The PGA Tour once again heads to the desert for the WM Phoenix Open, the loudest, wildest, and most unapologetically fun stop on the calendar. “The People’s Open” returns for its 39th edition at TPC Scottsdale, where perfect weather, massive crowds and a stacked field promise another electric week. With 10 former major champions and 11 of the world’s top 20 teeing it up, this is far more than just a party. It’s a genuine elite-level test disguised as a spectacle, with the Super Bowl looming and the famous Coliseum ready to erupt.
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PGA Tour Phoenix Open Betting Tips
TPC Scottsdale, Thursday 5th - 8th February
Top Picks
Scottie Scheffler ($3.40/Top 5 $1.62)
Scheffler returns to the site of his first PGA Tour victory and arrives in terrifying form after winning The American Express in his 2026 season debut. That victory was his 20th on Tour, securing a lifetime exemption and pushing him past the $100 million mark in career earnings. TPC Scottsdale suits his relentless tee-to-green dominance perfectly, and last year’s T25 here stands out as an anomaly in an otherwise flawless season. If the putter behaves even slightly, Scheffler has the firepower to put this tournament away early.
Viktor Hovland ($38/Top 20 $2.35)
This marks Hovland’s season debut, and while his history at the WM Phoenix Open is modest, his recent form overseas suggests he’s trending well. He finished T14 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and appears healthier and more settled. TPC Scottsdale rewards elite ball striking and confident iron play, and if Hovland sharpens his short game, he has the ceiling to make a serious move over the weekend.
Value Picks
Brooks Koepka ($56/Top 30 $2.10)
Few players feed off big moments and big crowds like Koepka, and this place has always brought out his best. A two-time winner at TPC Scottsdale, including his maiden Tour victory in 2015, Koepka arrives after shaking off rust at Torrey Pines last week. His comfort on desert layouts, combined with his ability to elevate his game when the spotlight is brightest, makes him a serious threat once again. If he finds rhythm with the irons, the rest of the field will feel the pressure fast.
Sahith Theegala ($56/Top 20 $2.10)
Theegala feels primed for a surge. After finishing third in the FedExCup in 2024 and tumbling last season, the signs of a rebound are already there with a solid start to 2026 and a top-seven finish at Torrey Pines. His creativity, flair and fearless approach make him a perfect fit for a week where momentum and emotion play a huge role. If he rides the crowd energy rather than fighting it, he could absolutely contend.
The Field
The WM Phoenix Open field is loaded from top to bottom. Scheffler headlines alongside Koepka and Xander Schauffele, while major champions and top-20 regulars like Hideki Matsuyama, Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young, Sepp Straka and Chris Gotterup add serious depth. Veterans and fan favourites including Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, Max Homa and Billy Horschel round out a field that feels closer to a signature event than a standard Tour stop.
There’s also plenty happening beneath the surface with Aon Swing 5 implications front and centre. With Pebble Beach and Riviera spots up for grabs, players like Pierceson Coody, Matt McCarty and Patrick Rodgers are under real pressure to hold their positions. A strong week here could define the early part of someone’s season.
Sponsor exemptions bring added intrigue. Joel Dahmen returns as a local cult hero after a resurgent performance last week, while Sahith Theegala and Charley Hoffman both arrive motivated to capitalise on opportunity. Expect fireworks both on and off the course.
The Course
TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course is a par 71 measuring just over 7,260 yards, and while it’s visually friendly, it demands precision. Desert carries, strategic bunkering and slick greens punish even small mistakes. The par fives offer scoring chances, but danger lurks everywhere for players who lose discipline.
The iconic par-3 16th is the heartbeat of the tournament. The Coliseum transforms a simple short hole into the most intimidating tee shot of the week, where nerves are tested as much as swing mechanics. It’s often where momentum swings, both positively and disastrously.
Low scores are common here, but winning still requires control. With ideal weather forecast and calm conditions expected, birdies will be flying. However, history shows that staying patient, avoiding big numbers and handling the atmosphere are just as important as raw scoring. Whoever wins will need to embrace the chaos, not shy away from it.
