A GUIDE TO THE OPEN

A Guide to

The 16th hole offers stadium-like viewing

the open Everything you need to know about the Phoenix Open

Former running back Emmitt Smith on the course earlier in the week

By Teresa Bitler

The Waste Management Phoenix Open welcomes golf’s greats, February 7-13, to the TPC Stadium Course in Scottsdale. While tournament play begins on Thursday, February 10, the week is packed with activities for all ages.

Before the Phoenix Open tees off on Thursday, pros play in the Carlisle Companies Pro-Am on Monday and the Annexus Pro-Am on Wednesday. Although the pros practice on Tuesday as well, the main event that day is the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day Activities, featuring motivational speeches, a trick shot show, junior golf clinic and a Special Olympics putting challenge.

All events on Monday and Tuesday are free, thanks to Ford Free Days. General admission for the Wednesday pro-am and tournament play on Thursday and Sunday is $50, while general admission on Friday and Saturday, the busiest

Photo of 16th hole courtesy of Visit Phoenix; all other photos courtesy of Waste Management Phoenix Open

The Birds Nest is a 21-and-over venue that hosts big name acts in the evening

During the day, the Phoenix

Open is a family-friendly event

days, is $75. A weekly sponsor badge, which includes admission for four, is $750. Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. The Phoenix Open, also known as “The People’s Open” for its festive atmosphere, tees off on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. During this first round, it’s easier to get closer to the action than on Friday or Saturday when the daily attendance has topped 200,000 in the past.

This year, the Phoenix Open is encouraging all attendees to wear green on Saturday to show their support of its green efforts. On Sunday, the final round starts at 9 a.m. Although it’s not as crowded on the last day, purchase tickets early for the infamous Coliseum, the grandstand seating overlooking the 16th hole. These tickets start at $450 per day.

THE BIRDS NEST Wednesday through Sunday, the annual Coors Light Birds Nest hosts some of music’s biggest names. This year, the headliners include Sam Hunt, Macklemore and KYGO. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for the evening’s fun and close at 10:30. Headline acts take the stage at approximately 8:30. Guests don’t need to attend the golf tournament to party at the Birds Nest, although they do need to be at least 21 years old. Tickets start at $75, with VIP tickets available for $285. The VIP tickets treat holders to complimentary food and drinks in a premium viewing area.

The PGA asks attendees to check their temperature before leaving home and stay home if they have a fever or feel ill. It also requires all attendees to wear a mask indoors and in enclosed spaces unless actively eating and drinking. To reduce the risk of illness, the PGA has also instituted contactless payments at vendors.

Additionally, fans will need to keep their distance from the pro golfers on tour. Handshakes, fist bumps, autographs, photographs and selfies are prohibited. wmphoenixopen.com