SCOTTSDALE, AZ — The 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open tees-off this week in Scottsdale, marking one of the first large-scale events to go on despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Because of the pandemic, the tournament has been scaled back significantly -- daily attendance will be limited to 5,000, safety protocols will be in place, and most of the hospitality suites and entertainment that the tournament is known for, such as the Birds Nest, are not there this year.
But, some of the staples -- the celebrity-filled Pro-Am, the 16th Hole, and the tournament itself -- will be part of this year's experience.
Here is what you need to know:
- The tournament runs Feb. 1-7, 2021 at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale
- Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 serve as practice rounds for the professional players; no fans these days
- Feb. 3 is the Pro-Am tournament
- Feb. 4-7 are the first, second, third, and four rounds of the PGA tournament
- Daily attendance limited to 5,000 people
- General admission is up this year, $100-$125, depending on the day
COVID-19 SAFETY
One of the biggest changes to the pandemic will be the number of people allowed inside each day. Attendance will be limited to 5,000 people.
Everyone will undergo a temperature check before being allowed inside the tournament and masks will also be required at all times, the tournament previously announced.
16TH HOLE REIMAGINED
The 16th Hole, one of the highlights of the yearly PGA tournament, will still be part of this year's tournament. It's a little smaller -- a one-story, open-air venue, limited to 2,000 people -- but fans will still be able to watch players enthusiastically try their hand at its famous Par 3.
Individual tickets to the 16th Hole are available and include admission, food, and drink. They vary between $600-$650 per person (two tickets minimum).
WHO'S PLAYING IN THE PRO-AM?
The Annexus Pro-Am is on Wednesday and typically pairs celebrities, athletes, and other high-profile people with professional players for a round of golf.
This year's lineup includes Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Phelps, Darius Rucker, Archie Bradley, Nolan Arenado, Alexandra O’Laughlin, Rob Riggle, Zac Gallen, and Gerina Piller, among others.
Visit https://wmphoenixopen.com for tickets and additional information.
STATUS OF OTHER PHOENIX-AREA EVENTS
Looking ahead, a number of events that Phoenix typically hosts in the months following the new year have either been canceled, delayed, or reimagined.
Barrett-Jacket delayed its week-long event to the end of March.
Spring Training, the next major sports event, is scheduled to begin on Feb. 27, but reports have surfaced in recent days about a potential proposal to delay the event. Nothing official has been announced either way, however.
The Chandler Ostrich Festival delayed its spring festival to the fall. NASCAR plans to have its Spring races with limited fans at Phoenix Raceway. Country Thunder is currently planned for April.
The Arizona Renaissance Festival, Innings Festival, Buckeye Air Fair, Lost Dutchman Days, Scottsdale's Parada Del Sol and Trail's End Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire, Street Eats Festival, and Tempe Festival of the Arts all canceled their events for the year.
