So much more than a PGA TOUR golf tournament, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is gearing up for what is sure to be their “greatest show on grass” thus far. Between tournament rounds and the concerts, sponsorship opportunities, and an expo, here’s your guide to making the most of this Arizona golf community tradition.
Schedule Basics
The 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be held February 1-7, 2016 at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) in Scottsdale.
Monday, February 1 will include practice rounds and the Coors Light Pro-Am.
On Tuesday you can catch the R.S. Hoyt, Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day and accompanying activities, including motivational speeches by PGA pros, the trick shot show, and a junior golf clinic. Tuesday is also the day for the Outfront Media Special Olympics Open on the TPC putting green.
Wednesday offers another Pro-Am, the Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory (16th hole), and the opening night for the Birds Nest concert series.
The big show starts on Thursday, February 4. Round 1 kicks off at 7:30 am, round 2 will be Friday at 7:30 am, round 3 is Saturday at 9 am, and the final round starts at 9 am on Sunday, February 7. If seven days isn’t enough golf for you, the TPC will also host a Post Open Pro-Am on Monday, February 8. Ticket packages for all of the above can be purchased online or at the gate.
What Not to Miss
The golf, of course! Saturday tends to be the most attended day, and often the “party” day, so if you’re more into watching golf than contributing to the loudest hole, try to attend on another day. If your company or a friend has access to a sponsorship tent or suite, even better. The tournament has always been a great place to network and mingle.
If you’re planning to just purchase single tickets, do it in advance online to save some time at the gate. Check the weather before you go and don’t forget sunscreen, comfy walking shoes, a jacket, and binoculars if you really want to see the action. A word to the wise – take an uber or taxi to make parking and timing much easier, especially if you plan to have anything to drink.
The Coors Light Birds Nest is almost as popular as the tournament itself. The headliners this year include Rascal Flatts (February 3), Dierks Bentley (February 4), Robin Thicke (February 5), and Tiesto (February 6). Tickets to the concert are separate from tickets to the tournament, except with certain sponsorships, so remember to get your tickets in advance. Party like a rock star and upgrade to VIP tickets, complete with dinner, drinks, and premium viewing (note that these go fast – Dierks Bentley VIP tickets are already sold out).
New This Year
The 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open was record-breaking. Over 560,000 golf fans attended during the week-long festivities and the tournament raised $9 million for charity, both of which led to being named PGA Tour Tournament of the Year. Now with the addition of new seating on the 17th hole plus more suites and boxes around both the 16th and 17th hole, this year’s tournament is sure to break more attendance records and continue to raise the bar. There will likely be new players in the tournament, too, although players only have until today to commit to playing in the Phoenix Open.
Whether you’re just traveling through town for the tournament, or you live in neighboring Arizona golf course communities, this event is not to be missed!
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-405-4228
[email protected]
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