2026 WM Phoenix Open Fantasy and Betting Preview: Key Stats, Course Breakdown, Tournament Trends, TV Times, and More

February 3, 2026

2026 WM Phoenix Open betting and fantasy golf preview with key stats, Torrey Pines course breakdown, field analysis, and TV times for this week’s PGA Tour event.

The PGA TOUR heads to Scottsdale, Arizona, this week for the WM Phoenix Open, better known as The People’s Open. Few events on the PGA TOUR match the energy and atmosphere of this tournament, with the par 3 16th hole, famously dubbed the Coliseum, serving as the epicenter of the chaos and entertainment. While much of the attention inevitably shifts off the course, the golf itself has delivered plenty of drama in recent years, with two of the last four editions decided in a playoff.

Scottie Scheffler headlines a strong field and arrives in top form after capturing his first win of the 2026 season at the American Express two weeks ago. It was his first start of the season, and the World No. 1 wasted no time making an impact, cruising to a four-shot victory. That win marked the 20th of his PGA TOUR career, earning him a lifetime exemption. Scheffler now returns to TPC Scottsdale, a venue that has been especially kind to him. He is a two-time winner of this event and famously claimed his first TOUR victory here in 2022.

For those who have followed my work in the past, you know my betting picks are usually included within this article. This year will be a little different, as my official plays will be part of our RotoBaller PGA Premium offerings. To get access to my top plays throughout the 2026 season, check out our awesome options now. If you are new here, the purpose of this preview is to provide a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about this week’s event. From course details and key statistics to historical trends and field insights, this article is designed to serve as a guide or at least a strong starting point as you build your betting card or DFS lineups. With plenty of opportunity on the board, let’s dive into the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open and get you fully prepared for the third week of the PGA Tour season.

Tournament Information

• Dates: February 5th – February 8th, 2026
• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
• Course: TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
• Course Type: Desert
• Par: 71 (4x 3’s / 11x 4’s / 3x 5’s)
• Length: 7,261 yards
• Format: 72-hole stroke play
• Greens: TifEagle Bermudagrass overseeded with Poa trivialis / creeping bentgrass / perennial ryegrass
• Fairways: Ryegrass / fine fescue overseed
• Rough: Ryegrass / fine fescue overseed
• Bunkers: 67
• Water Hazard(s): 3 (In-Play on 6 Holes)
• Average Green Size: 7,069 sq. ft.
• Stimpmeter: 12 ft.
• Purse/ Winner: $9,600,000 /$1,728,000
• FedEx Cup Points: 500
• Field: 123 Players
• Cut: Top 65 and Ties – 36 Holes
• Playoff Format: Sudden Death – 18, 18, 17, 18 (repeated)
• Course Scoring Average:
  • 2025: 69.96 (-1.04), Rank 28 of 50
  • 2024: 69.90 (-1.10), Rank 25 of 51
  • 2023: 70.98 (-0.02), Rank 17 of 49
• Historic Cut Line:
  • 2025: -2
  • 2024: -2
  • 2023: E

Course Information

Course Architect:

• Course Architect: Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish (1986)
• Renovations: Tom Weiskopf (2014)

Comparable Courses

• TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) – THE PLAYERS Championship – RESULTS
• TPC Summerlin – Shriners Children’s Open – RESULTS
• Black Desert Resort – Bank of Utah Championship – RESULTS

Comparable Location (Scottsdale, Arizona):

• Black Desert Resort – Ivins, Utah, United States – Black Desert Championship
• TPC Summerlin – Las Vegas, Nevada – Shriners Children’s Open
• Summit Club – Las Vegas, Nevada – THE CJ CUP 2021

Designer Link (Tom Weiskopf):

• TPC Craig Ranch – Tom Weiskopf Design (2004) – CJ CUP Byron Nelson
• Black Desert Resort – Tom Weiskopf Design (2023) – Bank of Utah Championship
• Torrey Pines Golf Course (North Course)– Tom Weiskopf Renovation (2016) – Farmers Insurance Open

Comparable Yardage (7,261 Yards):

• Torrey Pines Golf Course (North Course) – 7,258 Yards – Farmers Insurance Open
• The Renaissance Club – 7,282 Yards – Genesis Scottish Open
• TPC Southwind – 7,288 Yards – FedEx St. Jude Championship
• TPC Deere Run – 7,289 Yards – John Deere Classic
• Colonial Country Club – 7,289 Yards – Charles Schwab Challenge

Comparable Greens (TifEagle Bermudagrass overseeded with Poa trivialis / creeping bentgrass / perennial ryegrass):

• TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) – TifEagle bermuda overseeded with Poa Trivialis / velvet bentgrass .100” – THE PLAYERS Championship
• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – TifEagle bermuda overseeded with Poa Trivialis .115” – Valspar Championship
• Memorial Park Golf Course – MiniVerde bermudagrass .100” w/ Poa trivialis overseed .110” – Texas Children's Houston Open
• Harbour Town Golf Links – Bermuda w/ Poa trivialis overseed .115” – RBC Heritage
• TPC Louisiana – TifEagle bermuda w/ Poa trivialis overseed .100” – Zurich Classic of New Orleans
• Quail Hollow Club – Champion G12 bermudagrass w/ Poa trivialis overseed .100” – Truist Championship

Comparable Average Green Size (7,069 sq. ft.):

• Waialae Country Club – 7, 100 sq. ft. – Sony Open in Hawaii
• PGA WEST (Nicklaus Tournament Course) – 7, 000 sq. ft. – The American Express
• Vidanta Vallarta – 7, 000 sq. ft. – Mexico Open at Vidanta
• Memorial Park Golf Course – 7, 000 sq. ft. – Texas Children’s Houston Open
• The Renaissance Club – 7, 000 sq. ft. – Genesis Scottish Open

TV Information (all times ET)

• Round 1: Thursday, February 5th, 2026
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Golf Channel – 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• Round 2: Friday, February 6th, 2026
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Golf Channel – 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• Round 3: Saturday, February 7th, 2026
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • CBS – 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Round 4: Sunday, February 8th, 2026
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • CBS – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Course/Tournament History

TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open, opened in 1986 and quickly became one of the most recognizable courses on the PGA TOUR. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the course was built to host a TOUR event, offering a challenging yet spectator-friendly layout.

The Stadium Course, the tournament’s primary venue, is famous for its dramatic finishing stretch, highlighted by the par-3 16th hole, which has evolved into the most iconic amphitheater setting in golf. Over the years, TPC Scottsdale has undergone renovations, including a 2014 redesign by Weiskopf to modernize the course and enhance playability.

The WM Phoenix Open, widely known as “The People’s Open,” dates back to 1932 and has become one of the most unique events on the PGA TOUR calendar. After beginning at Phoenix Country Club, the tournament moved to TPC Scottsdale in 1987 and quickly earned a reputation for its electric atmosphere and record-setting crowds.

The par 3 16th hole, nicknamed “The Coliseum,” stands at the center of that identity, offering a stadium environment unlike anything else in professional golf. Throughout its history, the event has produced a long list of notable champions, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods, with Mickelson holding the tournament record with three victories.

Previous Tournament Venues:

Previous Tournament Names:

Tournament Records:

• 72-Hole Record (WM Phoenix Open):
  • 256, Mark Calcavecchia (2001), Phil Mickelson (2013)

• Largest Margin of Victory (WM Phoenix Open):
  • 14 Strokes – Johnny Miller (1975)

• Most Wins at Event:
  • 3 – Phil Mickelson (2013, 2005, 1996), Mark Calcavecchia (1989, 1992, 2001), Gene Littler (1969, 1959, 1955), Arnold Palmer (1961, 1962, 1963)

Course Records:

• 18-Hole Record (TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)):
  • 60, Nick Taylor (2024), Phil Mickelson (2013), Phil Mickelson (2005), Mark Calcavecchia (2001), Grant Waite (1996)

Course Guide/ Scorecard

Notable Par 3s

The four par 3s on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale range from 163 to 215 yards, placing a premium on precision and smart club selection. In last year’s WM Phoenix Open, every par 3 had a scoring average over par except for No. 4.

Hole 16 | Par 3 | 163 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.005 (Difficulty Rank 9)

This is the signature hole on the course and what most spectators come to the event for. It’s truly an atmosphere, unlike any other hole on the PGA Tour. Several bunkers surround the green, which is the only threat players will face.

Notable Par 4s

There are 11 par 4s at TPC Scottsdale, with the majority of those holes ranging between 400 and 500 yards. In terms of scoring average, the toughest par 4 on the course last year was No. 11.

Hole 14 | Par 4 | 490 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.075 (Difficulty Rank 5)

This is another challenging hole that also played over par last year. Off the tee, players will have an uphill shot that’s fairly straightforward. The difficulty comes into play on their approach shot with an elevated green that’s protected by bunkers. If players miss left of the putting surface, it’ll make an up-and-down significantly more difficult.

Hole 17 | Par 4 | 332 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.728 (Difficulty Rank 15)

This is a drivable short par 4 that players will need to compose themselves for after playing the 16th. Water does come into play along the left side, so any miss should be right.

Notable Par 5s

There are three par 5s on the course: No. 3, No. 13, and No. 15. All of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2025. Hole No. 13 was the easiest hole on the course last year, with a scoring average of 0.514 below par.

Hole 3 | Par 5 | 558 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.486 (Difficulty Rank 17)

This is the first par 5 that players will face on the course. Off the tee, players will try to avoid fairway bunkers along the left side, allowing them to go for the green in two. They’ll face a two-tiered green on their approach shot, which can lead to some difficult putts depending on the pin location.

Hole 15 | Par 5 | 553 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.724 (Difficulty Rank 16)

This is a thrilling risk-reward par 5 that plays a crucial role in the tournament’s closing stretch. A well-struck tee shot favoring the left side sets up an aggressive approach, but water guards the front and left of the green, punishing any mis-hit attempts to reach in two. Players laying up must navigate a fairway that narrows near the water, leaving a short iron or wedge into a firm, undulating green.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 16

Key Statistics

As the WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course), understanding how these courses compare to PGA Tour averages can help identify which players are best suited for success. Here’s how TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) stacks up statistically:

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

• Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
  Success at TPC Scottsdale often begins with strong tee shots. The Stadium Course rewards players who can combine distance with accuracy, as firm fairways and a desert-style layout place a premium on positioning.  Over the last 10 editions of this event, nine winners have ranked 20th or better in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee for the week.

Strokes Gained: Approach

• Approach play remains one of the most reliable indicators of success at the WM Phoenix Open. Over the last 10 editions of this event, eight winners have ranked tenth or better in Strokes Gained: Approach for the week. With well-protected greens and firm conditions, players must control their distance and trajectory to give themselves realistic birdie looks and avoid difficult up and downs.

Strokes Gained: Putting (Firm and Fast)

• The putting surfaces at TPC Scottsdale are typically firm and fast, putting an emphasis on touch, speed control, and confidence on short to mid-range putts. Over the past four editions of the WM Phoenix Open, three of those winners have ranked second or better in Strokes Gained: Putting.

Par 4 Scoring: 400-500 Yards

• Par 4 scoring in the 400 to 500 yard range is critical this week, as 10 of the 11 par 4s on the Stadium Course fall within this distance. Players who consistently handle these holes by finding fairways and dialing in approach shots will separate themselves from the field over four rounds.

Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards

• All three par 5s at TPC Scottsdale measure between 550 and 600 yards, making them key scoring opportunities.

Scrambling Gained

• Firm conditions, shaved run-off areas, and well-placed bunkers mean missed greens are inevitable. Strong scrambling is essential for limiting damage and keeping rounds on track. Players who can consistently get up and down will be better positioned to survive tough stretches and maintain momentum.

Birdie or Better Gained

• Low scoring is a must at TPC Scottsdale. Four of the last five winners have posted winning scores of 19 under par or better, highlighting the importance of converting birdie chances.

Bogey Avoidance

• While aggressive play is rewarded, avoiding mistakes remains just as important. Big numbers can quickly derail a round on this course, especially with desert hazards in play. Players who limit bogeys while still capitalizing on scoring holes tend to rise to the top of the leaderboard

Proximity Gained:150-200 Yards

• TPC Scottsdale features a higher-than-average number of approach shots from the 150 to 200 yard range. Players who excel from these distances can gain a significant edge by consistently hitting shots close and setting up makeable birdie putts.

Comparable Courses and Event History

• Course history and results at comparable venues can provide meaningful insight this week. TPC Scottsdale places very specific demands on a player’s skill set, and past success here has proven to be a strong indicator of future performance. Players who have thrived in similar desert-style, firm condition setups often find themselves contending again at the WM Phoenix Open.

The Field

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open features a full field of 123 players, highlighted by several of the top golfers in the world. The field is led by Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1), Xander Schauffele (World No. 4), J.J. Spaun (World No. 7), and Ben Griffin (World No. 8). Last year's champion, Thomas Detry, is not in the field this week in Scottsdale as he joined the LIV Tour last month.

Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:

• Winners of the Arnold Palmer, Memorial, Genesis (Last 3 Years )
• Winner - World Golf Championship Event
• Winner - PGA/U.S. Open Championship
• Winner - Masters Tournament
• Winner - British Open
• Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons
• Top 70 on Prior Year's FedExCup Points List
• Top 5 from PGA TOUR Q-School
• Top 20 Prior Season Korn Ferry Tour Points List
• Top 100 on prior season FedExCup Fall Points List
• Sponsors Exemptions - Unrestricted
• PGA Section Champion\Player of the Year
• Leading 10 players (not otherwise exempt) on DP World Tour

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

• Nick Taylor – 2024
• Scottie Scheffler – 2023, 2022
• Brooks Koepka – 2021, 2015
• Webb Simpson  – 2020
• Rickie Fowler – 2019
• Gary Woodland  – 2018
• Hideki Matsuyama – 2017, 2016

Debutants in the Field:

• A.J. Ewart, Adrien Saddier, Brian Campbell, Chandler Blanchet, Christo Lamprecht, Daniel Brown, Danny Walker, Davis Chatfield, Emilio Gonzalez, John Parry, John VanDerLaan, Johnny Keefer, Jordan L Smith, Karl Vilips, Keita Nakajima, Kensei Hirata, Kevin Roy, Kristoffer Reitan, Li Haotong, Marco Penge, Marty Dou Zecheng, Michael Brennan, Neal Shipley, Pierceson Coody, Pontus Nyholm, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Ryan Gerard, Seungtaek Lee, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Takumi Kanaya, Thomas Avant, Thorbjorn Olesen, William Mouw, Zachary Bauchou.

Exemptions:

• Joel Dahmen: Sponsors Exemptions - Unrestricted
• Charley Hoffman: Sponsors Exemptions - Unrestricted
• Sahith Theegala: Sponsors Exemptions - Unrestricted

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

• N/A

The Odds

Here’s a breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA Tour and their last result at the WM Phoenix Open. My top plays of the week are included in the TeeOffSports VIP+ PGA Premium package.

Recent Horses for Courses

Recent Donkeys for Courses

Previous Winners' Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament)

• 2025: Thomas Detry (-24)
  • Price: 100-1

• 2024: Nick Taylor (-21)
  • Price: 100-1

• 2023: Scottie Scheffler (-19)
  • Price: 16-1

• 2022: Scottie Scheffler (-16)
  • Price: 25-1

• 2021: Brooks Koepka (-19)
  • Price: 50-1

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts)

• 2025: Thomas Detry
  • T48 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
  • T15 – Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
  • T53 – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)
  • T5 – The Sentry (PGA)
  • T36 – Nedbank Golf Challenge (DPWT)
• 2024: Nick Taylor
  • T71 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
  • MC – The American Express (PGA)
  • T7 – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)
  • T52 – The Sentry (PGA)
  • T21 – ZOZO Championship (PGA)
• 2023:  Scottie Scheffler
  • T11 – The American Express (PGA)
  • T7 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)
  • 2 – Hero World Challenge (PGA)
  • T9 – Cadence Bank Houston Open (PGA)
  • T3 – World Wide Technology Championship (PGA)
• 2022:  Scottie Scheffler
  • T20 – Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
  • T25 – The American Express (PGA)
  • 2 – Hero World Challenge (PGA)
  • T57 – The RSM Classic (PGA)
  • T2 – Hewlett Packard Enterprise Houston Open (PGA)
• 2021: Brooks Koepka
  • MC – Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
  • MC – The American Express (PGA)
  • MC – Mayakoba Golf Classic (PGA)
  • T7 – The Masters (MAJ)
  • T5 – Vivint Houston Open (PGA)

Previous Winners' Finishes at Event

2025: Thomas Detry

2024: Nick Taylor

2023:  Scottie Scheffler

2022:  Scottie Scheffler

2021: Brooks Koepka

Best of luck, and as always, you can find me on X @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting!