Thinking about attending the 2019 Phoenix Open? Already have your tickets? Either way, you need to know what to expect. This is why Superior Executive Services has put together this guide.
As facilitators of Phoenix Open Packages — which can include everything you need, from tickets to accommodation to entertainment — we are quite familiar with this big event and would like to help you prepare for this one-of-a-kind event.
Tickets
There are plenty of tickets to the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Because of the layout of the course, large parking lot, and general openness of Scottsdale, the event never sells out. This is all to say, never pay more than face value for tickets. If you are looking for tickets that offer more than general admission, check out some of our Waste Management packages. We can secure your tickets and badges to the coveted Cove Suite 17, Birds Nest VIP Access, Chairman’s Badge, and more!
Additionally, Military and Arizona first responders (along with one guest) are admitted free with official ID. Learn more about this and how to register for free admissions here.
Fans
It’s fair to say that with any sporting event you are bound to run into all different types of fans. This assumption has perhaps never been truer than when you attend the Phoenix Open. Below are some of the most common types of fans you will see:
Families
For families attending the Phoenix Open, the ideal times typically tend to be the first few days of the event — when golfers are practicing and everyone is preparing for the big event. It also during this time that you can take part in junior golf clinics, listen to motivational speeches from PGA pros, and experience all sorts of fun pre-event festivities.
Celebrity Watchers
Anytime you have a gathering frequented by celebrities, you are sure to have celebrity watchers closely following. This is certainly true for the Phoenix Open. This is also to say there are ample opportunities to see and meet celebrities — keep a pen and paper on hand. Whether it’s at the Phoenix Suns’ closest-to-the-pin contest, which pits athletes and celebrities against each other, or it’s during the relaxed practice round, expect to see plenty of celebrities and plenty of people trying to see celebrities.
Golf Enthusiasts
As with any big PGA Tour event, you can expect to see some die-hard golf fans. From the rounds before the field is cut to the final round, golf enthusiast will be following closely. Because the Waste Management Phoenix Open is known for its party atmosphere and non-golf related fun, if you really want to focus on golf and be in comfort, you should consider purchasing Members Club, Greenskeeper, or Clubhouse badges.
Partiers
There’s a reason the Waste Management Phoenix Open is the most-attended golf event in the world — it’s a whole lot of fun. And it’s unlike any other golf event in the world. This four-day event has earned a reputation for being the biggest party in golf. This is a well-deserved reputation, and if you will be attending the event, expect to see lots of partiers drinking, wearing funky attire, and having an all-around good time.
Hole 16 and 17
As you may have heard, the 16th hole is a legendary par 3. There are over 3,000 general admission seats around this hole, and naturally, these are much-sought-after tickets. The key to getting these spots is to hustle, not snooze the alarm, and wait.
For some, what’s even better than seats around 16 is to land a ticket to the Cove on the 17th. Many say this is like winning the Powerball because it offers amazing views of both the course and Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell Mountains, as well as a prime spot to watch one of the most exciting par-4s on the PGA Tour.
Where to Stay
From upscale resorts with secluded gardens and fantastic pools to budget accommodations, there are a number of great places to stay around Scottsdale. However, the key is finding and booking a place early. Remember, this is a big event that seems to get bigger each year, which means thousands of people are also going to be searching for places to stay.
We have partnered with a number of upscale property owners in Scottsdale to offer our clients the opportunity to have a luxury accommodation during their visit to Arizona. Not only will we provide you with a beautiful, fully-loaded home to stay in, but we can also stock up the place with all the food, drinks, and supplies you need.
What to Bring
As with any other PGA event, bringing all the usual items will likely suffice — sunscreen, cash, water, hand sanitizer, binoculars, comfortable shoes, and other essentials. It’s hard to predict the weather for this time of the year, but what we can say is that the average temperature in January is around 57 degrees Fahrenheit — not too shabby.
What to do After
After the day’s golfing ends, the party is far from over. While there are a number of bars and venues hosting post-match events, the most notable is probably the Birds Nest, which features, bands, food, drinks, and more. Visit the Birds Nest official website for more info. In 2018, some notable performers joined the party, including Nelly, Flo Rida, Florida Georgia Line, and more.
Other Helpful Things to Know
- The entire course should have free wifi hotspots
- There is an app that will give you hole-by-hole update, descriptions, and maps
- One day of the event is the annual Green Out, where everyone, including golfers, is encouraged to wear green to show support for green initiatives
- They will be having a Zero Waste Challenge. Last year, 100 percent of the tournament’s waste was diverted from landfills—meaning nothing from the tournament has ended up in landfills.
Ready to join the world’s best golfers as they gather in Scottsdale for the biggest golf event in the desert? Contact us today!
