Construction is currently underway on a significant redesign of one of the most unique venues in golf. When fans return to TPC Scottsdale for the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, one of the world’s largest certified zero-waste sporting events, they will be welcomed by a newly reimagined hospitality experience at the 16th hole — a state-of-the-art, 100% reusable modular structure designed to advance sustainability and deliver modern comfort, premium interior finishes, better views and an elevated culinary program unlike anything previously seen at “The People’s Open.”
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While the overall footprint of the venue will be similar, the new structure features wider interior bays and higher ceilings – creating spacious suites with improved sightlines and flexibility. Frameless glass railings on every level replace traditional scrim and barriers, offering fans unobstructed views of all the action inside the Coliseum. Because the structure is reusable, it is also expected to reduce the need for on-site construction and the amount of materials that are either donated or recycled after the tournament each year.
Adding to the excitement, a brand-new hospitality venue – the Pin Hi Club – will debut on golfer’s left of the green at the ground level, with daily individual tickets available for the first time at the 16th hole. New LED video boards and a refreshed, modern interior design will add to the experience, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation as one of the most innovative and fan-forward events in golf.
“For years, the 16th hole has set the standard for excitement in the golf world, now with this new structure, the 16th hole will also set the standard for what a premium fan experience is, not just in golf, but in sports,” said 2026 Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg. “We’ve opened up the sightlines, raised the ceilings, modernized the interior and added the brand-new Pin Hi Club to take the 16th hole hospitality experience to another level.”
The redesign is more than cosmetic. Wider column spacing creates suites that feel more open and flexible, while new stair systems improve access from all sides. The result is a polished, more permanent look that elevates the overall feel of the structure. Additionally, the new, reusable structure reflects the tournament’s long-standing leadership in driving sustainability by ensuring tournament materials are diverted away from landfills through recycling, composting, donation, reuse and using materials to recover energy and create fuel. Materials used to build the former 16th hole structure are expected to be reused by InProduction, a leading provider of temporary seating, staging and structures, at other events and tournaments.
“We are excited that the new 16th hole structure will advance sustainability and elevate the fan experience,” said David Brannon, WM Four Corners Area Vice President. “We expect the new reusable, modular design to significantly reduce construction materials needed. As a result, we’ll see less metal, wood and scrim needing to be recycled or reused through the tournament’s zero-waste process.”
Construction for the 2026 WM Phoenix Open started on Monday, Sept. 15, beginning at the 16th hole and the Cove venue on the 17th hole.
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale February 2–8, bringing back “The People’s Open” for its 91st edition. Recognized five times as the PGA TOUR’s Tournament of the Year, the WM Phoenix Open is celebrated as one of golf’s most iconic and fan-friendly events. In 2025, Thomas Detry made history in the desert, capturing his first career PGA TOUR win and becoming the first Belgian champion on the PGA TOUR.
The 2026 tournament marks the 17th year with WM – North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions – as proud title sponsor. During WM’s time as title sponsor, the tournament has contributed to setting a new standard for charitable giving and sustainability in sports, earning recognition as one of the largest certified zero-waste sporting events in the world for 13 consecutive years and raising millions of dollars for the Arizona community each year.
The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members who have helped the tournament eclipse $226 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932, with the 2024 WM Phoenix Open raising a single-tournament record $18.1 million for charity.
