2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open: The People’s Open and Golf’s Greatest Party

Each year, professional golf’s most electrifying stop — the 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open — once again delivered drama, big crowds, and unforgettable moments at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Often called The People’s Open, this PGA Tour event combines elite competition with an atmosphere unlike anything else in golf.

Tournament Overview

Held from February 5–8, 2026, the Phoenix Open returned in classic 72-hole stroke-play format with a cut after 36 holes. Players competed over a par-71 layout stretching 7,261 yards at the Stadium Course.

Unlike most PGA Tour stops, Phoenix embraces volume and vibe. Fans line every fairway, drink in hand, but it’s the 16th hole Coliseum that defines the tournament’s identity — a stadium-style par-3 transformed into the loudest golf hole on earth.

This year’s tournament purse was $9.6 million, with the winner taking home around $1.728 million and a hefty haul of FedExCup points.

A Breathtaking Finish

In a dramatic conclusion on Super Bowl Sunday, Chris Gotterup clinched the 2026 title in thrilling fashion. After finishing 16-under par in regulation, Gotterup and Hideki Matsuyama went to a sudden-death playoff. Gotterup sealed the win with a birdie on the first extra hole, marking his second PGA Tour victory of the season following the Sony Open.

The final leaderboard saw top names like Scottie Scheffler in contention (-15) alongside other elite competitors, showcasing the strength of the field.

Stars in the Desert

The 2026 edition featured a deep and compelling field, headlined by some of golf’s biggest names:

• Scottie Scheffler, one of the world’s best and a multiple Phoenix Open contender.

• Brooks Koepka, returning after time away and always a fan favorite.

• Rising star Ben Griffin, debuting a new Maxfli Tour X-LS golf ball.

• Viktor Hovland, kicking off his season in Scottsdale.

• Major champions Matt Fitzpatrick and Brian Harman also committed to the event.

  
  

Notably, a few marquee names like Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry were absent from the field, making room for fresh storylines.

The Crowd: Love It or Hate It

What truly makes the Phoenix Open special is its atmosphere — and sometimes that energy spills beyond cheers. This year, crowd behavior caught headlines after incidents that affected play and even led to a controversial moment involving a livestreamer being removed from the property.

Despite these challenges, tournament leaders and the PGA Tour reaffirmed efforts to balance fan passion with respect for the game. Cleaning up behavior remains part of shaping future editions of The People’s Open.

Beyond the Golf

Phoenix is more than a golf tournament — it’s an entertainment festival. With fan activities, concerts, on-course experiences, and tradition-rich hospitality, the event draws international crowds and massive local economic impact for Scottsdale and the surrounding community.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open delivered in every way: dramatic golf, electric atmosphere, and iconic moments that will be replayed for years. From Gotterup’s dramatic playoff victory to the roar of the 16th Coliseum, this tournament reminded fans why it’s one of the must-see events on the PGA Tour calendar.

If you haven’t experienced The People’s Open, put it on your calendar — because out here, golf isn’t just a sport… it’s a party.