FOMO ENGAGED

Previewing the 2024 WM Phoenix Open - stacked with events you do not want to miss

If you have driven down Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard recently, you might have noticed the familiar sight of white vinyl reaching into Scottsdale’s airspace north of the canal. It can only mean one thing - the 89th WM Phoenix Open presented by Taylor Morrison is right around the corner. 

Don’t we all wish we could look this good at 89?  

Affectionately known as “The People’s Open” for its eclectic and enthusiastic patrons and commitment to an over-the-the-top experience, the WM Phoenix Open will bring the best golfers in the world to TPC Scottsdale February 5-11 to vie for 500 FedExCup points and the Waterford Crystal Thunderbird trophy. As part of the world-class field, Scottie Scheffler will be on hand to defend his WM Phoenix Open title once again as he seeks to become only the fourth three-time winner of the event (Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Mark Calcavecchia), and only the second player to win three straight (Palmer).  

While the PGA TOUR action begins Thursday of tournament week, festivities at TPC Scottsdale begin the Saturday before with a concert experience unlike anything in professional sports – the aptly named Concert in The Coliseum. Multi-platinum singer and recording artist Post Malone will kick off the 2024 WM Phoenix Open on a rotating stage in the middle of the iconic 16th hole inside The Coliseum. Last year’s festivities featured Maroon 5, and they played to a packed house of 12,000 strong inside one of golf’s most famous holes.  

While the iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is certainly one of the main attractions at The People’s Open,  it is by no means the only “must-see” venue at the event. There are plenty of insta-worthy general admission viewing areas throughout the course including the Fairway House presented by Taylor Morrison, where fans can catch the action on the par-3 12th, 13th tee box and approach shots into the 6th green. Just a light walk east is the upgraded Fan Zone, featuring spacious areas to gather, grab a bite to eat, or find some shade to recharge before heading back out to the action.  

"As hosts, we challenge ourselves every year to innovate and take our fan experience to new heights," said 2024 Tournament Chairman George Thimsen. "We have the greatest and most dedicated fans in golf. This is why we take immense pride in consistently finding ways each year to elevate the fan experience throughout the entire week, in all areas of our event.” 

One of those fan-favorite events outside of the actual golf tournament kicks off Wednesday, February 7. That’s right, the ever-popular Coors Light Birds Nest, a four-night music fest located across the street from TPC Scottsdale. The Birds Nest, with its wide variety of music stars, beautiful patrons, and enthusiastic nightlife, is not only a staple of the WM Phoenix Open, but also one of the most unique special events on the PGA TOUR. The lineup for the 2024 Coors Light Birds Nest is shaping up as officials confirmed that 2022 ACM award-winner Hardy and country music’s latest sensation Bailey Zimmerman have committed to kick things off on opening night. Country music star Dierks Bentley makes a much-anticipated homecoming for Thursday night’s show, with special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Meghan Patrick. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Duran Duran will shake things up as Friday’s headliner, performing classic hits like “Hungry Like The Wolf.” More information on Saturday’s show will be released soon. 

The WM Phoenix Open generates a sizable economic impact for the State of Arizona, but more importantly, has been one of the State’s largest philanthropic engines for nearly a century.

 Two-time WM Phoenix Open winner, Scottie Scheffler

The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – announced the 2023 edition of The People’s Open raised a record $14.5 million ($14,533,000) for Arizona charities. This marks the sixth time in tournament history that The Thunderbirds and the WM Phoenix Open have raised more than $10 million charitable dollars in a single tournament. The previous record was set in 2020 ($14 million). The Thunderbirds raised $10.5 million in 2022.   

“Giving back to our wonderful communities, helping people and families in need, is easily the best part of being a Thunderbird,” said Pat Williams, president of Thunderbirds Charities and tournament chairman for last year’s WM Phoenix Open. “We’re immensely proud of once again topping our previous record of charitable donations and reaching the $14 million mark for the second time. We understand the importance of an incredible support network, including the best title sponsor in sports in WM, the resolve and commitment to excellence of the PGA TOUR, and, of course, the greatest fans in golf. Enormous charitable impact doesn’t happen without everyone working together, and we’re incredibly thankful to be a part of something so impactful.” 

Whether you’re a golf fanatic, prolific partier, concert connoisseur, or you just have a fear of missing out (aka FOMO), the WM Phoenix Open has something for everyone. Don’t miss the 89th playing of The People’s Open February 5-11 at TPC Scottsdale.