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What to know about the WM Phoenix Open’s Wednesday Annexus Pro-Am at TPC Scottsdale

AuthorEditorial Team
Published
February 4, 2026/03:16 PM
Section
Events
What to know about the WM Phoenix Open’s Wednesday Annexus Pro-Am at TPC Scottsdale
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Author: Gage Skidmore

A tournament-week centerpiece ahead of the opening round

The WM Phoenix Open’s Wednesday program at TPC Scottsdale centers on the Annexus Pro-Am, a marquee tournament-week event that pairs PGA TOUR professionals with invited guests from sports and entertainment. The 2026 WM Phoenix Open runs February 2–8, with the Annexus Pro-Am scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, on the Stadium Course.

Organizers have set Pro-Am tee times to begin in the morning. Pairings and starting holes are released the night before, while daily tee times and groupings are also distributed through the PGA TOUR’s official digital channels once published.

Entry timing and viewing strategy on a high-demand day

Wednesday typically draws large crowds because it combines competitive golf, a less formal atmosphere than tournament rounds, and frequent player-caddie-guest interaction. Fans seeking unobstructed viewing tend to arrive early and choose a viewing plan that minimizes cross-course backtracking.

Course navigation can involve several miles of walking over the day. Practical preparation—comfortable footwear, water planning, and sun protection—can materially affect the experience, particularly given Arizona’s daytime conditions during tournament week.

Celebrity field: confirmed names and the format’s appeal

The 2026 guest lineup announced for the Annexus Pro-Am includes Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps, NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, and soccer great Carli Lloyd. The entertainment slate includes actor and comedian Colin Jost and actor Brian Baumgartner. Country artist Zach Top is also listed among participants.

Pro-Am play is widely viewed as one of the best opportunities of the week to see recognizable guests up close and to watch PGA TOUR players interact in a more relaxed setting than the four official rounds. Fans often position themselves on less-congested stretches of the course—particularly away from the most iconic grandstand areas—to get clearer sightlines and more manageable crowd flow.

Operations, capacity, and what fans should monitor

Event operations can change by day, including gate flows and capacity management. Organizers have also emphasized that tee times are subject to change.

  • Confirm pairings and tee times once posted the evening before play.
  • Plan for extended walking time between signature viewing areas.
  • Prepare for sun exposure and hydration needs during multi-hour outdoor attendance.
Wednesday’s Annexus Pro-Am functions as both a competitive warm-up and a high-profile public showcase ahead of Thursday’s first round.

Charitable component tied to tournament week

The WM Phoenix Open is hosted by The Thunderbirds, a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization. Tournament-week proceeds support local charitable giving, with organizers reporting more than $18 million raised for Arizona charities in the prior year.