The rowdiest stop on the PGA Tour just punched the gas. The WM Phoenix Open has the Stadium Course shaking, and the 16th hole is already a theater. I am on site at TPC Scottsdale, and the sound is real. It hits your chest like a drum.
The Stadium Roars to Life
The par 3 16th is the show. A full ring of seats turns golf into a home game vibe. It is loud, fast, and unfiltered. Every shot draws cheers or groans. Players know the deal. Hit the green, you get love. Miss, you hear about it.
Energy is peaking early this week. Marshals are working hard. Volunteers are smiling. Fans are tuned to every swing. This is why they call it The People’s Open. The stadium hole sets the tone for the entire course.
The Pressure of One Swing
This hole is short on the card, but heavy on nerves. The tee box feels close to the crowd. You can sense the pressure before the player even draws the club. The best thrive on it. The rest try to breathe and move on.
The 16, 17, 18 stretch defines the week. Seventeen is a drivable par 4 that tempts bold plays. Eighteen demands a perfect tee shot. Leaders later this week will need courage and control there. That is where trophies are won.
Field Power and What Matters
Tournament week brings a strong mix of ball speed and touch. Guys who flight wedges and roll it well have the edge. The desert rewards clean contact and smart lines. Wind can sneak up in the afternoon. Misses get punished when the greens firm up.
Organizers also confirmed names that round out the 2026 field, a sign of long term pull. Harris English brings steady control and a calm read of big moments. Sepp Straka is rising on the back of tight iron play. Chris Gotterup has power to spare and a fearless gear. Cameron Young is a missile off the tee, still chasing that first win. Maverick McNealy looks healthy and fast again. Daniel Berger is grinding back, and his shot shapes fit this place.
Watch how players handle the 16 to 18 stretch under heat. The best take what the course gives, then pounce.
Course Fit in Simple Terms
- Drivers who find the fairway will feast with wedges.
- Aggressive lines on 17 can flip a round in seconds.
- Miss left on 18 and you bring big numbers into play.
- Calm putters own the afternoons when greens speed up.
The Greenest Party in Golf
The WM message is everywhere, and it is not a gimmick. This tournament treats sustainability like a core playbook. Sorting stations catch almost every cup, can, and plate. Compost goes one way, recycling another. Volunteers in bright green guide fans and keep the flow moving.
I walked the fan village this morning. Refill stations cut down on plastic. Vendors use compostable service ware. Crews sweep and separate non stop. The aim is simple, turn the loudest week on Tour into a near zero waste model. The operation is tight, and it shows.
Bring a reusable bottle, use the stations, and follow the sorting signs. It keeps the party clean and the course sharper.
Culture, Nerves, and Shot Values
This event feels different. Players lean into it in their own way. Some soak it up and smile. Some keep the hat down and the eyes forward. Both can win here. The crowd gives energy, but it can also rush your tempo. You must own your routine.
Shot values are clear. Good driving matters. Precise wedges matter even more. Short game saves days when the wind kicks. The greens at Scottsdale reward bold putts that start on line. Players who handle chaos and pick smart targets will rise.
What I Am Seeing Right Now
The grandstands are buzzing. The practice areas are crowded with intent. Caddies are trading yardages like currency. The early swings look crisp, and the greens are rolling pure. The stage is perfect for a charge into the weekend.
The Moment Is Here
The WM Phoenix Open is not easing into the week. It is sprinting. The 16th hole is a soundtrack. The final stretch will test nerves. The field looks deep, and the course is ready. Add WM’s zero waste push, and you get a rare mix. It is golf that feels like a festival, and a festival that respects its footprint. I am here, and I will keep you close to it as it unfolds.
