Known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” WMPO is the most-attended professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. In 2024, 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.
Location: TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
Dates: Monday, February 3-Sunday, February 9, 2025
Cost: Free general admission M-Tu; $75 W-Th, Su; $125 F-Sa; children 17 and younger free when accompanied by adult
Info: 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.
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.
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 phenom Jelly Roll (Wednesday) was the first headliner to sign on, with Luke Bryan following on Thursday and hip-hop and EDM acts expected to round out the 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 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 with peppers and onions). Fairway House at 12 (formerly The Ridge) offers primo Mexican grub and good views of multiple holes. Find Little Miss BBQ and local beer at Desert Oasis BBQ and Beer Garden 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 for free food and a drink with a guest. Located near the 18th tee box, north of the new second fan entrance.
New in 2025
Desert Oasis upgrade
And we mean “up” literally. Using dirt and earth borrowed from the Fairway House at 12 site, WMPO organizers will elevate the popular Desert Oasis hospitality area to give attendees better sightlines to the greens on 5 and 7, plus commanding views of the 6 fairway. And, as always, lots of premium beer selections and food from Valley legend Little Miss BBQ.
New fan entrance
If the thought of an additional entry point to the Phoenix Open doesn’t excite you much, then obviously you didn’t have to deal with the hour-long queues and unprecedented crush of fans at last year’s event. To alleviate the lines, organizers are adding a second ingress near the 18 tee area for 2025.
