Phoenix, February 16, 2026
The WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale for its 39th edition, drawing large crowds to celebrate golf and community spirit. Known as ‘The People’s Open’, this event highlights local enthusiasm and organizational excellence, showcasing an array of talent among the world’s best golfers. The tournament not only fosters civic engagement but also acts as a catalyst for economic growth in the Phoenix area. With exciting performances and the backdrop of the challenging TPC Scottsdale course, the event promises to engage fans and elevate community pride.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix’s “People’s Open” Tees Up Community Excitement
The WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale, showcasing civic spirit and individual excellence on one of the PGA TOUR’s most dynamic stages. This enduring event highlights how dedicated local organizers and enthusiastic community participation can foster significant growth and bring national attention to our vibrant city.
As the PGA TOUR descends on Arizona’s TPC Scottsdale once again, the “People’s Open” prepares for its 39th edition, bringing hundreds of thousands of fans eager to watch some of the world’s best golfers compete. This annual spectacle is a testament to the power of well-organized local events in energizing a community and providing a platform for remarkable individual achievement. The event not only draws significant attention to the region but also fosters a unique atmosphere of civic engagement and shared enthusiasm, demonstrating the positive impact of robust community initiatives.
The Enduring Appeal of “The People’s Open”
Known affectionately as “The People’s Open,” the WM Phoenix Open consistently attracts the largest and most enthusiastic crowds in the game. This year marks the 39th edition of the tournament, a significant milestone showcasing its enduring popularity and the consistent organizational effort behind it. The event’s vibrant atmosphere, particularly around the famed 16th hole Coliseum, is a hallmark of the tournament, creating an unparalleled fan experience that distinguishes it within the PGA TOUR calendar. The success of this gathering is a clear indicator of how strong local leadership and broad community support can elevate an event from a mere competition to a celebrated civic tradition.
TPC Scottsdale: A Test of Individual Achievement
The tournament unfolds on the challenging Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, a venue renowned for both its beauty and its demanding layout. This course presents a unique test for the PGA TOUR professionals, with specific statistics highlighting the skills required to navigate it successfully. For instance, the driving accuracy at TPC Scottsdale is typically around 52%, notably lower than the TOUR average of 61%, indicating a course that rewards precision. Furthermore, driving usage on this course stands at approximately 90%, compared to the TOUR average of 69%, underscoring the strategic importance of tee shots throughout the rounds. These metrics emphasize the individual initiative and mastery required from each golfer to contend for the title, making every shot a testament to personal dedication and athletic prowess.
Recent Triumphs and Memorable Moments on the Green
The WM Phoenix Open has been the stage for several memorable performances in recent years, highlighting the pinnacle of individual achievement in professional golf. Scottie Scheffler notably secured his first career PGA TOUR victory at this tournament. This win jump-started an impressive streak for Scheffler, who went on to win four times in six starts, including a major championship. His success continued as he successfully defended his WM Phoenix Open title, carding a 6-under 65 in the final round to clinch the victory. While Scheffler ultimately triumphed, Nick Taylor kept pace with him until an ill-timed mishit, showcasing the intense competition at the event. In another instance, Rickie Fowler, a popular figure on the TOUR, had to withdraw from the WM Phoenix Open due to illness, reminding us of the human element behind these athletic endeavors.
Community Engagement and Economic Vibrancy
Beyond the competition, the WM Phoenix Open serves as a significant catalyst for community growth and economic activity within Phoenix and the wider Arizona region. The event is celebrated as the most vibrant of the season, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans who contribute to the local economy and foster a palpable sense of excitement. This level of civic involvement and enthusiasm underscores the benefits of allowing local organizers the flexibility to innovate and manage large-scale gatherings effectively. The substantial turnout and sustained interest demonstrate a successful model where private partnerships and local initiative converge to create a high-impact event that benefits everyone from local businesses to golf enthusiasts.
Innovation: The WM Phoenix Open in the Digital Age
The reach of the WM Phoenix Open extends beyond the physical grounds of TPC Scottsdale, embracing modern technological advancements to engage a broader audience. The back nine at TPC Scottsdale, including the iconic holes of the WM Phoenix Open, is featured in the PGA TOUR 2K25 demo, allowing enthusiasts to virtually experience the course and test their MyPLAYER skills. This integration into popular gaming platforms demonstrates civic innovation by expanding the event’s influence and fostering engagement with a new generation of fans and aspiring golfers. It represents a forward-thinking approach to community outreach, ensuring the spirit of “The People’s Open” resonates across diverse platforms.
The WM Phoenix Open stands as a shining example of how individual achievement, robust civic engagement, and innovative event management can coalesce to create a truly remarkable local spectacle. From the dedication of the players on the challenging TPC Scottsdale course to the enthusiasm of the hundreds of thousands of fans, this tournament encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Phoenix. We encourage everyone to continue supporting our local events and engaging in community development, ensuring that our city remains a dynamic hub of activity and opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the WM Phoenix Open
- What is the WM Phoenix Open?
- The WM Phoenix Open is a PGA TOUR event, known as “The People’s Open,” and is in its 39th edition. It is celebrated for having the largest and most enthusiastic crowds in the game and features the iconic 16th hole Coliseum.
- Where is the WM Phoenix Open held?
- The WM Phoenix Open is held at TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) in Arizona.
- What is unique about the TPC Scottsdale course during the WM Phoenix Open?
- The TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) for the WM Phoenix Open has a driving accuracy of 52% (TOUR average: 61%) and a driving usage of 90% (TOUR average: 69%), indicating a challenging course that emphasizes strategic play.
- Who are some notable recent winners of the WM Phoenix Open?
- Scottie Scheffler won his first career PGA TOUR title at the WM Phoenix Open and successfully defended his title in a later edition, achieving a 6-under 65 in the final round.
- How does the WM Phoenix Open engage with a wider audience?
- The back nine at TPC Scottsdale and the WM Phoenix Open are available to test MyPLAYER skills in the PGA TOUR 2K25 demo, allowing enthusiasts to experience the course virtually.
Key Features of the WM Phoenix Open
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | WM Phoenix Open, also known as “The People’s Open” |
| Edition | 39th edition |
| Tour | PGA TOUR |
| Location | TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course), Arizona |
| Crowd Engagement | Largest and most enthusiastic crowds in golf |
| Iconic Hole | Famed 16th hole Coliseum |
| Course Challenge (Driving Accuracy) | 52% (TOUR average: 61%) |
| Course Challenge (Driving Usage) | 90% (TOUR average: 69%) |
| Recent Notable Winner | Scottie Scheffler (first career win and defended title) |
| Digital Engagement | Featured in PGA TOUR 2K25 demo (back nine at TPC Scottsdale) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
