The 2023 Phoenix Open returns Feb. 6 – 12
The 2023 WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison returns to Scottsdale February 6-12 for what should amount to be one of the most highly anticipated events in the history of the Valley. This year, the traditionally warm Phoenix-area winter will play host to not only the best-attended golf tournament in the world, but also another world-class event – that big, end-of-the-year football game – you know what one we mean. With the added attention, Valley residents can expect even more “snowbirds” and sports nuts this year, and the added excitement of the NFL’s biggest game means fans of the ever-popular Annexus Pro-Am on Wednesday of tournament week can expect some pretty big names to be participating.
The buzz surrounding the Valley of the Sun has never been more palpable, and for the 88th playing of “The People’s Open,” the stakes have never been higher. Earlier in 2022, the PGA TOUR announced the 2023 WM Phoenix Open was named as one of the TOUR’s “Elevated Status Events” which brings with it a $20 million purse (increased from $8 million just one year ago) and guaranteed participation from the TOUR’s biggest stars. Eventual Hall-of-Fame players like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth are expected to tee it up at TPC Scottsdale this February, with a full list of player commitments to be released leading up to the tournament in February.
“We traditionally showcase top-notch fields with the world’s best, but this will ensure the participation of the top golfers in the world at the WM Phoenix Open in 2023,” said WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Pat Williams. “This is a huge win for our fans, they can know with certainty that their favorite PGA TOUR players will be competing at TPC Scottsdale in February.”
The purse and players aren’t the only big-time changes for the 2023 tournament. This year, the Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – completely reimagined the Talking Stick Resort Fan Zone to provide a more expansive and comfortable area for fans. Additional shaded areas, more room to walk or hang with friends, better views of the 10th tee, and two giant LED screens to watch the golf action while enjoying tasty food and drinks from local restaurants are just some of the notable changes to the popular area. The expansion of the Fan Zone will also include the new merchandise tent, a 25,000-square-foot shopping area where fans can pick up anything from logoed golf balls and hats to framed prints, gifts, and nearly every kind of apparel imaginable.
“Our goal for this year’s tournament is to make it better, not necessarily bigger,” said 2023 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Pat Williams. “There is a lot to look forward to as an average fan with more space, better views, more water stations where you can bring your own water bottle and more food options at general concessions throughout the golf course. It is important for us to take care of our fans because this tournament wouldn’t be possible without their tremendous support every year.”
New venues and higher stakes are fairly standard for the tournament host Thunderbirds, and for that civic organization founded in 1937, so is charitable giving. To date, The Thunderbirds have raised more than $176 million for Arizona charities over the lifetime of the event and granted more than $10 million to local nonprofits just last year.
“Putting on this world-class event is an incredibly satisfying endeavor, but it pales in comparison to the charitable work we do in our communities through proceeds raised from the tournament,” said Williams. “Seeing that big check at the end of the year and knowing the incredible positive influence it will have on young people and families in our communities is, without a doubt, the most rewarding part of belonging to this incredible organization.”
Whether you’re a golf fanatic, prolific partier or concert connoisseur, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has something for everyone and is definitely the place to be in early February.
