Going to the 2020 Phoenix Open? Here's everything you need to know
Weldon B. Johnson
The golfing world turns its attention to the Phoenix area at the end of each January as TPC Scottsdale hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The tournament runs Jan. 27-Feb. 2.
It's one of the PGA tour's most fan-friendly events, attracting hundreds of thousands of people. Hosted by the Thunderbirds, the tournament raises money for youth charities and programs. As of 2019, it has raised $147 million for local nonprofits including Phoenix Children's Hospital, St. Mary's Food Bank, Homeward Bound and Save the Family. Last year's tournament raised $13.2 million.
Rickie Fowler won last year's tournament, pocketing $1.3 million after he survived a final-round push by Branden Grace to win by two strokes.
This year's competition features 132 golfers vying for a $7.3 million purse, which includes $1.3 million for the winner.
But you don't have to be a golf insider to have a good time. People-watching is a favorite pastime. Celebrities including Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald, former NFL great Emmitt Smith and country music star Dierks Bentley will take part in the pro-am event on Wed., Jan. 29.
Bentley will also be among the performers who take the stage at the Birds Nest, the entertainment tent that will be rocking each evening from Jan. 29-Feb. 1.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
The main entrance is a little different this year. In previous years, spectators walked through a giant tent with a variety of vendors to get to the tournament entrance. This year the tent is gone, replaced by an open-air marketplace that will lead visitors to the entrance.
The ticket and will-call windows have been moved to the north side of Bell Road. Tournament spokesman Ryan Woodcock said the change was made to ease congestion near the entrance.
The ride-share pick-up and drop-off area has been moved to Lot W at Westworld. Starting Wed., Jan. 29, the geo-fence around the main entrance will go down at 7 p.m. nightly for Lyft and Uber users who are attending events at the Birds Nest party area.
Discounts and free tickets
Ford Free Days: Admission is free on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 27-28, thanks to Ford Motor Co. This is the fifth year Ford has sponsored the free days.
Safeway and Albertsons: Spend at least $50 on specific items at Safeway or Albertsons grocery stores to get a free ticket. The offer is available until Sun., Feb. 3. Customers will receive a coupon for a free ticket that they can redeem at wmphoenixopen.com/tickets/general-admission.
Tempe Marketplace and Desert Ridge Marketplace: If you spend $300 or more in one day at Tempe Marketplace or Desert Ridge Marketplace you can get two tickets to the Phoenix Open. Receipts can be redeemed at mall management offices. Tickets are valid Jan. 29-Feb. 2. You must be 18 or older to redeem.
Military veterans and emergency personnel: Military veterans, police officers, firefighters and EMTs can take advantage of Birdies of the Brave freebies. Register online to receive two free tickets to the Phoenix Open. The offer is for active-duty and retired service members. You must show a Department of Defense ID or photo ID along with your ticket voucher at the main entrance. There is a $1 verification fee per ticket.
Monday, Jan. 27: Practice rounds for PGA Tour pros.
9:30 a.m.: Coors Light Pro-Am, TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Practice rounds for PGA Tour pros.
10 a.m.: R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day Activities at the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course Practice Range.
11 a.m.: San Tan Ford Special Olympics Open, TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course Putting Green.
8:30 a.m.: Annexus Pro-Am, TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course.
3:30 p.m.: Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory, TPC Scottsdale 16th hole. Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens.
7:30 a.m.: First-round play.
3:30 p.m.: Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens.
7:30 a.m.: Second-round play.
3:30 p.m.: Birds Nest entertainment tent opens.
Saturday, Feb. 1:
Green Out: Wear green to support the tournament's focus on sustainability.
9 a.m.: Third-round play.
Sunday, Feb. 2:
9 a.m.: Fourth-round play.
Coors Light Birds Nest
The Phoenix Open's entertainment tent gets the party started Wednesday through Saturday evenings at the corner of 82nd Street and Bell Road. The 2020 lineup features crowd-pleasing country, hip-hop and EDM artists; headliners are expected to take the stage at about 8:30 p.m. each night.
Wednesday: Miranda Lambert and Cody Johnson.
Thursday: G-Eazy and special guest.
Friday: Dierks Bentley and Austin Burke.
Saturday: Kygo and special guest Arizona.
The VIP area includes a catered dinner, hosted bar and premium viewing area. VIP pit admission tickets with access to an exclusive area in front of the stage are available Wednesday through Friday.
Details: Wednesday-Saturday, Jan. 29-Feb. 1. Opens at 3:30 p.m. (sold out Friday and Saturday night). Must be 21 or older. $75-$115 general admission; $285-$450 for VIP (VIP sold-out Saturday night). coorslightbirdsnest.com.
Truly dedicated golf fans, or at least fans of a good time, can try to secure a space in the spectator area surrounding the 16th Hole.
There, a 22,000-seat stadium put in place for the tournament surrounds the par-3 hole. Fans have lined up overnight at past events in hopes of getting one of the first-come-first-served seats. Some folks hang around in the area hoping to get a seat after someone else leaves.
The 16th Hole has gained notoriety for the rowdy behavior of some of the spectators. Some golfers have embraced the ruckus, while it has turned others off.
One of the most memorable moments at 16 was Tiger Woods' hole-in-one there in 1997. Woods is one of nine golfers who have aced that hole.
Getting there and parking
Free public parking is available at Lot H near Mayo Boulevard and Hayden Road (exit Loop 101 at Hayden Road and head south to the lot).
Free shuttles run 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Beginning Wednesday, motorists can also find free parking at Lot W at Westworld. Exit at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, drive north to Bell Road on 94th Street and enter the parking lot.
Free shuttles run 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday.
WANT MORE PARKING INFORMATION?:You can find a parking map online.
Taxis: The taxi staging area is on Princess Drive just east of Hayden Road, near Lots 5 and 6.
Rideshare: Pick-up and drop-off have moved to Westworld. Starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Lyft and Uber riders can use the Birds Nest area at Princess Drive and 82nd Street, adjacent to Lot 7.
Bus: Valley Metro Route 170 runs along Bell Road from Arrowhead Towne Center to Hayden Road and Raintree Drive, passing by the TPC Scottsdale course.
K O'Donnell's Sports Bar & Grill: The bar is offering shuttle rides beginning 9 a.m. Wednesday until the end of the tournament. 14850 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Quarter: Free shuttle from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Pick-up and drop-off at Kona Grill, 15345 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
Zipps Sports Grill: With purchase of a $10 food and drink voucher, Phoenix Open attendees can score a ride from the restaurants' tournament-area locations Jan. 30-Feb. 2. Frank Lloyd Wright: 14148 N. 100th St., Scottsdale. Kierland: 6501 E. Greenway Parkway, Phoenix.
The WMO Party Bus will offer rides from Valley bars and clubs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Each location opens early with drink specials. Get pricing and boarding information at nightout.com/events/wmo-party-buses-2020/tickets.
Bevvy: 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale.
Bottled Blonde: 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale.
Casa Amigos: 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale.
El Hefe: 4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale. 640 S. Mill Ave., Tempe.
The Hot Chick: 4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale.
The Porch: 4017 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.
Riot House: 4425 N Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale.
Sunbar: 24 W. Fifth St., Tempe.
PGA Tour cellphone policy
Mobile devices must be on silent at all times.
Devices may be used to take photos, shoot video and capture audio.
No live streaming or real-time coverage.
Take phone calls in designated areas only.
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Binoculars and collapsible chairs without bags are allowed.
Opaque bags must be no larger than 6 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches.
Clear totes must be no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
No backpacks, weapons, noisemakers, food, beverages, coolers, computers, video cameras or oversized chairs.
See the complete security policy at wmphoenixopen.com.
For disabled patrons
Handicap parking is in Lot 4 near Princess Drive and Bell Road.
Handicap seating areas are at holes 16 and 18.
Southwest Mobility offers free scooter rentals on a first-come, first-served basis from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday near the tournament entrance.
Golf etiquette
No rude, vulgar or inappropriate comments or gestures.
No harassment of players, volunteers, officials or spectators.
No distracting or disrupting players.
Follow instructions of championship officials, volunteers or security personnel.
Where to watch on TV
Thursday, Jan. 30: 1-5 p.m., Golf Channel.
Friday, Jan. 31: 1-5 p.m., Golf Channel.
Saturday, Feb. 1: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Golf Channel; 1-4 p.m., Channel 5 (KPHO).
Sunday, Feb. 2: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Golf Channel; 1-4 p.m., Channel 5.
Waste Management Phoenix Open
When: Monday-Sunday, Jan. 27-Feb. 2.
Where: TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road.
Admission: Free on Monday and Tuesday; $45 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; $60 on Friday and Saturday. Free for age 17 and younger when accompanied by an adult. Free for first responders and military members. VIP packages are available.
Details: wmphoenixopen.com.
Reach the reporter at weldon.johnson@arizonarepublic.com. Or follow him on Twitter at @weldonjohnson.
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