Waste Management Phoenix Open: Is One of the Most Attended Golf Events in the World

Every winter, golf fans from around the globe pack their bags and head to Arizona for one unforgettable week: the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Known for its electric atmosphere and massive crowds, this PGA TOUR stop has earned a reputation as one of the most attended professional golf tournaments in the world, and for good reason.

People don’t just attend the Phoenix Open. They make a trip out of it.

At South Bay Golf Club, we love watching how events like this inspire players, fans, and travelers to fall deeper in love with the game and bring that energy back to their own local golf communities.

What Makes the Waste Management Phoenix Open So Popular?

Unlike traditional quiet golf tournaments, the Waste Management Phoenix Open delivers a fan-first experience that feels more like a sports festival.

The most famous spot is the par-3 16th hole, often called the “Loudest Hole in Golf.” Stadium seating surrounds the green, fans cheer every shot, and players thrive on the crowd’s energy. It’s one of the most shared, photographed, and talked-about holes on the PGA TOUR.

But it’s not just about noise. The tournament combines:

• World-class professional golf

• Entertainment and hospitality

• A social, high-energy atmosphere

• A destination-style travel experience

All of this helps make the Phoenix Open one of the highest-attended golf events year after year.

Golf Travelers From Around the Country

One major reason for the tournament’s success is how many fans travel from out of town to attend. Visitors come from California, Texas, the Midwest, the East Coast, and even internationally to experience the Phoenix Open in person.

For many golf fans, the trip isn’t just about watching the pros, it’s about:

• Playing nearby courses

• Exploring Scottsdale and Phoenix

• Connecting with other golfers

• Turning the tournament into a golf vacation

This kind of golf tourism continues to grow, and events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open help fuel it.

Watching the best players in the world compete has a funny effect, it makes you want to pick up a club and hit some shots yourself.

After big tournaments, many golfers feel inspired to:

• Improve their swing

• Compete with friends

• Join leagues

• Practice more consistently

That’s where indoor golf becomes powerful. Instead of waiting for tee times, weather, or travel, players can keep that momentum going year-round.

At South Bay Golf Club, our TrackMan-powered indoor bays let golfers train, play, and compete in a fun, low-pressure environment. Maybe you’re preparing for a tournament, practicing for your next trip, or just chasing that same excitement you see on Tour.

Experience the Game Beyond the Tournament

Big events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open show how powerful golf culture can be, bringing travelers together, inspiring players, and growing the game.

If watching the pros has you itching to swing a club, we’d love to have you train, play, and compete with us at South Bay Golf Club in Hermosa Beach.

Visit our website, book a bay, or join one of our leagues and experience SBGC!