The Greatest Show On Grass! The WM Phoenix Open

By Dwight Haldoni

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open will once again shine as one of the most exhilarating and celebrated tournaments on the PGA Tour calendar. Scheduled for early February at the famous TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, this event—known around the world as “The Greatest Show on Grass”—combines championship golf with a festival-like atmosphere unlike anything else in the sport. Since its inception in 1932, the Phoenix Open has grown from a regional tournament into a global phenomenon that attracts record-breaking crowds, world-class players, and millions of viewers each year.
The defending champion, Thomas Detry of Belgium, returns in 2026 after claiming his first PGA Tour victory in stunning fashion last year. His calm precision and consistent play separated him from a star-studded field, marking one of the biggest wins of his career. Now, Detry heads back to TPC Scottsdale with the goal of defending his title against a new wave of challengers eager to experience what it feels like to conquer golf’s most boisterous stage.
Few tournaments can match the sheer magnitude of the WM Phoenix Open. Each year, attendance routinely surpasses 700,000 fans over the course of the week, making it by far the most attended golf event in the world. What sets this tournament apart is the energy of its galleries. Fans don’t just watch—they participate. From the moment the gates open, there’s a buzz that runs through the air, a blend of excitement, celebration, and anticipation. The spectators are passionate, knowledgeable, and unrestrained, cheering wildly for great shots and letting players know when nerves get the better of them.
No hole captures that spirit better than the iconic par-3 16th, known as “The Coliseum.” Enclosed by grandstands that seat more than 20,000 fans, it has become one of the most famous holes in golf. Players are greeted by roars that rival a football stadium, and the atmosphere is as intense as it is unforgettable. It’s not unusual for pros to feed off the energy, celebrating birdies with the crowd or acknowledging the playful boos after a missed green. The 16th hole is pure theater—an experience that every player dreams of and every fan remembers.
A major element of the week, beyond the leaderboard and the fairways, is the evening entertainment. This year the four-night concert series known as the Coors Light Birds Nest returns, held across the street from the tournament venue at the intersection of 82nd Street and Bell Road. The Birds Nest has become an essential part of the WM Phoenix Open experience, offering nightly major-league acts, food, drink, games and a party atmosphere that draws fans of music, golf and festival vibes alike. In 2026 the lineup has already locked in country-rising star Zach Top for Thursday night with special guest ERNEST, and global dance phenomenon John Summit to close out the series. These concerts begin early evening—gates opening in the mid-afternoon, and headliners beginning around 8:30 pm—giving guests the option to attend golf during the day and dive into concert mode at night. The Birds Nest is strictly 21-and-over, emphasizing the adult-festival tone, and tickets include general admission and VIP options (with upgrades for food, drinks and premium viewing).
The location of the Birds Nest, just steps away from the main tournament entrance, makes it easy for attendees to move between the golf and the festivities. One moment you’re cheering a birdie on the 16th; the next you’re dancing under lights to top-tier music. The dual nature of the event appeals both to hardcore golf fans and to those who come for a lively week of entertainment, hospitality and socializing.
Beyond the fanfare, the golf course itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is both visually stunning and strategically demanding. Set against the rugged beauty of the McDowell Mountains, it offers wide fairways, immaculate greens, and dramatic risk-reward opportunities. The desert setting creates breathtaking views in every direction, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light glows over the surrounding cacti and rock formations. The course’s design perfectly balances playability for amateurs throughout the year and challenge for professionals during tournament week, with its blend of reachable par 5s, short par 4s, and devilishly tricky par 3s.
The 17th hole is another fan favorite, a short par 4 that tempts players to drive the green but punishes even slight errors with water lurking along the left. It’s a place where tournaments have been won or lost, and in 2026 it’s sure to provide more heart-stopping drama. The finishing hole, a par 4 with water running up the left side, adds to the suspense, giving fans a perfect vantage point to witness closing heroics or heartbreak. Each hole seems designed to draw emotion, making TPC Scottsdale one of the most entertaining venues in professional golf.
Just as important as the course and competition is the location itself. Scottsdale sits on the edge of Phoenix, providing easy access to the amenities of a major metropolitan area while maintaining the relaxed charm of the Sonoran Desert. For fans traveling from across the country, the convenience is unmatched. The tournament site is only a short drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and surrounded by world-class resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city’s vibrant nightlife, luxury shopping, and dining options make the WM Phoenix Open as much a social destination as a sporting event.
The weather in February is another major attraction. With average daytime highs in the low 70s and abundant sunshine, conditions are ideal for both golf and spectators. Clear skies and crisp desert air create a postcard-perfect setting for one of the tour’s most exciting weeks. The surrounding region offers countless opportunities for exploration, from hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to experiencing the culture and cuisine of Old Town Scottsdale. The combination of elite golf and leisure makes this event a highlight not only for players but for thousands of visitors who plan their vacations around it.
Beyond the competition and entertainment, the WM Phoenix Open also has a meaningful community impact. Organized by The Thunderbirds, a Phoenix-based civic organization, the tournament has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Arizona charities over the decades. Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, and events like the famous Birds Nest concert series directly benefit local nonprofits, hospitals, and youth programs. The Phoenix Open’s legacy of giving back has become as important as the leaderboard itself.
Another point of pride for the event is its ongoing commitment to sustainability. Under the leadership of its title sponsor, WM, the tournament has achieved zero-waste status for several consecutive years. Every cup, plate, and piece of material on the grounds is recycled, composted, or converted into energy. That environmental stewardship has set a standard for large-scale sporting events worldwide, proving that even an event of this size can operate responsibly while entertaining hundreds of thousands of people.
As the 2026 edition approaches, anticipation continues to build. Fans are eager to see if Thomas Detry can repeat his 2025 success or if one of golf’s young stars will seize the moment and claim victory in front of the sport’s most passionate crowd. With its combination of world-class players, breathtaking desert scenery, and an atmosphere that feels more like a festival than a golf tournament, the WM Phoenix Open continues to represent everything that makes modern golf so dynamic.
From its roots in 1932 to its present-day status as a global showcase, this tournament has transcended tradition. It is where the sport meets spectacle, where precision meets passion, and where Arizona’s desert landscape transforms into the epicenter of the golf world for one unforgettable week. The 2026 WM Phoenix Open will once again remind fans and players alike why it remains not just the “Greatest Show on Grass,” but one of the greatest shows in all of sports.
Get your tickets now at wmphoenixopen.com
Dwight Haldoni is an international renowned writer covering golf world-wide