Alright, so, the Waste Management Phoenix Open. This thing is wild. It’s a PGA Tour golf tournament, but it’s way more than that. It’s like a giant, week-long party with some golf on the side. This year, I decided I had to see it for myself, but I knew I needed a plan, especially if I wanted to snag a spot at the infamous 16th hole.
First things first, I needed a map. I mean, this place is huge, and with all the crowds, I didn’t want to waste time wandering around aimlessly. I started by asking around, friends, colleagues, you name it. I just wanted to find out how to get a detailed map of the place. You know, one that shows you all the important stuff like where to park, where the food’s at, and of course, how to get to that crazy 16th hole.
Then, I looked online for any info about the event. Turns out, there’s a lot of buzz about it. I learned that it’s also called WMPO. Tickets are a big deal, and they’ve got all these rules about what you can and can’t bring in. Like, no big opaque bags, only clear ones under a certain size. Good to know, right? I definitely didn’t want to get turned away at the gate. I also discovered that Sunday might be less crowded ’cause of the Super Bowl, but Thursday to Saturday are nuts, especially if you’re aiming for the 16th. I saw some people talking about the Wednesday practice round being a good option to secure a spot on 16, but I really wanted to experience that loud, excited crowd!
Now, about that 16th hole. It’s this par-3 that’s completely surrounded by stands and skyboxes, and the fans there are known for being, shall we say, enthusiastic. I saw some crazy prices for skybox tickets. They ranged from $1,500 to over $2,500, depending on the day. As much as I wanted to be in a skybox, that was way out of my budget. So I decided to go with general admission, and try to experience it in the crowd.
Next, I had to figure out what to wear. I mean, you gotta look the part, right? But you also need to be comfy ’cause you’re walking on grass all day. I read somewhere to go for the tournament’s colors, yellow and green. Sounded good to me! I packed a comfy pair of shoes, some yellow and green accessories, and hoped for the best.
Getting There and Getting In
Getting there was an adventure in itself. I went on a Saturday, and the traffic was insane. But once I finally got to the parking lot and then to the entrance, I was amazed. Security was tight, with everyone getting checked. They were serious about that clear bag policy, let me tell you. Luckily, I’d done my homework and had a small clear bag with all my essentials.
Navigating the Course
Once inside, I was glad I’d taken the time to find a map online and familiarize myself with the layout. It helped a lot to know where I was going, especially with so many people around. I made my way towards the 16th hole, soaking in the atmosphere along the way. There were food vendors everywhere, live music, and just a general buzz of excitement.
The 16th Hole Experience
Finally, I reached the 16th. And wow. Just wow. The energy was electric. Even though I didn’t have a skybox ticket, being in the general admission area was an experience in itself. The crowd was loud, rowdy, and having the time of their lives. It was definitely the highlight of the day, and probably the whole tournament for me.
Overall Impression
The Waste Management Phoenix Open lived up to the hype and then some. It was a day I won’t forget. Planning ahead, especially getting that map and understanding the rules, made all the difference. I got to see some great golf, experience the madness of the 16th hole, and just enjoy the incredible atmosphere. If you ever get the chance to go, do it. Just make sure you’re prepared!
- Check the bag policy: They’re strict about it, so make sure you have a clear bag that meets the size requirements.
- Plan your outfit: Comfort is key, but don’t be afraid to embrace the yellow and green theme.
- Consider the day: Sunday might be less crowded due to the Super Bowl, but Thursday through Saturday are the most lively. If you want a guaranteed spot on 16 without the huge crowds, try the Wednesday practice round.
- Skybox tickets are expensive: If you have the budget, go for it. Otherwise, general admission is still a blast, especially at the 16th hole.
