Known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” WMPO is the most-attended professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. In 2023, potentially more than 1 million people walked the sod at TPC Scottsdale during the weeklong event. This ain’t your grandpa’s golf tourney: The Open is loud, rowdy and lots of fun, bringing golf to the masses thanks to the boisterous 16th hole amphitheater and the popular Birds Nest concert tent.
New in 2024
- Fan zone upgrade
Sponsored by Talking Stick Resort, the always-popular Fan Zone is geting a major refresh, including a new merchandise tent – 25,000 square feet of shopping area where fans can pick up everything from logoed golf balls and hats to shirts, pants and golf accessories. The food options are plentiful as ever. - Draft Kings Sports Book
The Phoenix Open is getting its first on-course sports book, in the guise of a ticketed food-and-beverage venue near the 9th hole. Sponsored by sports betting giant Draft Kings, the venue was sold out by summer 2023, but where there’s a will (and parlays aplenty), there’s a way.
5 Phoenix Open Must-Visits
- Birds Nest
Known as one of the Valley’s best annual parties, the Coors Light Birds Nest features nightly music performances Wednesday through Saturday. Country-rocker Hardy (Wednesday) was the first headliner to sign on, with hip-hop, EDM and country acts expected to round out the weekend bill as this issue went to press . Check coorslightbirdsnest.com for info. - Race to 16
If you want to secure the best seats at the 16th hole’s legendarily rowdy grandstand, be prepared to make a mad dash for it. Each morning, join dozens of the Open’s most spirited fans – many dressed in outrageous team costumes – before the sun comes up to race the half-mile from the entrance to the bleachers when the gates open at 7 a.m. It’s like Black Friday, but for golf fans. - The Breakfast Club
Continuing a new tradition to mark the unofficial Race to 16, WMPO organizers reward the early birds with breakfast. They’ve also been known to bring in a DJ to entertain the early crowd until the first golfers play through several hours later, stuffing them with breakfast burritos and tossing free swag into the stands. - Party Food
The Talking Stick Resort Fan Zone (see map) features Zinburger, Tortas Paquime and a Jack Daniels trailer. Longtime staple Lifebird Grill is where to score a famous “thunderdog” (1/4-pound all-beef frankfurter marinated in beer and water with peppers and onions). Fairway House (formerly The Ridge) offers primo Mexican grub and good views of multiple holes. Find Little Miss BBQ and local beer at Craft Beer Desert Oasis overlooking the 7th hole. - Vet Refuge
Not only do all active-duty, reserve and retired military members get two free general admission passes (W-Su), they’re also invited to enjoy the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost near the 18th tee box for free food and a drink with a guest.
PRO TIPS
- Wednesday is your best bet for scoring an autograph from your favorite player, since no one is yet in competition mode.
- For some, the Open is a fashion show of tiny rompers and high heels. If you want to be comfortable and avoid injury, just don’t do it. Comfy shoes, hats and sunscreen are recommended.
- If you’re doing the Open “cross-country style,” where you follow a player around, you can bring your own collapsible chair.
How to get there
- Location: TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
- Dates: Monday, February 5-Sunday, February 11, 2024
- Cost: Free general admission M-Tu; $50 W-Th, Su; $75 F-Sa; children 17 and younger free when accompanied by adult
- Info: 480-585-4334, wmphoenixopen.com
- Free public parking with complimentary shuttle service to tournament gates. From the west, park at Lot H at Loop 101 and Hayden Road. Shuttle runs 7 a.m.-6 p.m. M-Tu; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. W-Sa; 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Su. From the east, park at WestWorld in Lot W. Shuttle runs 7 a.m.-11 p.m. W-Sa; 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Su.
