Planning to attend the WM Phoenix Open 2026 but dreading the logistics nightmare?
It’s a valid fear.
Last year’s tournament saw $200+ Uber surge pricing, 2-hour waits for the 16th hole, and thousands of fans stuck in parking lot gridlock. The “Greatest Show on Grass” can quickly become the greatest headache—if you don’t have a game plan.
Here’s the deal:
With the right strategy, you can skip the chaos entirely. Score free admission on Ford Free Days. Avoid the surge pricing trap. And actually see the famous 16th hole without camping overnight.
I’ve compiled every insider tip, logistics hack, and survival strategy you need—based on official tournament data, local Reddit threads, and lessons learned from the 2024 operational meltdown that changed everything.
In this survival guide, you’ll discover:
- 🎟️ 2026 schedule & pricing — Day-by-day breakdown with crowd density predictions
- 🚗 The parking hack that saves $100+ on rideshare (Lot B strategy)
- 🏟️ 16th hole secrets — The 7:00 AM vs 7:30 AM gate trick for GA seating
- 🎸 Birds Nest 2026 lineup — Bailey Zimmerman to John Summit (full schedule)
- 💰 Budget survival — How to experience the Open for under $50
- ⚠️ New 2026 rules — Digital tickets, clear bag policy, conduct enforcement
Let’s break it down:
What is the WM Phoenix Open 2026?
The WM Phoenix Open 2026 is the PGA TOUR’s most-attended golf tournament, held February 2-8, 2026 at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course in Arizona. Known as “The People’s Open” and “The Greatest Show on Grass,” it attracts nearly 700,000 spectators over seven days, featuring the iconic stadium-style 16th hole with 20,000 fans, the Coors Light Birds Nest concert series, and Ford Free Days offering free Monday/Tuesday admission.
🏌️ Quick Answer: WM Phoenix Open 2026 Essentials
- 📅 Dates: February 2-8, 2026 (Sunday-Sunday)
- 📍 Location: TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, Scottsdale AZ
- 🆓 Free Days: Monday Feb 2 & Tuesday Feb 3 (Ford Free Days)
- 🎟️ GA Tickets: $75 (off-peak) / $125 (Fri-Sat peak)
- 🚗 Parking: FREE at Lot A (WestWorld) & Lot B (Salt River Fields)
- 🏟️ 16th Hole: 3,700 GA seats, first-come first-served, Main Gate 7:00 AM
- 🎸 Birds Nest: Feb 4-7, separate ticket required, 21+ only
- 👜 Bag Policy: Clear bags only (12″x6″x12″ max)
Table of Contents
2026 Schedule & Ticket Pricing: Day-by-Day Breakdown
The WM Phoenix Open isn’t a single event—it’s seven completely different experiences.
Monday feels like a private practice round. Saturday feels like the Super Bowl crashed a music festival.
Now:
Understanding the schedule isn’t just about picking a date. It’s about matching your goals (see golf vs. party atmosphere) with the reality of each day’s crowd density, ticket cost, and logistics complexity.
Ford Free Days: Monday & Tuesday (Free Admission)
📅 Monday, February 2 & Tuesday, February 3, 2026
FREE ADMISSIONWhat it is: Practice rounds sponsored by Arizona Ford Dealers. No ticket required at the gate—just walk in.
The vibe: This is the only window for genuine golf enthusiasts to get close to players without fighting a frat-party atmosphere. Significantly lower attendance means stress-free parking, negligible shuttle waits, and actual opportunities for autographs and player photos.
Tuesday highlight: The San Tan Ford Special Olympics Putting Challenge at 11:00 AM—a heartwarming event that offers stark contrast to the weekend’s rowdiness.
💡 SURVIVAL TIP: Ford Free Days are the ultimate budget hack. Free admission + free parking (Lot A) + bringing an empty water bottle (free refills on course) = total cost under $50 for lunch. You get the atmosphere and course views for 5-10% of Saturday’s cost.
Pro-Am Wednesday & Round 1 Thursday ($75 GA)
📅 Wednesday, February 4 — Annexus Pro-Am
$75 GAWhat it is: Celebrity hunting day. NFL stars, actors, and musicians play alongside pros. The “Shot at Glory” at the 16th hole (3:30 PM) previews the chaos to come.
The kicker: The Coors Light Birds Nest concert series opens Wednesday night. This creates dual-traffic peaks: golf crowds exiting 4-5 PM collide with concert crowds entering 3-6 PM. Plan your exit accordingly.
📅 Thursday, February 5 — Round 1
$75 GAWhat it is: First official tournament round. The full 156-player field is competing.
Why Thursday wins: This is the “best balance” day. Competitive golf without Saturday’s insanity. Many locals are at work, so the 16th hole queue is manageable (1-2 hours vs. 4+ hours on weekend). Traffic on Loop 101 flows reasonably until late afternoon.
📊 INSIDER DATA: Thursday consistently ranks as the highest-rated day for “golf experience quality” in fan surveys. You see real competition without the logistics nightmare. If you care about watching golf more than experiencing the party, Thursday is your day.
Peak Days: Friday & Saturday ($125 GA)
📅 Friday, February 6 — Round 2
$125 GA (PEAK)The shift: This is when corporate crowds and party crowds merge. Traffic on Loop 101 chokes as early as 9:00 AM. The 16th hole becomes a legitimate challenge to access.
What to expect: Energy ramps significantly. More hospitality tents are active. Beer lines grow. The tournament starts feeling like what you’ve seen on TV.
📅 Saturday, February 7 — Round 3 (Green Out)
$125 GA (MAXIMUM)The warning: This is the day that broke the tournament in 2024. Attendance can swell to 200,000+. “Green Out” charity participation is at its peak—expect a sea of green shirts.
The reality: If you don’t have reserved hospitality seats, arriving after 10:00 AM means you likely will not see the 16th hole. Period. The “Race to 16” starts at 7:00 AM sharp.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Saturday in 2024 led to gate closures, suspended alcohol sales, and significant fan unrest. The 2026 tournament has new attendance caps and stricter protocols specifically because of that day. Come prepared or don’t come at all.
Final Round Sunday: The Budget Secret ($75 GA)
📅 Sunday, February 8 — Final Round
$75 GAThe secret weapon: Because Super Bowl Sunday often falls the same weekend (or fans are prepping for parties), the crowd thins out significantly by 2:00 PM.
Why it matters: You get championship-deciding moments with decent visibility, $75 pricing instead of $125, and a more civilized atmosphere. The golfers who made the cut are playing for real money—the intensity is palpable without the chaos.
💡 PRO TIP: Sunday afternoon is one of the best-kept secrets of the Phoenix Open. The “party crowd” has largely departed, leaving genuine golf fans to watch the final groups come through. You can often walk right up to viewing areas that were impossible to access on Saturday.
Quick Comparison: 2026 Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Event / Round | GA Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Feb 2 Practice Rounds |
Ford Free Day | FREE |
| Tue, Feb 3 Practice + Special Olympics |
Ford Free Day | FREE |
| Wed, Feb 4 Annexus Pro-Am |
Celebrity Day + Birds Nest Opens | $75 |
| Thu, Feb 5 Round 1 |
Tournament Begins | $75 |
| Fri, Feb 6 Round 2 |
Cut Day | $125 |
| Sat, Feb 7 Round 3 — Green Out |
Moving Day | $125 |
| Sun, Feb 8 Final Round |
Championship Sunday | $75 |
🎟️ Buy Official 2026 Tickets →
But here’s the kicker:
Getting your ticket is the easy part. Getting to TPC Scottsdale without losing your mind (or $200 to Uber) is where the real survival strategy begins.
Phoenix Open Parking Guide: Avoid the $200 Uber Nightmare
The geography of TPC Scottsdale is the primary antagonist for unprepared attendees.
The course is landlocked by residential zones and high-speed boulevards, creating limited ingress points. In 2024, Reddit threads documented $200+ Uber surge pricing and hour-long waits just to get a driver.
Now:
Here’s what most guides won’t tell you: parking is completely free. The “survival” lies in choosing the right lot to minimize shuttle time and avoid the gridlock that turns a 20-minute drive into a 2-hour ordeal.
Lot A (WestWorld): The Main Artery
📍 LOCATION: WestWorld Sports Complex — Loop 101 & Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd / Bell Rd
🚌 SHUTTLE HOURS: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
💰 COST: FREE parking, FREE shuttle
The reality: Lot A handles the bulk of tournament traffic. Shuttles run frequently throughout the day, and the late hours (until 11 PM) make this the only option if you’re staying for the Birds Nest concerts.
The catch: While shuttles are frequent, the ingress traffic into the lot can back up for miles on highway off-ramps. On Saturday, expect 45-90 minutes just to park your car before you even board a shuttle.
💡 BEST FOR: Attendees staying for Birds Nest (shuttles run late), anyone coming from North Scottsdale, and those who prioritize shuttle frequency over parking ease.
Lot B (Salt River Fields): The Strategic Choice
📍 LOCATION: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick — Loop 101 & Via de Ventura
🚌 SHUTTLE HOURS: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM ⚠️
💰 COST: FREE parking, FREE shuttle
📏 DISTANCE: 7.6 miles south of TPC Scottsdale
Why Lot B wins: Located south of the course, this lot completely bypasses the Bell Road corridor gridlock. Yes, the shuttle ride is longer (20-25 minutes), but the lack of traffic jams entering the lot makes your total travel time shorter and more predictable.
While Lot A attendees are sitting in highway traffic for an hour, Lot B users are already on the shuttle heading to the course.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Shuttles from Lot B stop at 6:00 PM. If you park here and plan to stay for Birds Nest or late dinner, you will be stranded. This lot is for golf-only attendees who plan to leave by late afternoon.
The Rideshare Hack That Saves $100+
But here’s the kicker:
Rideshare at the Phoenix Open is notoriously brutal. The tournament creates a “geofence” that forces all Uber/Lyft drivers to a single designated pickup zone: Lot R at Bell94 Sports Complex (94th St & Bell Rd).
The problem? Thousands of people trying to leave simultaneously creates a digital bottleneck. Apps crash. Drivers cancel. Surge pricing hits $150-250 for a 15-minute ride.
🚗 The Rideshare Survival Hack
- Step 1: Do NOT call your Uber from the course
- Step 2: Take the FREE shuttle to Lot B (Salt River Fields) or Lot A (WestWorld)
- Step 3: Once outside the event geofence and traffic bubble, THEN request your ride
- Result: You avoid “Event Surge” pricing, find a driver faster (who isn’t stuck in the Lot R queue), and have a calm place to wait
- Savings: $50-$100+ per trip vs. calling from the course
This single hack can save a couple $200+ over the course of a tournament day. The 15-minute shuttle ride pays for itself many times over.
Scottsdale Quarter Free Shuttle
📍 PICKUP: Scottsdale Quarter (Scottsdale Rd & Greenway-Hayden Loop)
🚌 HOURS: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thursday-Sunday only)
💰 COST: FREE
This is the “luxury” workaround for those who want to combine the tournament with a nicer pre-game experience.
The strategy: Grab brunch at Scottsdale Quarter, park in their garage, then take the free shuttle to TPC. Wait times can peak at 45+ minutes during rush periods, but the queue is significantly more civilized than the main lots—and you’re waiting in a nice shopping center instead of a dirt parking lot.
💡 PRO TIP: The Scottsdale Quarter shuttle is perfect for couples who want a more relaxed start to the day. Grab breakfast at one of Scottsdale’s best brunch spots, take the shuttle in, watch golf until mid-afternoon, then shuttle back for dinner and drinks at the Quarter.
How to Get Into the 16th Hole: The Race to Stadium Seating
The 16th hole is a stadium completely enclosing a par-3, with approximately 20,000 screaming fans packed into bleachers that feel more like a football game than a golf tournament.
It’s the bucket-list item for most Phoenix Open attendees.
This is important:
For General Admission ticket holders, there are only about 3,700 seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. The rest of the stadium is reserved hospitality seating that costs thousands of dollars.
Getting one of those 3,700 seats requires strategy, commitment, and showing up before sunrise.
The 7:00 AM Strategy (Not 7:30 AM)
The “Race to 16” is legendary—though “race” is now a misnomer since security enforces a fast walk to prevent stampedes.
⏰ THE TIMELINE:
4:00 AM: Line begins forming at the Main Entrance
7:00 AM: Main Gates Open
7:15 AM: GA seats typically filled on Friday/Saturday
7:30 AM: Too late—seats are gone
⚠️ CRITICAL 2026 WARNING: Do NOT use the new Hayden Road entrance if you want 16th hole seats. The new entrance opens at 7:30 AM—by the time you enter and walk to the 16th, every GA seat will be filled. You must use the Main Entrance at 7:00 AM to have any chance on Friday or Saturday.
The math is brutal: 3,700 seats. Thousands of people wanting them. On Saturday, people start lining up at 4:00 AM. If you arrive at 6:30 AM, you’re probably fine. If you arrive at 7:15 AM, you’re probably not.
💡 THURSDAY ADVANTAGE: If the 16th hole experience is your priority but 4:00 AM wake-ups aren’t your thing, Thursday is dramatically more accessible. The $75 ticket gets you competitive golf, and the 16th hole queue is manageable (1-2 hours vs. 4+ hours on Saturday). Many locals consider Thursday the “real” best day of the tournament.
New 2026 Infrastructure: Pin Hi Club & Upgrades
The 2026 tournament debuts a significantly renovated 16th hole structure—the first major overhaul in years.
What’s new:
- Wider interior bays for better crowd flow
- Higher ceilings for improved sightlines
- Frameless glass railings replacing older obstructed views
- The Pin Hi Club: A new hospitality venue located golfer-left at ground level, offering premium paid access to the 16th
The Pin Hi Club adds another tier of paid access to the 16th hole experience. While this doesn’t directly reduce GA seats, it does alter the ground-level viewing angles from some lower GA sections.
Alternative Viewing Spots If You Miss GA Seats
Didn’t make it into the 16th hole stadium? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.
The workarounds:
- Walking paths around 16: You can still hear the roars and see screens showing the action, even if you can’t get inside
- 17th hole bleachers: Much less crowded, still offers close player viewing after they leave 16
- 15th hole approach: Watch players prepare mentally before entering the coliseum
- Big screens throughout course: Multiple viewing areas show live 16th hole coverage
💡 REALITY CHECK: If you’re attending Saturday and wake up after 5:00 AM, mentally prepare yourself to not sit in the 16th hole stadium. Adjust expectations accordingly—the rest of the tournament is still spectacular, and you’ll hear every roar from the 16th no matter where you are on the course.
Birds Nest 2026: Complete Concert Lineup & Logistics
The Coors Light Birds Nest is essentially a four-day music festival built inside a massive tent across the street from the golf course.
It operates Wednesday through Saturday (February 4-7, 2026) and requires a completely separate ticket from the tournament itself.
The best part?
The 2026 lineup continues the trend of blending high-energy country with EDM, targeting the demographic crossover that defines the “party golf” crowd. From Bailey Zimmerman’s country rock to John Summit’s house beats, there’s something for every taste.
Wednesday, February 4: Bailey Zimmerman + Chase Matthew
🎸 Opening Night — Modern Country
Headliner: Bailey Zimmerman
Opener: Chase Matthew
Genre: Modern Country / Country Rock
The vibe: High energy, younger country demographic. Zimmerman is a returning act—his previous Birds Nest performance resonated so well with the WMPO crowd that they brought him back as a headliner. Expect “Rock and a Hard Place” and “Fall in Love” to have the tent shaking.
Thursday, February 5: Zach Top + ERNEST
🎸 Neo-Traditional Country Night
Headliner: Zach Top
Opener: ERNEST
Genre: Neo-Traditional Country
The vibe: This appeals to the “purist” country fan while keeping party energy high. Zach Top brings throwback country sounds that feel authentic, while ERNEST’s songwriting credentials (he’s written hits for Morgan Wallen and Chris Lane) mean he knows how to work a crowd.
Friday, February 6: TBA
🎤 Genre Bridge Night
Headliner: To Be Announced
Genre: Likely Rock, Pop, or Hip-Hop
The prediction: Historically, Friday slots feature high-profile acts that bridge the gap between country openers and the EDM closer. Past Friday headliners have included Machine Gun Kelly and The Chainsmokers. Expect an announcement in late 2025 that generates significant buzz.
Saturday, February 7: John Summit + BUNT.
🎧 EDM Finale — House Music Takeover
Headliner: John Summit
Opener: BUNT.
Genre: House / EDM
The vibe: Intense, rave-like atmosphere. Saturday night at the Birds Nest is traditionally the wildest night of the week. Booking John Summit—a global house superstar with festival headlining credits worldwide—signals full commitment to the “Vegas nightclub in the desert” energy that defines Saturday night in Scottsdale.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a world-class DJ while 10,000 golf fans lose their minds after a day of drinking in the sun, this is your night.
Birds Nest Survival Tips
🎟️ TICKETS: Go on sale October 2025, typically sell out within hours. Secondary market markups are severe (2-3x face value). “Survival” means buying at presale or preparing to pay premium.
⏰ TIMING: Venue opens 3:00 PM, headliners start ~8:30 PM. Arriving directly after golf (4 PM) means a 4-hour wait in a tent with $12-15 beers.
🍺 AGE: Strict 21+ policy. ID checks are rigorous—no exceptions.
📍 LOCATION: Across the street from TPC Scottsdale, walkable from tournament grounds.
💡 THE STRATEGIC MOVE: Don’t go straight from golf to Birds Nest. Instead, grab dinner at Scottsdale Quarter or Kierland Commons nearby (both are 10-15 minutes away), decompress, then enter the Nest around 7:00 PM. You’ll avoid the awkward 4-hour wait, arrive refreshed, and catch the full headliner set without burning out.
After the concerts end, the party continues in Old Town. Check out our guide to the best nightlife in Scottsdale for where to keep the energy going until last call.
Want to know the real cost?
Between tickets, parking (or rideshare), food, drinks, and potentially Birds Nest—attending the Phoenix Open adds up fast. Let’s break down exactly what you’re looking at.
What to Wear & Bring: Desert Survival Essentials
February in Scottsdale is deceptively tricky.
Mornings start in the low 40s°F. By afternoon, you’re baking in 75°F sunshine. And the security policies are strict enough that one wrong bag choice means a long walk back to your car.
Here’s exactly what to pack—and what to leave behind.
The Clear Bag Policy (Strict Enforcement)
⚠️ NON-NEGOTIABLE: Only clear plastic bags (12″ x 6″ x 12″ max) OR small clutch purses (4.5″ x 6.5″) are permitted. Regular backpacks, purses, camera bags, and diaper bags are prohibited—no exceptions, no bag check available.
This catches first-timers every single year. Security will turn you away at the gate, and you’ll have to walk back to your car (potentially a 30+ minute round trip via shuttle) to drop off your non-compliant bag.
What works:
- Clear stadium bags (available at sporting goods stores for $10-15)
- Gallon-size Ziploc bags (seriously—they work)
- Small wristlet clutches under 4.5″ x 6.5″
💡 PRO TIP: Buy a clear bag before the trip. Airport shops, Target, and Amazon all carry “stadium-approved” clear bags. Don’t assume you’ll find one the morning of—local stores near TPC sell out during tournament week.
Clothing & Sun Protection
The key is layers. Here’s the formula:
👕 THE PHOENIX OPEN UNIFORM:
Base layer: T-shirt or golf polo (you’ll be warm by noon)
Mid layer: Light jacket, hoodie, or fleece (for 7 AM arrival)
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (course is hilly, grass can be dewy/slick in morning)
Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat or visor, sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Optional: Light rain jacket if forecast shows any chance of showers
What most people get wrong:
- Overdressing: That heavy winter coat you wore to the airport? Leave it in the car. By 11 AM you’ll be carrying it everywhere.
- Wrong shoes: Heels, sandals, and new shoes are recipes for blisters. You’ll walk 5-8 miles over the course of the day.
- Skipping sunscreen: February sun at 2,500 feet elevation burns faster than you expect. Reapply every 2 hours.
What NOT to Bring
Security confiscates these items daily—don’t be that person holding up the line:
🚫 PROHIBITED ITEMS:
❌ Cameras with detachable lenses (phone cameras are fine)
❌ Laptops, tablets, iPads
❌ Coolers of any size
❌ Outside food and beverages (sealed water bottles sometimes allowed—check current policy)
❌ Chairs, blankets, seat cushions
❌ Selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts
❌ Drones (obviously)
❌ Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
❌ Noise-making devices, air horns
❌ Signs, flags, banners
The exception: Binoculars are allowed and highly recommended. The course is massive, and being able to zoom in on players from 200 yards away dramatically improves the viewing experience.
Security & Conduct: The 2026 Rules You Must Know
The Phoenix Open has tightened its policies significantly in recent years after several high-profile incidents involving fan behavior.
In 2024, 211 people were ejected from the tournament—up from just 90 in 2022. The Thunderbirds (the organization that runs the event) have made clear that 2026 will continue the “zero tolerance” approach.
Here’s what that means for you:
Digital-Only Ticketing (No Paper)
📱 MOBILE TICKETS ONLY: All tickets are digital and must be displayed on your phone. Paper tickets, screenshots, and printouts will not be accepted. Download tickets to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before arriving—cell service at the course is notoriously unreliable.
The smart move: Add your ticket to your phone’s wallet the night before. Take a screenshot as backup. Make sure your phone is charged above 80% when you leave for the tournament.
Alcohol Policy: Two-Drink Limit
Yes, you read that correctly.
The official policy limits purchases to two alcoholic beverages per transaction. This means you can’t load up on four beers at once—you’ll need to make multiple trips to the concession stands (or rotate through your group).
The reality: Enforcement is inconsistent. Some vendors are strict; others look the other way. But the policy exists specifically because security is watching for obviously intoxicated fans, and high-volume purchases are a red flag.
💡 HYDRATION TIP: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water. The combination of desert sun, walking, and drinking catches up with people fast. Dehydration + alcohol = the kind of behavior that gets you ejected. Play smart.
Zero Tolerance Conduct Policy
The 16th hole’s party atmosphere sometimes gives people the wrong idea about what’s acceptable behavior.
⚠️ INSTANT EJECTION (NO WARNINGS):
❌ Throwing objects (ice, cups, cans—even onto the course when empty)
❌ Verbal abuse toward players, volunteers, or staff
❌ Fighting or physical altercations
❌ Excessive intoxication (security makes the call)
❌ Entering restricted areas
❌ Disruptive behavior affecting other fans’ experience
In 2024, multiple fans were arrested—not just ejected—for throwing objects and fighting. The Thunderbirds work directly with Scottsdale PD, and charges can include criminal trespass, assault, and disorderly conduct.
Bottom line: Cheer loudly. Have fun. But know the line. The 16th hole is rowdy by golf standards, not by Raider Nation standards.
Budget Breakdown: What the Phoenix Open Really Costs
Let’s get real about what a day at the Phoenix Open actually costs.
The sticker price on tickets tells only part of the story. Between transportation, food, drinks, and optional add-ons like the Birds Nest, costs can spiral quickly—especially on peak days.
Peak Day Cost Estimate (Saturday, per couple)
💰 SATURDAY REALITY CHECK:
Tickets: $125 × 2 = $250
Rideshare (if not using hack): $150-250 round trip surge pricing
Food on course: $60-80 (burgers, snacks, etc.)
Drinks on course: $80-120 (beers $12-15 each × 6-8)
Birds Nest tickets: $100-150 × 2 = $200-300
Birds Nest drinks: $60-80
TOTAL RANGE: $800 – $1,200+ per couple
That’s not a typo. A full Saturday experience—from morning golf through Saturday night Birds Nest with John Summit—can easily exceed $1,000 for two people.
But here’s the kicker:
You can experience the Phoenix Open for a fraction of that cost with the right strategy.
Budget Hack: The Monday/Tuesday Strategy
💵 The $50 Phoenix Open Day (per couple)
- Tickets: $0 (Ford Free Days – Monday or Tuesday)
- Parking: $0 (Lot A or Lot B free parking)
- Shuttle: $0 (free shuttle to/from lots)
- Food: Eat before arriving, grab one snack on course = $20-30
- Drinks: 2-3 beers each = $40-50
- Birds Nest: Not open Mon/Tue (save for another trip)
- TOTAL: $50-80 per couple
Monday and Tuesday feature practice rounds and early tournament action. The crowds are dramatically smaller (you can actually move around freely), the 16th hole is accessible without 4 AM wake-ups, and you get to see the same players warming up for the competitive rounds.
Is it the same as Saturday? No. The energy is different—more relaxed, less chaotic.
But for many visitors, especially first-timers, the Ford Free Days offer the best way to experience the Phoenix Open: minimal stress, minimal cost, maximum golf viewing.
💡 THE HYBRID APPROACH: Attend Monday or Tuesday for free to scout the course and see your favorite players practice. Then, if you’re hooked, come back Thursday for competitive golf at $75—far cheaper than Saturday’s $125 with 70% of the energy.
Where to Stay Near TPC Scottsdale
Tournament week is the busiest hotel week of the year in Scottsdale. Rates spike 2-3x normal prices, and properties near TPC book out months in advance.
Your best options:
- Old Town Scottsdale (5-10 miles south): Walkable nightlife after the tournament, easy rideshare access to TPC. Check out our guide to the best hotels in Old Town Scottsdale for top picks.
- North Scottsdale / Kierland area (3-5 miles): Closest hotels to TPC, but premium pricing. Properties like The Westin Kierland and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess are tournament favorites.
- Tempe / South Scottsdale (10-15 miles): Budget-friendly alternatives with easy Loop 101 access. The Lot B (Salt River Fields) shuttle makes this a viable option.
For the full resort experience—pools, spas, multiple restaurants—explore our comprehensive Scottsdale luxury resorts guide.
💡 BOOKING TIP: Hotels open Phoenix Open week inventory 6-9 months in advance. If you’re reading this in late 2025, book immediately—the best properties sell out by December for February’s tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the WM Phoenix Open 2026?
The WM Phoenix Open 2026 runs February 2-8, 2026 at TPC Scottsdale. Ford Free Days (free admission) are Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3. Pro-Am is Wednesday, February 4. Competitive tournament rounds run Thursday, February 5 through Sunday, February 8. The Coors Light Birds Nest concerts run Wednesday through Saturday (February 4-7).
How much are Phoenix Open tickets 2026?
General Admission pricing for 2026: Monday-Tuesday are free (Ford Free Days). Wednesday Pro-Am and Thursday Round 1 are $75. Friday-Saturday peak days are $125. Sunday final round is $75. Premium options like the Skybox on 16, The Coliseum Club, and Pin Hi Club range from $350-$750+. All tickets are digital-only and must be purchased in advance at wmphoenixopen.com.
Is parking free at the WM Phoenix Open?
Yes, parking is completely free at both official lots. Lot A (WestWorld Sports Complex at Loop 101 & Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd) offers shuttles until 11 PM. Lot B (Salt River Fields at Loop 101 & Via de Ventura) offers shuttles until 6 PM only. Both lots provide free shuttle service to TPC Scottsdale. ADA parking with accessible shuttles is available at designated areas in both lots.
How early should I arrive for the 16th hole?
For Friday or Saturday, arrive at the Main Entrance by 6:30 AM to have a realistic chance at General Admission stadium seating in the 16th hole. Gates open at 7:00 AM, and the approximately 3,700 GA seats typically fill by 7:15 AM on peak days. Thursday is significantly more accessible—arriving by 8:00 AM is usually sufficient. The new Hayden Road entrance opens at 7:30 AM and is too late for 16th hole seats on Friday/Saturday.
What is the Birds Nest at the Phoenix Open?
The Coors Light Birds Nest is a four-night concert series held in a massive tent venue adjacent to TPC Scottsdale, running Wednesday through Saturday (February 4-7, 2026). It requires separate tickets from the golf tournament and is 21+ only. The 2026 lineup includes Bailey Zimmerman (Wed), Zach Top (Thu), TBA (Fri), and John Summit (Sat). Tickets typically go on sale in October and sell out quickly.
Can I bring a backpack to the Phoenix Open?
No, regular backpacks are prohibited. The WM Phoenix Open enforces a strict clear bag policy. Only clear plastic bags (maximum 12″ x 6″ x 12″) or small clutch purses (maximum 4.5″ x 6.5″) are permitted. There is no bag check available—if you arrive with a non-compliant bag, you must return it to your vehicle before entering. Exceptions include medically necessary items and diaper bags (with infant present), which are subject to search.
What are Ford Free Days at the Phoenix Open?
Ford Free Days are Monday and Tuesday of tournament week (February 2-3, 2026) when general admission is completely free. While these are practice/early round days without scored competition, you can still watch PGA Tour players on the course, access all general admission areas including the 16th hole (with much shorter waits), and enjoy significantly smaller crowds. It’s the most budget-friendly way to experience the Phoenix Open atmosphere.
Your 2026 Phoenix Open Game Plan
Bottom line:
The WM Phoenix Open isn’t just a golf tournament—it’s the biggest party in professional sports, attracting over 700,000 fans across the week to watch world-class golf in an atmosphere that exists nowhere else on the PGA Tour.
Whether you’re racing to the 16th hole at sunrise, taking the free shuttle to avoid $200 Uber surges, or dancing to John Summit at the Birds Nest until midnight—the key to surviving (and thriving at) the Phoenix Open is preparation.
Your action items:
- ✅ Book tickets now at wmphoenixopen.com (especially Saturday—sells out months ahead)
- ✅ Book hotels now (inventory disappears by December for February tournament)
- ✅ Watch for Birds Nest tickets in October 2025 (sell out within hours)
- ✅ Download tickets to phone wallet the night before (cell service at TPC is unreliable)
- ✅ Buy a clear bag before you fly to Scottsdale
- ✅ Use the rideshare hack—shuttle to Lot A/B, THEN call your Uber outside the geofence
This guide is independently produced by ScottsdaleSpot and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the WM Phoenix Open, The Thunderbirds, or Waste Management. For official tournament information and tickets, visit wmphoenixopen.com
Planning your full Scottsdale trip around the tournament? Check out these essential guides:
- ⛳ Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale — Play the same TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course the pros play
- 🥂 Best Nightlife in Scottsdale — Where the after-parties continue post-Birds Nest
- 🏨 Best Hotels in Old Town Scottsdale — Walkable to bars, easy rideshare to TPC
- 🍳 Best Brunch in Scottsdale — Fuel up before heading to the tournament
- 🥩 Best Steakhouses in Scottsdale — Post-tournament dinner celebrations
What’s your #1 question about attending the 2026 WM Phoenix Open—logistics, tickets, or the legendary 16th hole experience?
Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to help you plan the perfect tournament week.
