The WM Phoenix Open Is About Much More Than Golf. Here's How to Experience It.

Picture this: grandstands roaring at the 16th hole, beer gardens buzzing under blue Arizona skies, and the scent of barbecue drifting through the fairways. Whether you’re there for the golf, the party, or a little of both, here’s how to make the most of one of Arizona’s most iconic events.

Optimizing the golf experience

What to know before you go

The Waste Management (WM) Phoenix Open, often called The People’s Open, takes place in early February at TPC Scottsdale, a public PGA golf club with two courses. In 2026, it starts on February 2, with the finals on February 8. Gates open daily at 7:00 AM, and general admission tickets start at around $50 for practice rounds, though prices rise as the tournament approaches. If you’re attending, you’ll want to download the PGA Tournament app before you go. It’s the easiest way to follow player positions, find food and drink locations, and navigate the sprawling course.

Packing and security tips

At the WM Phoenix Open, bag restrictions are strict. Only clear bags smaller than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are allowed. Small (non-clear) bags or clutches must be under 4.5 by 6.5 inches. You’ll need to return to your car to leave items behind if security determines that your bag is too large. Expect bag inspections upon entry, and occasional size checks if your bag is deemed to be of questionable size. Save yourself the hassle by packing light and keeping your essentials close. Sunscreen and a portable phone charger are key items to keep with you.

This is not a sit-still event. Between parking, walking to the gates, and moving across the course, you will easily walk several miles. Comfortable shoes are essential. Since the Arizona sun is relentless, start hydrating early, wear polarized sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. While the event is centered on golf, fashion is an integral part of the fun. Outfits range from coordinated group looks to full costume creativity, such as caddie uniforms, flag prints, or even Canadian Mountie uniforms. The louder, the better. It’s part spectator sport, part runway.

Which day to attend

Each day of the tournament brings its own personality. Monday and Tuesday are when pros are warming up and the tournament hasn’t officially begun. These are the best days to attend if you’re on a budget, as admission is completely free.

The tournament kicks off on Wednesday, though it tends to be the slowest day of the actual competition. Thursday is the sweet spot for those who actually want to watch golf. Crowds are manageable, and you can easily get close to the action at the famous 16th hole. Friday and Saturday are when the event turns into a full-on desert festival. Expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, constant cheers, and a stadium atmosphere unlike anywhere else in professional golf. Sunday brings things back to the sport itself, and this is when you’ll be next to the country’s most dedicated golf fans who take every putt seriously. It’s quieter, easier to navigate, and wraps up early enough to catch the Super Bowl later that day.

Which gate to use

There are three separate entrances to the event, and the one you choose can shape your entire day.

The Main Entrance opens thirty minutes earlier than the rest, at 7:00 AM, which makes it your best shot at snagging seats in the 16th hole grandstands before they fill. This is also the gate used by anyone who drives, as it’s the drop-off point for the free parking lot shuttles. If you’re arriving by rideshare or staying near the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, you’ll get dropped off at the Princess Gate close to the fourth tee, a few shaded food stands, and early groups already on the course. The atmosphere here is relaxed and sociable, but lacks the huge crowds of the 16th hole, known as the Coliseum.

The Hayden Entrance is a newer option ideal for anyone walking in from the south side of the course. It drops you near holes 16 and 17, making it a smart choice if your goal is to experience the Coliseum first. However, it opens later than the main gate, so there will likely be a queue at the 16th hole by the time you get in.

Mapping the course

The TPC Scottsdale course is more than seven thousand yards long, so strategy matters for finding a good vantage point.

A good plan is to enter at the Fairmont Princess Gate. This will allow you to cross in front of the fifth tee box and start your morning at the hill overlooking the par-three fourth green. From there, head toward holes 12 and 13 for better vantage points without the chaos. These holes have easier access to concession stands and less congestion, as they’re on the east side of the course, away from holes 16 to 18.

The restrooms near the 14th and 15th hole tee boxes usually have shorter lines, helping them stay relatively clean throughout the day — no small feat, given there are as many as 150,000 people attending on any given day.

When you’re ready to catch a glimpse of action to remind you just how much better than the average person the pros really are, head behind the 18th tee box to watch players decide how much water they’re willing to risk cutting on their final drive. It’s the hole where golfers go all out, and one of the best spots for seeing the professionals give it all they’ve got. It is close to the 16th hole, making it a good stop just before entering the Coliseum.

Some areas of the course get exceptionally crowded. Generally, the Fan Zone, the first tee, and the greens at holes two, nine, and 18 are the busiest. The merchandise tent is a must-visit, but go early or late in the day to avoid long lines. For more breathing room as a spectator, aim for mid-course sections, such as holes six through eight or 12 through 14. You’ll still have excellent views, but less congestion.

A midday must-stop: The Desert Oasis BBQ and Beer Garden

Between holes six and seven is the Desert Oasis BBQ and Beer Garden, a fan favorite for good reason. You’ll find shaded tables, cold beer, and barbecue from local Phoenix favorite Little Miss BBQ. It is the perfect place to refuel before heading toward the back nine, as the crowd here tends to be social and relaxed, with a mix of golf fans and groups just enjoying the scene. It also allows for watching golf on the adjacent fairways and greens while you enjoy your food and drink.

The social side of the WM Phoenix Open

The Kiva Club: Chill in style

If you don’t mind spending a little extra on your ticket, with rates starting at $173 per person per day, the private Kiva Club, located between holes 10 and 17, is a sanctuary worth every penny. It offers shaded seating, premium drinks, and front-row views of both the 10th and 17th holes. It’s quieter than most other dining areas and provides a more refined way to experience the tournament without losing the energy of the crowd. The upgrade is only to access the club; you’ll still need to pay for food and drinks while there.

The loudest hole in golf: The iconic 16th

No experience on the PGA Tour compares to the 16th hole. Known as The Coliseum, it’s the only fully enclosed stadium hole in golf, seating more than 20,000 golf fans. It is loud, wild, and legendary.

Getting in takes commitment. Early birds line up before the main gate opens, sprinting for the grandstands nearest the green to claim seats. If you aren’t in line at the main gate before it open, you’ll likely have to wait in the line at 16. The stands between the tee box and green will usually have room early if you want a sample of the craziness, but the true excitement is through the other entrances and stands closer to the green.

If you’d rather not jump right in, spend the morning exploring the course and circle back to the 16th in the late afternoon, when many people have left and the lines to get in are shorter. One strategy is to rest your feet and watch from the grandstands behind the 10th green as golfers hit their approach shots and putt, while easily checking the line to the 16th from behind the stands.

Once you’re in the Coliseum, plan to stay. Leaving the stands at the 16th hole means you won’t be able to get back in, unless for some reason, there’s no line – which almost never happens. Fortunately, the beer vendors inside are efficient, and the lines move quickly. Beer vendors tend to stay in one spot, and there are plenty of them. There is a concession stand with food and drink that generally allows you to grab food and re-enter. However, on occasion, they will stop letting people back in, so check with the security guard before you head to the concession stand to confirm you can re-enter.

The energy inside 16 is electric. Fans place small bets on the closest-to-the-pin shots, chant for every near miss, and erupt when someone drains a long putt. Don’t be shy; feel free to join the cheering chorus. Just keep it friendly, and only throw your beer if someone makes a hole-in-one. You can also join in on another tradition: When a player three-putts or leaves it in the bunker, you’ll hear the loudest chant of the day: “One of Us.” It’s a friendly chant that celebrates the rare moments when elite players play like ordinary weekend golfers.

For 2026, a new option called the Pin Hi Club will debut on the 16th hole. Short of buying hospitality tickets, the Pin Hi Club will be the only opportunity for an elevated experience at the hole. Full details haven’t been announced, but it’ll be akin to a VIP experience with high ceilings, better views, and, as alluded to in an uncaptioned but official YouTube video, potentially a high-end culinary program. As of publication, the daily rate to add Pin Hi Club access to tickets has yet to be announced.

After hours: The Coors Light Birds Nest

When the sun sets behind the McDowell Mountains, the energy simply shifts. The Coors Light Birds Nest is the tournament’s after-hours heartbeat as a massive concert venue that feels part music festival and part desert nightclub. It’s a high-energy atmosphere and usually lots of fun. In the crowd, you’ll find everyone from Scottsdale locals to golf fans still in polos, mingling with concertgoers dressed for a night out. Expect long lines at the bars, but the vibe makes it worth it. Everything is cashless, so be sure to have a credit card or, even better, a tap-to-pay app on your phone.

For 2026, the lineup includes The Killers, Bailey Zimmerman, Chase Matthews, Zach Top, and John Summit – a mix of country and dance music that matches the week’s lively personality. Whether you’re singing along, dancing in the crowd, or just watching the scene from the back, attending the Birds Nest is a rite of passage.

Tickets often sell out weeks in advance, so buy them early. You do not need to purchase Birds Nest passes with your tournament tickets, but if you plan to attend, it’s smart to secure both at the same time. Tickets start around $165, and all three nights are 21-and-over only. It’s an open-air venue, although the performance area is under a huge tent, providing pretty good protection from the elements.

The bottom line

There are golf tournaments, and then there’s the WM Phoenix Open. It’s rowdy, unforgettable, and totally unlike any other tournament you’ll find on the PGA Tour — there’s a reason it attracts about 700,000 spectators each year. Whether you are dressing up to be seen at the 16th hole, singing at the Birds Nest, or chasing shade at the barbecue garden, this is one event where the spectators are a major part of the appeal.

Pack your best outfit, pace yourself, and get ready to make memories that last long after the final putt drops. And when it doesn’t drop, don’t forget what you’re supposed to shout as loud as you can: One. Of. Us.