Waste Management Phoenix Open 2026 – Pro Golf’s Biggest Party
The Waste Management Open 2026 is unlike any other event on the PGA Tour, combining professional golf with a uniquely rowdy party atmosphere. Known for its larger-than-life energy, massive crowds, and world-class competition, the tournament brings together sport and spectacle in the oasis of Scottsdale, Arizona.
WM Phoenix Open 2026 – Tournament Details
| Tournament | Waste Management Open 2026 |
|---|---|
| Course | TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course |
| Location | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Association | PGA |
| Purse | $9,600,000 |
Why is the Waste Management Open the Biggest Party in Golf?
- Loud, Energetic Crowds: Unlike most PGA Tour stops where fans are quiet and polite, the WM Phoenix Open is known for loud cheering, constant reactions, and an electric energy that feels more like a stadium event than a typical golf tournament. The fans are a part of the action, not just spectators.
- Festival-Style Atmosphere: From creative costumes to nonstop chanting, the tournament leans into a full-on festival atmosphere that turns the course into an all-day party. Add in live music to the mix, and it’s easy to see why it stands out on the golf calendar during Super Bowl weekend.
- On-Site Entertainment: The WM Phoenix Open isn’t just about what happens on the fairways; the course keeps fans entertained all day long with concerts, fan experiences, and themed activities around the venue.
- Fan Interaction Fans are constantly posting WM Open videos, photos, and reactions that spread across social media in real time. This online hype helps make the WM Open simultaneously feel like a major sports and significant pop-culture event.
- Elite Competition: The tournament still draws top golf talent and delivers elite-level competition, even with the party atmosphere. The combination of top-level golfers and an energetic crowd creates pressure-packed moments that feel much bigger than a routine tour stop.
Security Issues at the WM Phoenix Open
Considering that the tournament is known for being a little rowdy, it’s not surprising that there are some security issues that arise. Here are a few security statistics from the last few years of the WM Phoenix Open, including total calls for service and arrests.
| WM Phoenix Open | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calls for Service | 440 | 558 | 653 | 1011 |
| Arrests | 0 | 18 | 54 | 63 |
| People Ejected | 90 | 102 | 211 | 319 |
| Trespassers | 14 | 41 | 73 | 114 |
What is Special About Hole 16 at the WM Phoenix Open?
The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is a short par-3 that’s famous for being encircled by temporary stadium seating known as “the Coliseum.” The Coliseum draws crowds as big as 20,000 fans who loudly cheer, boo, and react to each shot. Snagging tickets for the Skybox at The Coliseum during tournament play can cost anywhere between $450-$1300.
This hole has become a symbol of the WM Phoenix Open and produced some of the most memorable moments in tournament history.
Phoenix Open – 16th Hole: All-Time Hole-In-Ones
| Year | Golfer | Round |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Hal Sutton | Third |
| 1990 | Hal Sutton | First |
| 1990 | David Edward | Third |
| 1991 | Jay Delsing | First |
| 1997 | Tiger Woods | Third |
| 1997 | Steve Stricker | Fourth |
| 2002 | Mike Sposa | Second |
| 2011 | Jarrod Lyle | Third |
| 2015 | Francesco Molinari | Third |
| 2022 | Sam Ryder | Third |
| 2022 | Carlos Ortiz | Third |
| 2025 | Emiliano Grillo | Second |
Last 10 Winners of the Phoenix Open
Thomas Detry won the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, which was also the Belgian golfer’s first ever PGA tour victory. He won with a seven-shot lead and finished the entire tournament 24 under par.
Here are the last 10 winners of the Waste Management Phoenix Open:
Who to Watch for at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open
The top contenders at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open include the following golfers. These odds come courtesy of Bovada:
Scottie Scheffler (+225), Brooks Koepka (+2000), and Hideki Matsuyama (+3000) are the only top contenders to have won the tournament in recent memory — and even then, Scheffler is the odds-on favorite to win by a wide margin.
Nick Taylor (+5500), Rickie Fowler (+5500), Gary Woodland (+25000), and Webb Simpson (+25000) have also won in the past but are considered long shots to win this year’s WM Phoenix Open.
Bovada is the best place to bet on the 2026 Phoenix Open, offering hundreds of bets on the tournament, including Winner, Winner without Scottie Scheffler, and first-round specials. Plus, if you sign up today, you can claim up to $750 in free bets to use on this year’s tournament.
Subscribe now and get instant access to:
- A sports bonus worth up to $1,250
- Free weekly picks and betting tips
- Cash back on your wagers
Plus, up to $10,000 in bonuses and 200 free spins to use on blackjack, slots, and your other favorite casino games.