TPC Scottsdale: The Course That Hosts Golf’s Biggest Party

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In a landscape filled with emerging professional circuits, indoor golf facilities, and high-profile competitions, there’s just one authentic stadium hole standing tall: the 16th at TPC Scottsdale. The Phoenix tournament, which takes place annually over Super Bowl weekend, continues to grow in size (and noise) each year. While other tournaments have attempted to replicate the recipe, the electrifying ambiance on Sunday in the Sonoran Desert remains unrivaled.

In a sea of new professional tours, indoor golf locations, and star-studded matches, only one original stadium hole holds its ground: the 16th at TPC Scottsdale. The Phoenix tournament, held annually during Super Bowl weekend, keeps expanding (and getting louder) every year. Despite other tournaments making efforts to duplicate the formula, the electric energy on Sunday in the Sonoran Desert can’t be duplicated.)

Last year, it seems we may have hit a critical point. The tournament was marred by overcrowding, disruptive spectators, and rowdy fans. Given that attendance has surpassed any other event on the PGA TOUR, this time around, organizers are taking a new approach. As general manager Brad Williams puts it, “For the first time, our emphasis is on improving the tournament, not simply making it larger.

During just one week, the Waste Management Phoenix Open takes place, but TPC Scottsdale remains a popular destination throughout the year. One of golf’s distinctive characteristics is that both professionals and amateurs play on the same hallowed grounds, and the popularity of the People’s Open has made TPC Scottsdale a go-to spot for fans, particularly in the run-up to the tournament. This PGA TOUR-owned property boasts not one but two golf courses: the Stadium and Champions, as well as the expansive 750-room Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. More recently, the TOUR has teamed up with sports betting app DraftKings to enhance its onsite amenities with a flagship Sportsbook. This massive, 2,700 square foot sports bar is ready to accommodate crowds that pour out of the tournament’s exits during Phoenix Open week on Hayden Road. Fans will find fire pits, an outdoor patio, VIP cabanas, and TVs galore upon arrival.

Stadium and Champions, along with the sprawling Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hotel. Most recently, the TOUR collaborated with sports betting app DraftKings to improve onsite services with a flagship Sportsbook. During Phoenix Open week, this 2,700 square foot sports bar on Hayden Road is prepared to accommodate large crowds spilling out of the tournament’s exits. Fans can enjoy fire pits, an outdoor patio, VIP cabanas, and TVs scattered throughout the venue upon arrival.

Prior to the commencement of the tournament, we caught up with Brad Williams to learn about why TPC Scottsdale is now a sought-after winter getaway for both dedicated and novice golf enthusiasts.

Can you describe the design of the golf course and what makes it unique?

This golf course is quite enjoyable and doesn’t pose much challenge. During this season, the rough becomes longer, making it slightly tougher, but overall, it’s not overly demanding in terms of layout. It’s a desert golf course, but the deserts here are artificially created, which makes them more accessible to play on.

Heading a bit northward from this location, you’ll encounter deserts that are significantly rockier. This means more lost golf balls and tougher playing conditions due to unplayable lies. In contrast, if you stray off course here, you’re likely to find your ball, except when it lands in the water.

What’s the natural setting of the course and how does it affect the playing experience?

In our location, we lack the dramatic natural landscapes found at Greyhawk or Troon North, as they are primarily situated in desert terrains with significant elevation variations. Instead, we focus on providing excellent playing conditions, superior service, top-notch facilities, and an opportunity to play on courses frequented by professional golfers.

If you’re accustomed to tranquil, serene golfing at private clubs in New York, you might find it somewhat noisy and disruptive here. Some guests have expressed disappointment about this, but most appreciate the experience and understand that there could be some disturbances.

16 did not transform into its current state overnight; instead, it underwent a slow, steady process that culminated in its present condition.

What’s the story behind the design of the 16th hole, which is gaining quite a reputation as a party spot at TPC Scottsdale lately?

It seems quite challenging to develop something artificially; it didn’t transform into its current state overnight. Instead, it underwent a slow and steady progression over time until it reached its present form. Funny enough, when I reminisce about old photos, there’s one from the mid-90s showing a line of tents along the right edge of the hole, primarily serving as a small beer garden. The rest was occupied by seated individuals.

In 2001, my initial tournament at this location took place. That year marked the debut of players traversing a tunnel to reach the 16th tee. Initially, if you were walking towards the tee box, there was a small horseshoe-shaped seating area surrounding it. However, upon returning 12 years later, I noticed that the entire setup had been largely enclosed, with an additional third level constructed all around. Over time, minor adjustments have been made to transform it into what it is today. It seems unlikely that a decision could be made spontaneously saying “let’s create a hole and build a stadium on it” and construct it immediately.

Is there any information available about potential enhancements or updates to the concept known as “Golfertainment,” which is gaining traction in modernizing the sport of golf?

We’re considering setting up either Toptracer or Trackman on our Champions Course driving range. As of now, it’s just a plan, but we aim to build a covered area and enlarge the putting green, transforming it into a more enjoyable evening entertainment spot. However, there are some obstacles we face in operating at night due to the proximity of Scottsdale Airport. The height and type of lighting are our main concerns since they could potentially cause issues with air traffic.

We’ve entertained the idea, although it hasn’t been fully implemented yet, we find great appeal in illuminating holes 16, 17, and 18 on the Stadium Course. The prospect of playing those holes under lights is incredibly exciting to us. Moreover, from a commercial perspective, it could open up an entirely new source of income.

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2025-02-04 00:26