SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The WM Phoenix Open doesn't just tolerate noise. It doesn't merely accept enthusiasm. It demands bedlam. It insists on chaos. It thrives on the kind of electric, unhinged energy that would seem wildly out of place at most professional golf tournaments.
And this year's edition? It delivered all that and more.
For the eighth time in 12 years, the desert classic at TPC Scottsdale went to a playoff on Sunday, with Chris Gotterup outlasting Hideki Matsuyama in a sudden-death showdown that had the massive crowds roaring well into the Arizona evening. It was the perfect ending to a week that perfectly encapsulated everything that makes the WM Phoenix Open the most unique event on the PGA Tour calendar.
"This tournament is unlike anything else in golf," Gotterup said after claiming the victory. "The fans, the energy, the atmosphere — it's incredible. You feed off it all week, and when you're in contention on Sunday, it takes it to another level."
From the moment players arrive at TPC Scottsdale on Monday morning, they know they're in for something different. The practice rounds are attended by thousands of fans. The pro-am, typically a sleepy Wednesday affair at most tournaments, draws crowds that would rival Sunday at some tour stops.
And then there's tournament week itself, when upwards of 700,000 fans descend on the course over four days, creating an atmosphere that's part sporting event, part music festival, part spring break destination.
"It's the only place on tour where you might have 20,000 people watching you hit a tee shot on a par-3," said Scottie Scheffler, who has won the event twice and finished third this year. "The energy is insane, but it's also what makes this tournament so special."
The tournament has evolved significantly over the years, but its identity as the PGA Tour's party tournament has remained constant. While other events have tried to recreate the magic — adding concert series, expanding hospitality areas, creating stadium holes — none have come close to matching the WM Phoenix Open's unique blend of elite golf and raucous celebration.
No discussion of the WM Phoenix Open would be complete without acknowledging the elephant in the room — or rather, the 20,000-person stadium surrounding a 163-yard par-3.
The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale has evolved from a simple golf hole into a cultural phenomenon. The temporary stadium seating, erected each year at a cost of millions of dollars, transforms the hole into something resembling a Roman colosseum, with players serving as gladiators and the crowd very much playing the role of bloodthirsty spectators.
"The 16th is like nothing else in professional golf," said Matsuyama through an interpreter. "You walk onto that tee and the noise is deafening. It's intimidating, but it's also thrilling. You just have to embrace it."
This year, the 16th hole was predictably electric all week. Thursday saw countless roars as players found the green with their tee shots, with the crowd rewarding good shots with thunderous applause and weak efforts with playful boos. By Sunday, with the tournament on the line, the atmosphere reached fever pitch.
Scheffler's tee shot on Sunday, which found the green and set up a birdie putt, drew a roar that could be heard throughout the entire golf course. When the putt missed, the collective groan was almost as loud as the initial cheer.
But it's not just about the noise. The 16th hole has become a cultural touchstone, a bucket-list experience for golf fans around the world. Getting tickets to the 16th hole grandstand on Sunday is as difficult as scoring tickets to the Super Bowl, with prices on the secondary market often exceeding $500 per seat.
"I've been trying to get 16th hole tickets for three years," said Mark Henderson, a golf fan from Chicago who finally secured a spot this year. "It's everything you hear about and more. The energy, the crowd, the players — it's absolutely incredible."
While Sunday's playoff provided the dramatic conclusion, the tournament had been building toward a thrilling finish all week.
Thursday's opening round featured seven players shooting 65 or better, setting the stage for a competitive weekend. The early leaders included Ryo Hisatsune, who posted a spectacular 63, and Gotterup, who matched the number with eight birdies against just one bogey.
"I love this golf course," Gotterup said after Thursday's round. "It rewards aggressive play, and that fits my game perfectly."
Friday saw Matsuyama emerge as the man to beat, posting a 64 that moved him to 11-under for the tournament and into a share of the lead. His ball-striking was exceptional, and despite some wayward drives, his short game kept him in position to contend.
Saturday's third round was when the leaderboard really took shape. Matsuyama's 68 moved him to 15-under and gave him a one-shot lead over a pack of chasers that included Akshay Bhatia, Si Woo Kim, and Michael Thorbjornsen. Gotterup, after rounds of 63-71-70, sat five shots back at 12-under but was far from out of it.
"I knew I needed to go low on Sunday," Gotterup said Saturday evening. "Five shots is a lot, but I felt like if I could shoot in the low 60s, I'd have a chance."
Sunday morning dawned clear and calm in Scottsdale, with perfect conditions setting up a scoring bonanza. The crowds arrived early, filling the grandstands and lining the fairways, ready for what they hoped would be another dramatic finish.
They would not be disappointed.
The early groups went low, with several players posting rounds in the mid-60s to move up the leaderboard. But the real action was happening in the final groups, where Matsuyama was trying to hold on and Gotterup was trying to chase him down.
Gotterup's charge began on the back nine, where he birdied five of six holes to post 16-under and the clubhouse lead. His run included spectacular iron shots, clutch putts, and the kind of fearless play that wins tournaments.
Meanwhile, Matsuyama was battling his driver, missing 11 fairways but somehow staying in front through brilliant scrambling. His up-and-down at the par-3 7th from a greenside bunker was the stuff of champions, as was his fairway wood at the 13th that somehow found the green despite starting 30 yards right of target.
But the back nine would ultimately be Matsuyama's undoing. A bogey at 16 cut his lead to one, and when his tee shot at 17 nearly found the water, it seemed like the championship was slipping away. He survived with a par, but the bogey at 18 dropped him back to 16-under and into a playoff with Gotterup.
"I felt like I fought all day," Matsuyama said. "I gave myself a chance to win, but in the end, I just didn't execute when I needed to."
The playoff was everything you could want in a sudden-death showdown. Two players, two very different styles, and everything on the line.
Matsuyama, whose driver had betrayed him all day, needed one good swing. But when a distraction in the crowd caused him to back off and reset, the pressure seemed to mount. His second attempt started left and found the water, effectively ending his hopes.
Gotterup, meanwhile, was in complete control. His drive was massive — over 360 yards, carrying the 340-yard bunker with room to spare. The approach was pure, and the birdie putt was merely a formality.
As Gotterup's putt dropped, the crowd erupted one final time. The roar echoed across the desert, a fitting conclusion to a week of unmatched excitement and drama.
But the WM Phoenix Open is about more than just golf. It's become a destination event, drawing fans from across the country and around the world who want to experience something unique.
The tournament grounds feature multiple entertainment zones, each with its own DJ, bar service, and viewing areas. The "Birds Nest," a massive concert venue adjacent to the course, hosts major acts each night of tournament week, with past performers including Dierks Bentley, Diplo, and The Chainsmokers.
"It's like a week-long party that happens to have world-class golf in the middle of it," said Sarah Martinez, a fan from Denver making her fifth trip to the tournament. "You can watch great golf during the day, then head to the Birds Nest for a concert at night. There's nothing else like it."
The hospitality offerings are equally impressive, with corporate chalets and luxury suites dotting the course. The "Clubhouse" on the 18th hole offers fine dining and craft cocktails, while the "Coors Light Birds Nest" provides a more casual atmosphere with beer gardens and live music.
For many fans, the WM Phoenix Open has become an annual tradition, a chance to escape the winter cold and enjoy some sunshine while watching the world's best golfers compete.
"I've been coming here for 15 years," said Tom Bradley, a fan from Minnesota. "It's the highlight of my year. The golf is great, but it's really about the whole experience — the fans, the atmosphere, the weather. It's perfect."
Behind the scenes, the tournament is run by the Thunderbirds, a volunteer organization that has been managing the event since 1939. The group is made up of local business leaders and community members who donate their time and expertise to ensure the tournament runs smoothly.
"The Thunderbirds do an incredible job," said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, who attended Sunday's final round. "This tournament wouldn't be what it is without their dedication and vision."
The Thunderbirds' commitment extends beyond just running a great golf tournament. The organization has a strong charitable mission, and this year's event raised a record sum for Arizona charities. Since its inception, the tournament has generated over $226 million for local non-profit organizations, supporting everything from youth programs to healthcare initiatives.
"Golf is the vehicle, but charity is the engine," said Thunderbirds President Joe Steranka. "Everything we do is in service of giving back to the community. The fact that we can put on a world-class tournament and raise millions for charity is incredibly rewarding."
This year's beneficiaries included Phoenix Children's Hospital, First Tee of Phoenix, and numerous other organizations serving the greater Phoenix area. The tournament's impact extends far beyond the week itself, with the charitable contributions supporting programs and services year-round.
Beyond the charitable contributions, the WM Phoenix Open has a massive economic impact on the Phoenix area. According to a 2024 study, the tournament generates over $500 million in economic activity each year, supporting thousands of jobs and bringing visitors from around the world to the region.
"This tournament is a huge boost for our local economy," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. "The hotels are full, the restaurants are packed, and businesses across the Valley benefit from the influx of visitors. It's one of the biggest events we host all year."
The tournament's impact is felt across multiple sectors. Hotels in Scottsdale and Phoenix see occupancy rates above 95% during tournament week, with many properties sold out months in advance. Restaurants and bars experience record business, and local attractions see increased visitation from golf fans looking for activities before and after the tournament.
"Tournament week is our busiest of the year," said Michael Chen, general manager of a Scottsdale resort near TPC Scottsdale. "We have guests coming from all over the country, and many of them make it an annual trip. It's become a major destination event."
Looking ahead, the tournament shows no signs of slowing down. The Thunderbirds continue to innovate, adding new fan experiences and expanding the entertainment offerings each year. The recent designation as a Signature Event on the PGA Tour has elevated the tournament's profile even further, ensuring it attracts the strongest possible field.
"We're always looking for ways to improve and evolve," said Steranka. "But at the same time, we never want to lose sight of what makes this tournament special. It's about creating an experience that's unlike anything else in golf."
Plans are already underway for next year's event, with discussions about expanding certain hospitality areas and potentially adding more grandstand seating at key holes. The Thunderbirds are also exploring ways to further enhance the fan experience through technology, including improved mobile apps and enhanced connectivity throughout the tournament grounds.
"We want to make sure that whether you're here in person or watching at home, you have the best possible experience," Steranka said. "The technology is getting better every year, and we're committed to staying at the forefront of innovation."
For the players, the WM Phoenix Open occupies a unique place on the PGA Tour schedule. While the atmosphere can be challenging — the noise, the distractions, the sheer chaos of it all — most players embrace the opportunity to compete in front of such passionate fans.
"It's loud, it's crazy, but it's also incredibly fun," said Akshay Bhatia, who finished in a tie for third this year. "Where else are you going to have 20,000 people watching you hit a 7-iron? It's a unique challenge, but it's also what makes this tournament so memorable."
For international players, the WM Phoenix Open provides a glimpse into American sports culture at its most exuberant. The crowd atmosphere is more reminiscent of an NFL game or NBA playoff game than a traditional golf tournament, and that can take some getting used to.
"The first time I played here, I was shocked," Matsuyama said. "Golf in Japan is very quiet, very respectful. This is the opposite. But once you embrace it, it's actually really fun. The fans are knowledgeable and they appreciate good golf, even if they express it loudly."
As the sun set over the Arizona desert Sunday evening and Gotterup hoisted the championship trophy, it was clear that the 2026 WM Phoenix Open had lived up to its billing. The golf was exceptional, the playoff was thrilling, and the atmosphere was unmatched.
For the 700,000-plus fans who attended over the four days, it was another year of memories created, stories told, and moments shared. For the players, it was another chapter in the tournament's rich history, a week that tested their skills and their mental fortitude in equal measure.
And for the Thunderbirds, it was another successful execution of a complex, challenging event that has become a cornerstone of the Phoenix community and a highlight of the PGA Tour season.
"This tournament is special because of the people," Gotterup said, surveying the massive crowds as he prepared to leave the course. "The fans, the volunteers, the Thunderbirds — everyone comes together to create something magical. To win here is an honor."
The WM Phoenix Open has been called many things over the years: the greatest show on grass, the people's open, the loudest tournament in golf. But perhaps the best description is simply this: it's a celebration of golf in all its chaotic, thrilling, unpredictable glory.
And with another playoff finish in the books, another chapter written in its storied history, the 2026 edition proved once again that there's simply nothing else like it in professional golf.
Same time next year? You can count on it.
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