Waste Management Phoenix Open officials have unveiled plans for a permanent spectator platform at the iconic par‑3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale and will begin selling a limited number of tickets for what historically has been an open grandstand. Organizers cite enhanced crowd safety, improved amenities and controlled capacity as the primary drivers behind the adjustment, which is intended to preserve the hole’s intense atmosphere while improving logistics for the hundreds of thousands of fans who attend the week-long event each year.

How a composed final round is built – fundamentals, feel and routine

To reproduce the kind of calm, scoring round that wins tournaments, begin by reinforcing setup and alignment basics that support repeatable contact under pressure.Keep your stance about shoulder-width for most iron shots and open that slightly for the driver; place the ball roughly 2-3 ball widths left of centre for mid-irons and just inside the left heel with a driver.Maintain a clear spine tilt of roughly 10-15° away from the target and a small forward shaft lean (~5°) at address to encourage crisp iron compression. During practice, lay two clubs on the ground to verify toe‑line and use video or a mirror to confirm shoulders, hips and feet are parallel to the target line.

Then focus on swing sequencing, face control and attack angle to create predictable trajectories.For irons work toward a slightly descending angle of attack (~‑2°); with the driver, a flatter, sweeping approach (+2°) helps maximize launch and spin efficiency.Drive weight shift from heel to toe and aim to have 60-70% of your mass on the lead foot at impact for solid, centered strikes. Useful drills include:

• Slow half‑swings that pause at the top (90°) to ingrain proper wrist hinge.
• Impact‑bag reps to feel forward shaft lean and ball compression.
• Alignment‑stick plane work to maintain a consistent swing plane while targeting an approximate 45° shoulder turn relative to the target line.

Thes practices help newer players find dependable contact and let skilled golfers tighten dispersion into the 15-20 yard window around intended landing zones.

Precision around the greens frequently enough separates good rounds from great ones; commit daily time to chipping, pitching and bunker play. For bump‑and‑run shots set the ball slightly back, use a 3/4 wrist‑stable stroke and allow the club’s effective loft (typically 7-9° more than a full wedge would suggest) to govern rollout. For high, soft lobs open the face about 20-30°, hinge early and swing along the arc, hitting sand roughly 1-2 inches behind the ball on full bunker shots. Putting practice should include:

• Gate work to ensure a square face through impact.
• Ladder distance sessions (3, 6, 9, 12 feet) to hone pace control.

Set measurable targets – for exmaple, convert 70%+ of putts inside 6-12 feet and raise your up‑and‑down success by 10 percentage points over a focused three‑week block.

Matchplay‑style course management and situational awareness become critical when galleries and new structures change the playing environment. expect altered wind patterns and amplified crowd noise around the WM Phoenix Open’s ticketed 16th; pick the center of the green as a default target and consider adding 1-2 clubs when gusts intervene. Tactical checkpoints:

• Attack the largest,most defensible portion of the green unless reward clearly outweighs risk.
• When visibility or noise spikes, use a brief pre‑shot breathing pattern (7-10 seconds) and one committed practice swing to lock tempo.
• Know local rulings and the Rules of Golf regarding movable obstructions and outside‑agency interference – marshals can offer relief or a replayed stroke in some scenarios.

This conservative, process‑driven approach helps players at every level convert pressure into smart, score‑saving choices.

Combine equipment verification with a structured practice schedule and mental prep to sustain gains through a season. Use launch‑monitor data to confirm consistent carry gaps of roughly 10-15 yards between clubs, and match shaft flex to swing speed (such as, a stiff shaft is typical for driver swings in the mid‑90s to low‑100s mph range). Weekly regimen suggestions:

• Two focused range sessions (30-40 minutes each) for ball‑flight control.
• One extended short‑game block (40-60 minutes).
• A simulated competitive round or pressure games to practice decision making under stress.

Track clear metrics – reduce average shot dispersion by 15% over six weeks and lift scramble rate by 5-10%. Blend technical repetition with visualization, breathing and a reliable pre‑shot routine to reproduce the calm execution that produces tournament rounds.

sightlines,safety and on‑course adjustments at the reconfigured 16th

The new elevated viewing platform and ticketing changes at the WM Phoenix Open’s 16th will alter visual cues and crowd density,which has direct implications for aiming,wind reads and decision making. Even small aiming corrections – on the order of 1-2° – can shift a 150‑yard shot laterally by 2-5 yards at landing, so identify a stable reference (the flag, a roofline or a distinct element of the structure) before every shot and align both feet and clubface to it. Players should also familiarize themselves with marshal positions and spectator flow sence these factors can influence whether to attack a pin or play conservatively.

On the technical side, refined swing consistency and intentional shot‑shaping will mitigate the visual bias created by raised stands. For iron shots hold a predictable low point and maintain neutral shaft lean at address; beginners should concentrate on a repeatable strike (ball slightly forward of center for mid‑irons). To shape shots against visual bias, control face‑to‑path relationship – roughly 3-5° face‑to‑path differential will produce manageable curvature without excessive spin. A step sequence:

• Square feet and shoulders to a practical intermediate aim line.
• Set the clubface to the desired finish line.
• Rehearse a half‑swing to feel the intended path.
• Deliver with a controlled tempo.

Practice drills that help include gate work to lock path,toe‑down reps for release timing,and targeted trajectory sessions (low/high 7‑iron reps) to expand usable flight windows.

Short‑game choices must account for shifted sightlines and gusts that may be funneled around structures. Select landing spots that factor in altered perception and wind; aim to land chips within 5-10 yards of the hole to preserve up‑and‑down chances. Putting requires renewed emphasis on speed control when depth perception changes – strive to consistently leave putts inside 3 feet on strokes under 30 feet. A simple green‑read routine:

• View the putt from multiple angles, including a circle around the hole.
• Pick an intermediate aiming mark on the surface.
• Decide on pace and align backstroke and face to that mark.

Drills such as the ladder and three‑peg chipping help calibrate rollout. If crowd movement or noise interferes, request marshal assistance instead of re‑aiming while over a shot.

When temporary stands influence wind funnels and run‑out,adopt conservative club selection and safer trajectories. favor wedges or short irons with stable spin profiles and consider leaving approaches 15-25 yards short of the front edge when pins are exposed or fan density reduces recovery options. Reinforce setup items before each shot:

• Maintain moderate, consistent grip pressure to preserve feel.
• Adjust ball position slightly back for controlled iron strikes.
• Use visible structural landmarks to verify alignment.

Equipment tweaks – a wedge grind with slightly more bounce for firm desert turf or trimming loft by 2-4° in windy conditions – can also help keep shots lower and reduce ballooning.

Build a measurable practice plan addressing the technical and psychological demands of the new 16th environment.Example performance goals:

• Bring face control to within ±2° of target on 80% of practice swings.
• Cut three‑putts inside 30 feet by 50% over a four‑week period.
• Weekly structure: two face‑path sessions,three short‑game blocks,two putting workouts.

When common errors appear – over‑aiming at distracting sightlines or decelerating through impact because of crowd pressure – implement breath‑control routines and a 3‑2‑1 tempo count to rebuild consistency.With targeted planning, golfers of all levels can convert the stadium feel into lower scores and greater certainty on the course.

Ticketing changes, presales and how they affect practice windows

The WM Phoenix Open’s revised ticket tiers and presale controls are intended to limit overcrowding and curb scalping around the 16th, changes that also produce more predictable practice and warm‑up conditions for competitors. Reduced packing against the gallery edge generally yields steadier wind patterns and fewer sudden noise spikes, which makes a 45-60 second pre‑shot routine more achievable. Coaches should emphasize repeatable process steps: arrive at the ball, evaluate lie and breeze, take 1-2 purposeful practice swings, commit and execute.Use the calmer windows to pursue concrete warm‑up targets – such as, hit 20 quality wedge shots inside 80 yards and complete a 30‑minute putting routine focused on distance control prior to teeing off.

Technically, quieter conditions encourage attention to setup geometry that transfers to tournament play. Verify:

• Stance width: shoulder‑width for irons, slightly narrower for wedges.
• Ball position: center for short irons,one ball left of center for mids,off the left heel for longer clubs.
• Spine tilt: 3-5° away from the target to promote downward contact.

From a mechanics standpoint, coach a smooth takeaway to a ~45° shoulder turn and a transition that produces a slightly shallow approach to the ball – aim for a neutral‑to‑in‑to‑slightly‑out strike pattern for a square face at impact. An alignment stick at a 45° angle used in short blocks (200-300 reps total across sessions) helps instill the correct path; validate low‑point by checking ball‑first contact with a tee placed ahead of the ball.

Less intrusive crowds reveal subtle turf interactions on approaches, so the short game becomes more consequential.Segment chipping and pitching into clear tasks: for chips use a narrow stance with 60% weight forward, hands ahead and 15-20° of wrist hinge; for pitches employ a fuller shoulder turn and slightly back ball placement for crisp contact. Drills to track progress:

• 50‑ball pitch ladder (5 balls each at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 yards), aiming for 80% inside 10 feet per distance.
• Bunker target work: land shots 10-15 yards from the lip to dial splash and trajectory, experimenting with 8° vs 12° bounce wedges.

If common faults surface – wrist flip on chips or deceleration on pitches – rehearse rhythm with a metronome (60-70 BPM) and focus on maintaining attack angle through impact.

Practice shot selection under tournament‑like constraints: pick a bailout zone rather than directly challenging hazards. For a 200‑yard par‑3 approach into the 16th, for instance, choose a club that carries 10-15 yards past hazards with a conservative left‑to‑right bail if a cross‑left wind of 8-12 mph exists. To shape shots:

• Rotate hands 5-10° stronger for a draw, weaker for a fade.
• Set feet and hips slightly open or closed to establish path; for a draw, close feet about 1-2 inches to promote an in‑to‑out swing.
• Practice half‑swings emphasizing wrist stability to keep the face within ±2° of square at impact.

Measure shaping by placing cones at 10‑yard lateral increments and tracking average release over sessions.

Integrate equipment, mental rehearsal and data‑driven practice to convert preparation into scoring.Track GIR, scrambling percentage and putts per round and set realistic targets – such as, cut three‑putts by 25% over eight weeks using a daily 15‑minute distance control routine and pressure simulations. Adjust wedge lofts and grind to the surface (more bounce for softer turf, less for firm desert conditions) and confirm shaft flex and lie match swing characteristics. Use video,impact‑bag work and metronome cues to address visual,kinesthetic and auditory learning preferences.With more predictable access around the 16th,players and coaches can reliably rehearse competition scenarios and measure improvements in tangible ways.

Operational improvements – tempo, pace and competitive integrity

modern event operations focus on preserving pace of play and competitive fairness, and the WM Phoenix Open’s change at the 16th offers a concrete example. By reducing bottlenecks at concessions and restrooms, tournaments create steadier group intervals and fewer on‑course disruptions – a key consideration under the Rules of Golf that prohibit undue delay. For players this means adopting a concise pre‑shot flow (under 30 seconds), keeping clubs and scorecard ready, and applying ready‑golf principles where appropriate.Saving 30-60 seconds per hole through improved operations can shave up to 15 minutes off round time,helping competitors maintain focus and execute planned routines.

Consistent timing underpins repeatable mechanics. Reaffirm these setup fundamentals: feet parallel to the target line, ball position center to slightly forward for mid‑irons and forward for drivers, and a stance width near shoulder width (±2 inches depending on club). Target a 90° shoulder turn on a full swing with roughly 60/40 weight distribution at the top (rear/lead). Tempo and sequencing drills useful under gallery pressure include:

• Feet‑together balance swings – 50 slow reps to reinforce rotation and balance.
• Pause‑at‑top sets – brief 1‑second pauses in sets of 10 to ingrain transition timing.
• Gate work – narrow impact gates (3×20 reps) to stabilize low‑point for irons.

When faults emerge, regress to the balance drills and rebuild motion from simple patterns.

Short‑game and green‑reading are decisive when spectator footprints concentrate traffic near greens.Many tournament surfaces run fast – often in the 11-13 ft Stimpmeter range – so practice break quantification: pick a 10‑foot putt and measure the change in break between the high and low sides in small increments. Practical drills:

• 50‑putt pressure set: 30 three‑footers and 20 ten‑footers, aiming for an 80% make rate on threes and 60% on tens over two weeks.
• landing‑zone wedge routine: 60 balls per session to a 20-30 yard landing target, with a 75% within‑15‑foot goal in four weeks.

Rehearse single‑point visual focus techniques and use a consistent ball marker or alignment aid so external distractions don’t upset reads or stroke mechanics.

Course strategy must evolve as venue footprints and spectator lanes change. If landing corridors narrow, de‑loft by 2-4° (play one club longer) to lower trajectory and gain rollout, or choose one club shorter and flight a fade to hold small targets. Set tactical benchmarks – for example, keep approach carries within ±5 yards of intended distance and raise fairways‑hit percentage by 10% over eight weeks. Avoid over‑clubbing under pressure and practice shapes on the range before committing them under tournament conditions.

Combine equipment checks,targeted practice and mental routines to capture gains from improved event operations. Pre‑round,complete a 10-15 minute dynamic warm‑up,then a structured range sequence:

• 20 impact‑focused half‑swings;
• 30 targeted wedge shots to a specific landing zone;
• 15 putts inside six feet to establish feel.

Support diverse learning styles with video feedback,tactile drills (impact tape,towel under arms) and auditory metronome cues. A short breathing cue between shots and a consistent pre‑shot trigger (two practice swings and a visualized flight path) will help keep execution stable when stands and ticketing change gallery behavior. Collect data – fairways hit, proximity and three‑putts – to quantify the operational benefits: faster lines and fewer interruptions usually translate into better decision making and lower scores.

Security, stewarding and preserving player focus in fuller venues

with the 16th hole footprint reshaped by new structures and ticketed access, larger spectator numbers will require golfers to tighten pre‑shot routines and course strategy. Start each shot with a concise 8-10 second breathing and alignment checkpoint: visualize the intended flight, pick an intermediate aim, align feet‑hips‑shoulders and commit. This short ritual promotes repeatability for beginners and helps low handicappers preserve a steady tempo (counted simply as “1‑2” for backswing and downswing). Rehearse this brief routine until it is automatic so that intermittent crowd noise or a changing grandstand layout does not erode aim or tempo.

Slight mechanical adjustments can tame trajectory and dispersion under variable conditions.Reaffirm stance width (shoulder width for irons, 1.5× for driver) and ball placement (2-3 inches inside the left heel with a driver; center for mid‑irons). Drills to lock in these mechanics:

• Alignment‑stick mirror work – lay a stick along the toe line and practice hitting to an intermediate target for 10 reps.
• Gate impact sets – two tees outside the clubhead path to force a square strike for 20 swings.
• Tempo‑counted reps – 50 swings at a “1‑2” cadence with half‑ and three‑quarter swings.

Aim to reduce 150‑yard iron miss distance to within 10 yards and translate that tighter dispersion to performance on the 16th when margins shrink.

Short‑game refinement is crucial when spectator layouts force conservative lines or alter green speed via trampling and shade. Emphasize reading from the low side, checking grain direction and standing behind the ball to confirm slope. Measurable practice sets:

• Lag‑putt series from 40-60 yards, aiming to leave putts within 3-4 feet with a 70% success target.
• Chip‑to‑pennie drill from 15-30 yards, landing inside a 6‑inch circle to target a 60% up‑and‑down rate from 30 yards.
• Bunker control work: enter 1-2 inches behind the ball to standardize splash and spin.

Beginners should focus on softer hands through impact; advanced players fine‑tune loft and attack angle to control rollout on firm Bermudagrass surrounds typical of the WM Phoenix open’s 16th.

When stands alter wind funnels, adopt a lower penetrating ball flight: move the ball back about 1 inch, shorten to a 3/4 swing and slightly close the face to reduce spin and height. If pin‑up shots are unduly risky, play center‑green with an extra club (1-2 clubs more) into firm surfaces. Common fixes:

• Pushed shots: check grip pressure (light‑to‑medium, about 4-5/10) and rehearse slow takeaway reps.
• Ballooning in wind: flatten the swing plane by reducing wrist hinge and practice low punch shots to 50-70 yards until consistent.

smart,conservative center‑target strategies lower bogey risk in gallery heavy zones while selective aggression remains viable when lanes and winds allow.

Mental prep, schedule management and steward coordination convert spectator challenges into scoring advantages. Work with stewards to find quieter practice windows near grandstand hours and book short, in‑event warmups that simulate distractions. Track dispersion, missed‑green distance and up‑and‑down percentage weekly and pursue incremental targets (for example, reduce three‑putts by 20% in four weeks). Offer multiple learning approaches – video for visual learners, impact‑bag and touch drills for kinesthetic learners, and verbalized routines for auditory learners – and respect spectator lanes and steward instructions so simulated event practice leads to improved scoring when it counts.

Arrival, parking and pre‑round sequencing to preserve focus

plan to arrive early and with purpose: industry guidance suggests being on site 45-90 minutes before your tee time to allow for parking, check‑in and a structured warm‑up. Expect additional foot traffic and security lines near high‑profile holes – factor in an extra 15-30 minutes if you plan to spectate the 16th. Follow a priority warm‑up sequence: quick bag and club check, dynamic mobility (leg swings, torso rotations), then move to range and putting green. A recommended timeline:

• 10-15 minutes on tempo and half‑swing drills;
• 10 minutes dialing wedges and landing zones;
• 10-15 minutes on putting feel and alignment.

This orderly flow preserves motor patterns and reduces pre‑shot anxiety so setup fundamentals remain consistent when the round begins.

Stage parking and equipment so they support score‑saving habits: park near an easy unload point, position the cart to shield clubs from weather and orient the bag for quick club selection. Run a brief checklist before stepping to the first tee:

• Grip pressure: moderate (around 5-6/10);
• Stance width: driver ~shoulder width + 2 inches, irons ~shoulder width;
• Ball position: driver 1-2 ball widths inside left heel, mid‑irons centered;
• Spine tilt and shaft lean: 5-10° away for driver, minimal lean for short irons.

These small, measurable checkpoints reduce rushed swings and help both beginners and low handicappers lock in consistent setups.

Use range time with deliberate purpose. Start with a rhythm drill: 10 swings with a metronome at 60-72 BPM to synchronize takeaway and transition. Then perform a gate drill for 20 reps to promote a square face at impact. For shaping practice alternate 10 fades and 10 draws using alignment sticks; adjust stance by 4-6° to encourage desired curvature while keeping shoulders and path aligned. Common errors like lifting the head or over‑rotating hips are corrected by holding a balanced finish for 2-3 seconds and using slow‑motion reps focused on face awareness. Track progress against simple metrics: aim for 70-75% success to practice targets and reduce carry deviation to within 10 yards for each club.

Translate practice to on‑course choices by anticipating wind, pin location and gallery noise at event holes like the 16th and selecting conservative or aggressive lines accordingly. When crowd and structures intensify wind, choose a lower‑flight, lower‑lofted club and aim for the center of the green to avoid fringe putting. Shot‑shape tips:

• Controlled fade: open the face 3-5°, align feet parallel left of target and swing along the body line.
• Controlled draw: close the face 3-5°, align feet right of target and deliver an inside‑out path.

If a ball lies in a temporary spectator area, consult marshals and local rules – don’t assume free relief; apply unplayable ball options if necessary. plan departure like arrival: return carts quickly, capture immediate post‑round notes and schedule a short corrective session within 48 hours to lock in improvements.

Use a post‑round checklist to convert observations into actionable goals:

• Record putts per round and target a 25% reduction in three‑putts over four weeks;
• Log fairways/greens hit and set a goal to hit two more fairways per round via alignment work;
• Book a 30‑minute short‑game tune‑up within 48 hours of play.

Finish with a brief five‑minute breathing and visualization routine to consolidate learning and prime the nervous system for the next practice or event.

Accessibility and family zones: teaching opportunities and safety considerations

The new structure and ticketing around the 16th are being rolled out alongside designated accessibility and family‑friendly zones that broaden attendee appeal and create on‑course instruction spaces. Before teaching in these areas, conduct a site assessment to confirm sightlines, map wind vectors created by temporary stands and set a safe teaching buffer of 10-30 yards from active play in coordination with marshals and local rules. Coaches should brief students on relief options for temporary immovable obstructions and use these zones to demonstrate crowd management, pressure shot selection and adaptation to noisy, stadium‑style environments.

Start technical work with universal setup checks that translate from the range to the stadium green: stance roughly shoulder width (about 18-24 inches), slight knee flex and a 5-7° spine tilt away from the target for full irons. Confirm ball positioning (center for short irons, one ball back for mids, off the left heel for driver) and neutral grip with a flat lead wrist at address. A step sequence for coaches:

• Align an alignment stick parallel to the target line;
• Square the clubface to that stick;
• Rehearse half‑swings at a 3:3 tempo ratio (backswing:downswing).

Scale the complexity by level – beginners focus on balance and impact basics, while low handicappers refine attack angle and face rotation within ±2° of target.

Short‑game and green‑reading drills in family areas should mirror the challenges of the 16th where slope, noise and gusts affect strokes. Teach distance control, trajectory control and break reading with accessible drills: the clock drill for putting pace, ladder sequences for wedge distance control and landing‑spot work for chips. Recommended practice:

• Clock drill for consistent putter arc and pace;
• Ladder drill for wedges at 30/50/70 yards;
• Landing‑spot drills to dial chip trajectories on sloping surfaces.

Show students how flags and banners impact surface speed and roll so they learn to read grain and gusty conditions in real time.

Shot selection and shaping must reflect the changed footprint: stands can funnel wind, reduce run‑out and dictate preferred approach angles.Practice shot shapes that match landing characteristics – a low, penetrating flight to check on firm pins or a higher, softer shot to hold tiers – with these exercises:

• Fade control: open stance and a slightly stronger grip, swing along the body line;
• Draw control: neutral/closed face and inside‑out path;
• Punch shots: ball back and abbreviated follow‑through to combat crosswinds near grandstands.

Cover situational rules and risk management: when angles shift, favor the wider, less penal side of the green. Track performance by proximity to hole and target a tournament benchmark of 30-40 feet average proximity for iron shots to improve scoring under stadium pressure.

Design inclusive practice paths for families, juniors, adaptive players and advanced golfers.Progressive objectives:

• Beginners: consistently strike 8/10 short chips on target;
• Intermediates: achieve 20‑foot wedge proximity across varied yardages;
• Advanced: refine launch and spin using launch‑monitor feedback.

Provide adaptive drills for limited‑mobility golfers (short‑lever swings, one‑hand contact work, seated impact exercises) and family relay games to boost engagement. Troubleshooting guidance:

• Slice: reassess grip and path; close the clubface and promote an inside‑out takeaway;
• chunked chip: shift weight forward and focus on descending contact;
• Three‑putts: practice ladder distance control and lag putts under simulated crowd noise.

With clear checkpoints, measurable drills and course‑specific strategy tied to the WM phoenix Open’s 16th‑hole changes, coaches can turn accessibility and family zones into rich instructional platforms that enhance technique, decision making and scoring for all golfers.

Q&A

Q: What modification is the WM Phoenix Open making to the 16th hole?
A: Tournament organizers plan to add a permanent spectator structure at the par‑3 16th and will offer a limited number of reserved, paid viewing tickets for that area for the first time.

Q: Why introduce the structure and paid access?
A: Officials say the changes aim to improve fan safety and the spectator experience, enhance crowd management and generate new premium hospitality opportunities while preserving the hole’s signature energy.

Q: Where will the new structure sit on the 16th?
A: The platform is designed to integrate with the existing amphitheater‑style seating around the island green and to improve sightlines and circulation without altering the physical playing surface.

Q: When will the new configuration and ticketing be implemented?
A: Organizers announced the plan for the upcoming tournament cycle; full timing and operational details will be released through official WM Phoenix Open communications as the event approaches.

Q: How many tickets will be available and what kinds will be offered?
A: Officials describe inventory as limited, with a mix of reserved general‑admission spots and premium hospitality packages. Exact quantities and categories will be published once sales open.

Q: How do fans purchase tickets and when will sales start?
A: Ticketing details, pricing and launch dates will appear on the WM Phoenix Open website and through authorized ticketing partners. Fans should monitor the tournament’s official channels for announcements.

Q: Will these changes affect play on the 16th hole?
A: Organizers state the structural work is intended to avoid altering the course itself; playing conditions and tournament setup will remain under the jurisdiction of tournament and rules officials.

Q: What crowd‑safety and operational measures are planned?
A: The new platform and ticketing are designed to improve crowd flow, emergency egress and staffing. Organizers plan coordination with local authorities and venue operations for security, access control and medical coverage.

Q: Will this change ticket pricing or general admission policies across the grounds?
A: Officials say reserved tickets add premium options while general admission elsewhere will continue. Any pricing or attendance policy updates will be shared with ticket releases.

Q: What economic or local impacts are expected?
A: Tournament and community partners expect expanded hospitality offerings to drive additional visitor spending and revenue for local businesses, while preserving the event’s status as a major regional attraction.Q: Is event sponsor WM (Waste Management) involved in the change?
A: WM, the tournament’s title sponsor, supports event initiatives. For corporate contact and broader company information, WM’s official channels provide details for inquiries.

Q: Where can people find official updates?
A: The WM Phoenix Open’s communications channels and the tournament website will publish official updates,ticket release information and detailed plans. For sponsor or corporate questions, refer to WM’s public website.

Organizers say the new 16th‑hole platform and paid viewing access are intended to enhance safety, sightlines and crowd flow while maintaining the hole’s legendary atmosphere. Final ticketing details and timelines will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

experience the Ultimate 16th: WM Phoenix Open Unveils Exclusive Structure and Tickets for Iconic Hole

Why the 16th Hole Is Golf’s Most Electrifying stadium Hole

The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is legendary – often called the stadium hole of golf. Its compact par-3 layout and amphitheater-style seating create a concert-like atmosphere where crowd noise, creative fan costumes, and dramatic birdsies collide. For golf fans searching for an unforgettable golf experience, nothing matches the adrenaline of watching a tee shot fly into a roped-off bowl surrounded by thousands of cheering spectators.

With the WM Phoenix Open continuing to grow as one of the world’s most-attended golf tournaments, organizers have expanded premium viewing opportunities. The new exclusive structure for the 16th hole elevates hospitality, sightlines, and safety – while preserving the raw energy that makes the hole a cultural phenomenon in golf.

The Exclusive Structure: Design, Sightlines, and Safety

The exclusive structure is a purpose-built elevated platform and hospitality suite that wraps part of the 16th stadium bowl. It is designed to:

• enhance sightlines: Elevated seating and tiered viewing ensure unobstructed views of tee shots, landing areas, and the entire green complex.
• Increase comfort: Climate-managed VIP suites,shade canopies,comfortable seating,and on-deck lounges create a premium golf viewing environment.
• Improve access and flow: Private entry gates, dedicated restrooms, and express concession lines minimize time away from the hole.
• Prioritize safety: Reinforced railings, designated pathways, and professional crowd management preserve the fan-forward energy while meeting event safety standards.

Design highlights

• Tiered presentation to keep fans close to the action without compromising safety.
• multi-level hospitality rooms with panoramic views of the tee box and green.
• Integrated LED displays that show live scoring, player stats, and instant replay.
• Flexible spaces for private groups, corporate outings, and fan clubs.

Ticket Packages & Access: Choose the Right Golf Tickets

Ticketing for the exclusive 16th-hole structure ranges from single-day general admission upgrades to multi-day VIP hospitality packages. Options are crafted to serve a spectrum of golf fans – from first-timers wanting the spectacle to corporate groups seeking entertaining client experiences.

Ticket Tier	Access & Benefits	Best For
General Admission + 16th View upgrade	preferred viewing area near the bowl; express entry to structure	Casual fans, families
Premium Club Seat	Reserved seating, dedicated concessions, shade	Comfort-seekers, multi-day attendees
Hospitality Suite / VIP Box	private suite, catering, dedicated staff, exclusive entrance	Corporate groups, special occasions
Fan Club & Group Packages	Group seating, signage opportunities, special merch	Clubs, bachelor/bachelorette parties, fan groups

How ticket tiers differ

• General upgrades provide closer proximity to the hole without suite access.
• Premium club seating often includes covered areas and dedicated servers.
• VIP suites give a private experience with flexible capacity and F&B customization.

Experience & Amenities Inside the Structure

Beyond better views, the exclusive 16th-hole structure offers a blend of amenities tailored to modern golf fans. Expect:

• On-site dining & craft beverage options: Curated food stations, local brewery taps, and mobile ordering for fast service.
• Tech-enabled conveniences: High-density Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, and interactive leaderboards.
• Comfort & accessibility: ADA-compliant seating, climate control in premium areas, and stroller-friendly zones.
• Memorable activations: Photo zones, sponsor experiences, and limited-edition merchandise shops tied to the 16th hole.

Unique fan activations

Expect themed entertainment and fan-driven activations that celebrate the culture of the 16th hole. From live DJs near the grandstands to fan competitions and player meet-and-greets (subject to player availability), these activations amplify the social, festival-like golf atmosphere.

Benefits & Practical Tips for Attending the 16th Hole

Maximizing your WM Phoenix Open 16th-hole experience requires a little planning. Use these practical tips to get the most from your tickets and time at TPC Scottsdale.

Benefits of the exclusive structure

• Skip long lines with private entry and dedicated restrooms.
• Enjoy consistent views irrespective of crowd movement.
• Ideal for photography and replay viewing thanks to better sightlines and LED boards.
• Great for corporate entertaining and client hospitality.

Practical tips

• buy tickets early – the 16th hole always sells out quickly for marquee days (e.g., weekend and final-round tees).
• Check the ticket terms for re-entry policies if you plan to explore the course and return to the 16th bowl.
• Arrive early for warm-up rounds and pre-event player appearances; early arrival is a great way to secure prime standing spots before the structure fills.
• Bring sun protection: hats, sunscreen, sunglasses – Arizona sun can be intense even during cooler tournament days.
• Download the event app (when available) for live scoring, interactive maps, and mobile food ordering.

First-Hand Fan Viewpoint: What to Expect Inside the Bowl

Attendees often describe the 16th-hole experience as equal parts golf and tailgate festival. From the tee shot to post-shot celebrations, here’s a typical flow for fans seated in the exclusive structure:

1. Pre-round buzz: Fans gather, share predictions, and capture photos in the suite or terrace areas.
2. Tee shot time: The crowd draws a collective gasp or cheer as players step to the tee. Elevated sightlines make each moment feel intimate.
3. Landing & reaction: Whether it’s a hole-in-one party or a dramatic splash into the front bunker, the bowl reacts as one.
4. between groups: Suites remain lively with food and music; LED screens keep guests updated on scoring across the course.

Fans who opt for VIP or hospitality tickets consistently report a more relaxed experience with the same high-energy viewing that defines the 16th hole, without the fatigue of standing for extended periods.

Case Study: How VIP Access Changes the Tournament Day

Consider two hypothetical attendees: a casual golf fan and a corporate group. Both attend the same tournament day at the 16th hole, but their experiences differ dramatically with access to the exclusive structure.

• Casual fan: Upgraded general admission gives them a closer view of the bowl and eliminates the need to push through general crowds. They enjoy the spectacle and return to other course attractions during lulls.
• Corporate group: Secures a VIP suite for client entertaining. They leverage private catering, branded signage, and dedicated servers for an efficient, comfortable hospitality experience that mixes business with the excitement of the tournament.

How to Book & What to Watch For

To secure the best 16th-hole experience:

• Visit the official WM Phoenix Open ticketing page or the tournament’s authorized ticket partners. WM is the event title sponsor and area information about sponsorship and fan offerings can be found through the main WM corporate site at wm.com.
• Review ticket inclusions carefully – some premium packages include food and beverage credits, while others are seat-only.
• Confirm re-entry policy,bag restrictions,and ADA accommodations before arrival.
• Look for early-bird offers and group discounts if attending with a larger party.

Accessibility & sustainability notes

WM Phoenix Open organizers have historically prioritized sustainability initiatives and accessible fan experiences. When booking, check for accessible seating, shaded areas, and sustainability information like recycling and water-station availability on the event’s official site.

SEO & Golf Keywords Integrated (for Editors & Publishers)

This article naturally integrates high-value golf and event keywords for search optimization: WM Phoenix Open, 16th hole, TPC Scottsdale, stadium hole, golf tickets, VIP hospitality, tournament tickets, golf experience, premium seating, fan activation, golf hospitality, and ticket packages.

suggested internal linking structure for WordPress

• Link to the tournament’s official schedule and daily tee times (internal page).
• link to a blog post about “Top 10 Tips for First-Time Tournament Attendees.”
• Link to “Sustainability at the WM Phoenix Open” or sponsor content hosted on the WM site.

Additional Resources

• official WM corporate website for sponsorship context: wm.com
• Official WM Phoenix Open ticketing and event pages (check the event site for the latest ticket availability and policies).