Major champions Scotty Scheffler, and Bruce Koepka headline a crop of PGA Tour stars confirmed for this year’s “People’s Open,” promising elite competition at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, February 5-8, 2026.
The WM Phoenix Open is one of professional golf’s most storied, spirited, and unusual tournaments — mixing serious competition with an atmosphere more akin to a festival than a typical PGA Tour stop. Held every early February at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Arizona, it has earned nicknames like “The Greatest Show on Grass” for its vibrant crowds, passionate fans, and charitable impact.
History and Evolution
The tournament traces its roots back to 1932, originally known as the Arizona Open before becoming the Phoenix Open. Over its long history, it’s been played under various names, including the Ben Hogan Invitational and FBR Open, before Waste Management became the title sponsor in 2010. Since 1987, it has been played at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course — a layout uniquely suited to both high-level golf and big crowds.
TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course was built to balance competitive challenge with an entertaining fan experience—an ethos that perfectly fits the event’s culture.
Repeat Winners and Champions
Over more than nine decades, the Phoenix Open has crowned champions that read like a golf Hall of Fame: Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret, Billy Casper, Gene Littler, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and, more recently, Rickie Fowler, Webb Simpson, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler all have their names on the trophy.
A handful of players have carved out particularly deep success here:
- Gene Littler, Arnold Palmer, Mark Calcavecchia, and Phil Mickelson have each won three times, among the most in tournament history.
- Other multiple winners include Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret, Lloyd Mangrum, Johnny Miller, Vijay Singh, J.B. Holmes, Hideki Matsuyama, and Brooks Koepka.
- Scottie Scheffler recently won consecutive titles (2022, 2023) and could extend his streak in this year’s tournament.
Tiger Woods and Iconic Moments
Tiger Woods never won the Phoenix Open, but created a lasting mark. In 1997, a young Woods hit a hole-in-one on the par-3
16th, creating one of golf’s loudest, most electric moments. The crowd’s noise reportedly registered across the course.
Woods’ ace cemented the 16th as golf’s most raucous venue. Though Woods didn’t win, the shot remains iconic — frequently recalled by fans and broadcasters when the hole is mentioned.
The 16th Hole Phenomenon
No description of the Phoenix Open is complete without the 16th hole, nicknamed The Coliseum or sometimes the Devil’s Hole. A short 150–165-yard par-3, it is transformed into a fully enclosed stadium, with towering grandstands and room for roughly 16,000-20,000 fans, making it the most boisterous single hole in golf.
For four days, the 16th is the crowd’s focus — beer cups fly after aces, DJ music blares, and fans chant with unmatched energy on the PGA Tour.
Crowd Sizes and Attendance
The Phoenix Open draws golf’s biggest crowds. In 2018, over 719,000 fans attended during the week, with more than 216,000 on Saturday — numbers rivaling major sports events.
Since 2019, the Thunderbirds (the volunteer organization that runs the tournament) have stopped publicly releasing detailed attendance figures; they focus on the charity’s impact over raw numbers. However, the reputation for massive crowds has only grown, and millions of spectators worldwide tune in via TV and streaming.
More Than Just Golf
The Phoenix Open, while focused on golf, also has a significant philanthropic impact. It has raised tens of millions for local charities, solidifying its role as an important sporting event and community supporter.
The WM Phoenix Open combines top-tier golf, high energy, historic champions, memorable moments like Tiger’s 1997 ace, and an unmatched fan experience on the PGA Tour.
