of the most exciting parts of the course.

These options are especially popular with:

• Corporate groups
• Bachelor or celebration trips
• Golf-focused travel groups

Suites and cabanas typically include:

• Dedicated seating or viewing decks
• All-inclusive food and beverage service
• Private restrooms (a major perk during busy days)
• Prime sightlines to tee boxes, greens, or stadium holes

Availability is limited, and many suites sell out well in advance of tournament week.

Coors Light Birds Nest

The Coors Light Birds Nest is one of the most recognizable off-course attractions at the Phoenix Open.

This nighttime concert venue hosts major music acts throughout tournament week, turning the event into a full day-to-night experience. For four nights every year the hottest nightclub in Scottsdale is located inside a tent erected in north Scottsdale. Birds Nest tickets are sold separately from golf admission and are especially popular with younger crowds and visitors looking to combine golf with nightlife.

For many attendees, the Birds Nest is just as much a draw as the tournament itself.

Concert in the Coliseum

Another unique experience offered during tournament week is the Concert in the Coliseum, which brings live music directly into the heart of the event.

These concerts take place inside the tournament grounds and offer a stadium-style atmosphere that blends golf, music, and crowd energy in a way few sporting events can match.

Tickets are typically limited and often bundled with premium access options.

This year, The Killers will take center stage with special guest Tyler Hubbard live from the iconic 16th hole as the official headliner for the 2026 edition of the Concert in the Coliseum on Saturday, January 31st.

Tee Off Luncheon and Pro-Am Events

For fans interested in a more behind-the-scenes or insider experience, the Phoenix Open also offers Tee Off Luncheons and Pro-Am events

These experiences may include:

• Appearances by PGA Tour players
• Guest speakers and hosted meals
• Opportunities to watch professionals up close in a more relaxed setting

Pro-Am events are highly sought after and give participants a rare chance to play alongside or interact closely with touring professionals.

Where to Stay During WM Phoenix Open Week

Hotel demand in Scottsdale and North Phoenix spikes dramatically during tournament week.

Popular areas include:

• North Scottsdale - Closest to TPC Scottsdale
• Old Town Scottsdale - Nightlife, dining, and walkable entertainment
• Paradise Valley/Phoenix - Often better availability and pricing

Many visitors book hotels or vacation rentals weeks in advance to secure favorable locations.

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Flying Into Scottsdale: Commercial and Private Options

Commercial Flights

Most visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which offers extensive domestic and international service and is roughly 30 minutes from TPC Scottsdale.

Private Jets and Executive Aviation

Private flyers often choose:

• Scottsdale Airport (SDL) - Closest to the tournament
• Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) - Popular alternative for private aviation

Tournament week sees a significant increase in private jet traffic.

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Getting Around Scottsdale During the Tournament

Transportation planning is critical during WM Phoenix Open week.

Ride-share demand surges, parking is limited, and traffic near TPC Scottsdale can be heavy during peak hours.

Popular options include:

• Standard car rentals for flexibility
• Luxury and exotic car rentals
• Chauffeured or premium transport services

Many visitors also extend their stay to explore Sedona, Cave Creek, or the Sonoran Desert, making a rental vehicle especially useful.

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Why the WM Phoenix Open Is Worth the Trip

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is unlike any other event in professional golf. It combines world-class competition with an atmosphere that's energetic, social, and unapologetically fun.

For travelers, it's a chance to experience elite sports, Scottsdale nightlife, and Arizona's winter weather all in one trip, during one of the most popular weeks of the year.

Final Thoughts

The WM Phoenix Open has earned its reputation as one of the most entertaining sporting events in the country. Whether you're there for the golf, the party, or the Scottsdale lifestyle, planning ahead ensures you get the most out of tournament week.

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