The 2026 WM Phoenix Open teed off in spectacular fashion at TPC Scottsdale, ushering in what promises to be one of the most riveting events in the PGA Tour season. Known for its raucous crowds and electrifying atmosphere, this year’s tournament has already delivered high-stakes drama, surprising leaderboard shifts, and a few unexpected breakout performances. As thousands packed the stadium-style 16th hole—golf’s most famous coliseum—players either embraced the energy or faltered under the scrutiny of the masses.
From first-time participants to seasoned veterans, the 2026 field blends emerging talent and proven champions. With high winds testing precision and placing a premium on ball control, the leaderboard has been unpredictable through the early rounds. Fan-favorites made early runs, but several lesser-known names have vaulted into contention, turning heads and reshuffling expectations. Set against sunshine and rowdy cheers, the WM Phoenix Open remains the most fan-centric golf tournament in America—and this year, it’s living up to the hype.
2026 WM Phoenix Open Overview
| Tournament Dates | February 5–9, 2026 |
| Location | TPC Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Course Par | 71 |
| Field Size | 132 players |
| Defending Champion | Nick Taylor |
| Purse | $8.7 million |
| Winner’s Share | $1.56 million |
Early surprises shake up the competition
Day one of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open saw unheralded pros and rising stars take center stage. Most notably, rookie standout **Tyler Montgomery** shot a blistering 63, placing him atop the leaderboard and thrusting him into national headlines. With steady iron play and an eagle on the par-5 15th, Montgomery showcased the type of fearless golf that historically thrives under the pressure of TPC Scottsdale’s energized galleries.
While big names like Patrick Cantlay and Viktor Hovland navigated the course with expected precision, their pars and bogeys left them trailing behind lesser-known competitors. The golf community especially buzzed around **Ricardo Gomez**, a qualifier from Argentina, who carded an impressive 65 despite teeing off in the windier afternoon group. His scrambling ability kept his round intact and underscored the importance of grinding out scores amid challenging conditions.
Star players experience mixed fortunes
Some marquee names have lived up to expectations. Reigning champion **Nick Taylor** opened with a solid 67, showing signs that he’s ready to defend his title. Taylor’s confidence with the putter kept him on pace throughout, converting three of four birdie attempts on the back nine. On the other side of the performance spectrum, **Max Homa** struggled with his driver and couldn’t recover from multiple bogeys early in his round. His 73 likely leaves him battling for the cutline heading into the weekend.
Perhaps the most puzzling performance so far came from **Justin Thomas**, who started strongly but collapsed on the back nine with a double-bogey on 14 and missed birdie opportunities down the stretch. His frustrations were evident; although his form looked sharp in warm-up rounds, implementation under pressure is proving to be a stumbling block.
Course conditions adding to the challenge
TPC Scottsdale is always one of the best-prepared venues on the PGA Tour, but this year’s weather has added a twist. Gusty winds from the desert have transformed club selection from a science to an art. Elevation changes and tricky pin placements, especially around holes 12 through 16, are demanding extreme concentration. Players who excel at ball striking have had the upper hand, while others have watched solid tee shots turn into scrambling efforts due to misjudged gusts.
A greenskeeper on-site noted the course was running faster than expected due to dry conditions early in the week. That won’t change in the coming days, requiring players to adjust their roll-out expectations on approaches and putts. Firm greens and tightly mown fringe areas are punishing any missteps, and many players have had to rely more on creativity around the greens than in previous years.
“Course management and patience are critical this week. You can’t overpower TPC Scottsdale when the wind picks up.”
— Cameron Beck, former PGA pro and analyst
Key holes deciding early rounds
The iconic **16th hole** continues to be a crowd favorite—and a headache for some players. Dubbed “The Coliseum,” it’s wrapped in grandstands and echoing with energy. It’s also where pressure becomes most palpable. Through the first two rounds, the par-3 16th has generated more bogeys than birdies, flipping leaderboard positions and adding to the entertainment value. Elsewhere, holes 13 through 15 have played gracious, offering players a chance to gain shots with aggressive play.
Interestingly, the **par-5 3rd hole** saw the most eagles of any location on Thursday, with seven players carding three under on the hole. That stretch has become a launching pad early in rounds, particularly for players looking to build momentum heading into the infamous back nine circus.
Who’s thriving and who’s falling behind
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Tyler Montgomery (Led after Round 1) | Max Homa (Struggled with accuracy) |
| Ricardo Gomez (Flawless ball-striking) | Justin Thomas (Back-nine collapse) |
| Nick Taylor (Consistent defending play) | Tom Kim (Short game woes) |
What changed this year
This year’s WM Phoenix Open is the first under a slightly revamped format, featuring more guaranteed entry slots for international players and higher FedExCup points for standout performances. The purse also saw a significant bump, growing by nearly $1 million from the previous edition. The increased exposure—thanks in part to more streaming options and on-course mic’d-up opportunities—has elevated viewership and enthusiasm both on site and online.
Additionally, fan zones and grandstand improvements, including an expanded viewing deck around the 18th tee, have transformed spectator engagement. More food trucks, sponsor-themed booths, and shaded walkways have also enhanced the overall experience—solidifying the WM Phoenix Open’s reputation as the most exciting stop in professional golf.
“It’s not just a golf tournament. It’s a festival with PGA Tour talent front and center.”
— Jamie Anders, Golf Event Marketing Specialist
What to watch for going into the weekend
As the cut line looms, players hovering near even par will be playing aggressive, risk-laden golf to stay alive into the weekend. With gusty conditions projected to persist, smart course navigation will be more critical than ever. Eyes are particularly on **Collin Morikawa**, who disappointed in his opening round but remains a formidable contender with two-time major winning poise.
There’s also intrigue around who may rise from beneath the radar. Golf has always been a sport of momentum, and this weekend’s forecast may tilt the scales toward players who can shape shots and keep cool in the cauldron of crowd pressure. The top 10 currently includes three players under the age of 25, underscoring the generational shift taking place within the sport.
Short FAQs on the 2026 WM Phoenix Open
Where is the 2026 WM Phoenix Open taking place?
The tournament is held at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, known for its lively crowds and desert landscape.
Who is leading after the first round?
Rookie Tyler Montgomery surged ahead with a 63 in Round 1, currently holding the lead.
What is the signature hole at TPC Scottsdale?
The par-3 16th hole, surrounded by stadium seating, is the tournament’s iconic and most talked-about hole.
What’s the total purse this year?
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open features a purse of $8.7 million, with the winner receiving $1.56 million.
Who are the surprise performers so far?
Ricardo Gomez of Argentina and Tyler Montgomery have exceeded expectations early in the tournament.
Is the defending champion playing well?
Nick Taylor opened with a solid 67, positioning himself strongly to defend his title.
How does wind affect play at TPC Scottsdale?
Wind at the desert course influences club selection, trajectory, and roll, making shot-making more difficult.
Are there any past champions in contention?
Yes, past champion Rickie Fowler and defending titleholder Nick Taylor are both within reach of the leaders.
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