The Waste Management Golf Tournament, officially known as the WM Phoenix Open, is one of the most distinctive events on the PGA Tour. Played at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, the tournament combines elite professional golf with huge crowds, entertainment, hospitality, charity, and an unusually energetic atmosphere.
The 2027 WM Phoenix Open is scheduled for February 8–14, 2027, with the 72-hole PGA Tour competition running from Thursday, February 11 through Sunday, February 14. The event will be the tournament’s 92nd edition.
Unlike many professional golf tournaments, the Phoenix Open has developed a reputation where golf meets entertainment. Its famous 16th hole, massive spectator areas, concerts and traditions have helped make it one of the most recognizable stops on the PGA Tour.
What Is the Waste Management Golf Tournament?
The Waste Management Golf Tournament is the modern name for the long-running Phoenix Open, a PGA Tour event hosted at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course.
The tournament dates back to 1932 and has been played at TPC Scottsdale since 1987. The event is hosted by The Thunderbirds, with WM serving as title sponsor. The 2027 tournament will mark the 17th year of WM’s title sponsorship.
Today, the event is commonly referred to by several names, including:
- WM Phoenix Open
- Waste Management Phoenix Open
- Phoenix Open
- Waste Management Open
- Phoenix Open golf tournament
The tournament is part of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup schedule. In 2026, the event carried 500 FedExCup points and a $9.6 million purse.
When Is the WM Phoenix Open in 2027?
The 2027 WM Phoenix Open takes place from February 8 to February 14, 2027, at TPC Scottsdale.
The main competition begins Thursday and concludes Sunday:
| Day | 2027 Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, Feb. 8 | Ford Free Day |
| Tuesday, Feb. 9 | Ford Free Day |
| Wednesday, Feb. 10 | Annexus Pro-Am |
| Thursday, Feb. 11 | First Round |
| Friday, Feb. 12 | Second Round |
| Saturday, Feb. 13 | Third Round |
| Sunday, Feb. 14 | Final Round |
The official schedule also lists a Concert in the Coliseum for Saturday, February 6.
This schedule makes tournament week much more than four days of competitive golf. Practice activities, the pro-am, concerts and hospitality experiences all contribute to the overall Phoenix Open experience.
Where Is the Phoenix Open Played?
The tournament is held at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The tournament uses the Stadium Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish and renovated in 2014. For the 2027 tournament, the course is listed at 7,261 yards and par 71.
The course is a major part of what makes this Arizona golf event unusual. Players face a combination of desert surroundings, strategic hazards, firm playing surfaces and changing weather conditions.
For spectators, however, the course is equally important because several areas provide very different viewing experiences. The 16th is the obvious centerpiece, while holes such as 17 and 18 can also produce dramatic finishes.
Why Is the 16th Hole So Famous?
The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is arguably the most famous hole associated with the PGA Tour.
It is a short par-3 surrounded by stadium-style seating, making it feel more like an arena than a traditional golf hole. TPC Scottsdale describes it as the hole that transforms into “The Coliseum” during the tournament.
The atmosphere is radically different from traditional golf etiquette. Fans cheer good shots, react loudly to misses and explode when a player makes an ace.
The hole became especially famous after Tiger Woods made a hole-in-one there in 1997. Woods used a 9-iron, and the ace produced one of the most memorable celebrations in Phoenix Open history.
The tradition has continued. The official tournament records list numerous aces at the 16th, including memorable holes-in-one by players such as Steve Stricker, Francesco Molinari, Sam Ryder and Carlos Ortiz.
What Makes the 16th Hole Different?
The difference is not simply the architecture. It is the psychological pressure.
A PGA Tour player can normally expect spectators to remain relatively quiet during a shot. At the 16th, the opposite atmosphere is part of the experience. Players must handle:
- Extreme crowd noise
- Constant movement and distractions
- Pressure from thousands of spectators
- Expectations surrounding the hole
- The possibility of an immediate celebration—or rejection
That makes the 16th an unusual test of emotional control as well as shot-making.
Who Has Won the Phoenix Open?
The tournament has produced a long list of major PGA Tour champions.
Recent winners include Chris Gotterup in 2026, Thomas Detry in 2025, Nick Taylor in 2024, and Scottie Scheffler in 2022 and 2023.
Some notable champions include:
| Player | Phoenix Open victories |
|---|---|
| Phil Mickelson | 3 |
| Mark Calcavecchia | 3 |
| Gene Littler | 3 |
| Arnold Palmer | 3 |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 2 |
| Brooks Koepka | 2 |
| Scottie Scheffler | 2 |
Phil Mickelson won the tournament three times—in 1996, 2005 and 2013. His 2013 victory was particularly memorable because he opened with a 60 and finished at 28-under par.
Hideki Matsuyama won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017.
Scottie Scheffler captured consecutive editions in 2022 and 2023. His 2022 win was also his first PGA Tour victory.
In 2026, Chris Gotterup defeated Matsuyama in a playoff after both players finished at 16-under 268.
The 2026 Tournament: What Happened?
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open was played from February 5–8, 2026.
Chris Gotterup finished the four rounds at 16-under par and defeated two-time champion Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff. Gotterup shot rounds of 63, 71, 70 and 64 for a 268 total.
Matsuyama also finished at 268, while Scottie Scheffler and several other players finished one shot behind at 15-under.
The result continued the tournament’s recent tradition of producing elite fields and highly competitive finishes.
Why Is the Waste Management Phoenix Open So Popular?
The simple answer is that it offers an experience few other golf tournaments can match.
The Phoenix Open combines:
- Top-level PGA Tour golf
- The famous 16th-hole stadium
- Large and enthusiastic crowds
- Concerts and nightlife
- Hospitality venues
- A strong Arizona sports culture
- Major charitable contributions
- A highly visible sustainability program
The event’s official website describes it as “The People’s Open,” reflecting its unusually accessible and entertainment-focused identity. The tournament has also been recognized repeatedly as a PGA Tour Event of the Year.
For many visitors, the attraction is not simply watching a professional golfer hit a seven-iron. It is the complete golf tournament experience—from walking the course during the day to concerts and other events at night.
What Is the “Desert Tax” at TPC Scottsdale?
The so-called Desert Tax is a useful way to describe the penalty players can pay when an aggressive shot misses the intended playing area and enters the native desert.
TPC Scottsdale is not simply a flat target range. Desert landscaping, strategic hazards, firm fairways and fast greens can punish inaccurate shots.
For players, that means:
- Club selection matters.
- Approach shots need precise distance control.
- Desert winds can alter ball flight.
- Firm surfaces can produce unpredictable bounces.
- Missing the correct landing area can turn a straightforward hole into a difficult recovery.
This is why professional golfers cannot rely only on distance. Precision golf, predictable ball flight and reliable spin are particularly valuable around a desert golf course.
Does Golf Equipment Matter at the Phoenix Open?
Yes—but equipment is only one part of the equation.
Tour professionals carefully select golf balls, clubs and setups based on course conditions. At TPC Scottsdale, players need equipment that provides dependable carry distance, spin control and predictable flight.
Golfers playing Arizona courses can also encounter firm fairways, dry conditions and desert wind. Those factors can influence golf ball selection and club choice.
For recreational golfers, premium models such as Pro V1 and Pro V1x are popular examples of tour-level golf balls, while used tour golf balls can offer a lower-cost alternative.
If buying used golf balls, inspect the surface carefully. Excessive scuffs or cuts can affect consistency, particularly when short-game spin matters.
The broader lesson is simple: equipment should support consistent execution rather than compensate for poor course management.
What Can Fans Expect at the Tournament?
Fans should expect a much more energetic atmosphere than at many traditional PGA Tour events.
The tournament includes:
- Competitive PGA Tour golf
- Large spectator areas
- Hospitality venues
- Food and beverage areas
- Entertainment
- Concerts
- Special tournament traditions
- The iconic 16th-hole experience
The official 2027 schedule includes the Coors Light Birds Nest concert series from February 10–13, adding a major entertainment component to tournament week.
The result is an event where golf culture and entertainment culture overlap.
Tickets, Parking and Tournament Access
Ticket options vary by day and venue, so visitors should use the official WM Phoenix Open website for the latest availability and pricing.
For 2027, the tournament’s official schedule shows free general admission on Monday and Tuesday, while tickets are required for the main tournament rounds from Thursday through Sunday.
Parking arrangements can change as tournament week approaches. The tournament specifically advises guests to monitor its official directions and parking information for current routes and lot availability.
For premium visitors, hospitality packages can be substantially more expensive. For example, the official site currently lists 2027 Nine Suites at $60,000 and Cove Suites at $85,000, subject to availability and pricing changes.
Is There a Waste Management Phoenix Open Party?
Yes. “Party” is not an official description of the tournament itself, but entertainment is a major part of the event’s identity.
The most visible example is the Coors Light Birds Nest, a four-night concert experience held alongside tournament week. The 2027 edition is scheduled for February 10–13.
The famous 16th hole also contributes to the event’s party-like reputation. When a player makes a hole-in-one, the reaction from the crowd can become chaotic, with cheering, drinks and celebrations filling the stadium.
However, visitors attending primarily for golf should still remember that this is a professional sporting event. Respecting players, tournament staff and fellow spectators makes the experience better for everyone.
Sustainability: Why Is It Called a Zero-Waste Tournament?
One of the most important differences between the WM Phoenix Open and many sporting events is its sustainability program.
The tournament says it has been recognized as the world’s largest zero-waste sporting event for 14 consecutive years. Its operations aim to divert about 98% of waste from landfill through recycling, composting, donation and energy generation.
The tournament’s sustainability efforts began with the Zero Waste Challenge in 2012, and it says the event achieved zero waste in 2013 and every year since.
That makes sustainability more than a marketing theme. It has become part of the tournament’s operating model.
The approach includes:
- Recycling education
- Recycling and composting stations
- Material diversion
- Donation programs
- Waste reduction
- Sustainable materials management
- Fan participation
This is why the event has earned the nickname “The Greenest Show on Grass.”
Charity and Community Impact
The tournament’s impact extends beyond golf.
The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities distribute funds raised through the event to nonprofit organizations supporting children, families and communities in Arizona.
According to the tournament, the 2026 WM Phoenix Open generated a record $20.1 million for local charities, taking cumulative charitable giving by The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities above $246 million.
That charitable component is one reason the event remains important to the Phoenix and Scottsdale communities.
source: wmphoenixopen.com
Where Should You Stay for the Phoenix Open?
For visitors coming from outside Arizona, staying in or around Scottsdale is generally the most convenient choice because TPC Scottsdale is located there.
Good areas to consider include:
- North Scottsdale: Convenient for reaching TPC Scottsdale.
- Central Scottsdale: A useful balance of restaurants, hotels and access.
- Old Town Scottsdale: Better suited to visitors who want nightlife and entertainment.
- Phoenix: A wider range of accommodation, although travel time to the course can be longer depending on traffic.
During tournament week, demand can rise significantly, so booking accommodation early is sensible.
Why Does the WM Phoenix Open Still Matter?
The WM Phoenix Open matters because it has created an identity that extends beyond traditional tournament golf.
It is simultaneously a:
- PGA Tour competition
- Scottsdale sporting tradition
- Major Arizona tourism event
- Fan-focused entertainment experience
- Charity fundraiser
- Sustainability showcase
That combination is difficult to reproduce.
The 2027 edition will continue that formula from February 8–14, with tournament rounds beginning February 11.
For serious golf fans, TPC Scottsdale offers strategic desert golf and some of the best players in the world. For casual spectators, the 16th hole and entertainment provide an experience unlike most golf events.
That is ultimately why the Waste Management Golf Tournament has become one of the most recognizable events on the PGA Tour: it manages to make professional golf feel both elite and accessible, competitive and entertaining, traditional and completely unconventional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Waste Management Golf Tournament tickets: How can I buy them?
For the 2027 tournament, ticket availability and official packages should be checked through the WM Phoenix Open’s official ticket and event pages. The official schedule currently shows free general admission on Monday and Tuesday, while tickets are listed for the main tournament rounds Thursday through Sunday.
Is there a Waste Management Golf Tournament party?
Yes. Tournament week includes entertainment events such as the Coors Light Birds Nest concert series, which is scheduled for February 10–13, 2027. The 16th-hole stadium also contributes to the tournament’s famous party-like atmosphere.
How can I get Waste Management Golf Tournament 2027 tickets?
The best approach is to use the official WM Phoenix Open ticket pages because availability, pricing and hospitality options can change. The 2027 tournament runs February 8–14, with the four-round competition beginning February 11.
What are the Waste Management Golf Tournament 2026 results?
Chris Gotterup won the 2026 WM Phoenix Open after defeating Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff. Both finished regulation at 16-under par, 268.
When is the Waste Management Golf Tournament 2027?
The 2027 WM Phoenix Open is scheduled for February 8–14, 2027, at TPC Scottsdale. The official 72-hole tournament runs from Thursday, February 11 through Sunday, February 14.
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