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The most popular fan event on the PGA Tour will look very different in 2021
The rowdiest show in golf is going to be a little less rowdy in 2021.
Officials for the Waste Management Phoenix Open announced this week that is will not have its usual buildout for next year’s event. Constructing the WMPO infrastructure usually begins in the fall, a timeline officials said they will be unable to meet due to COVID-19 restrictions. As such, there will be fewer suites and hospitality venues, which likely impacts the presentation of TPC Scottsdale’s iconic “Stadium” hole.
"Due to continued health challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape at the Waste Management Phoenix Open will unfortunately look different this year," WMPO chairman Scott Jenkins said in a statement.
However, the tournament did state it is planning on having some type of spectator presence on the grounds. The WMPO attracts the largest galleries on the tour; though they stopped publicly releasing numbers in 2020, the 2019 event drew over 719,000 people.
“ ‘The People’s Open’ just would not be the same without our fans, so it is our every intention to have fans at the Waste Management Phoenix Open,” said Jenkins.
Fans have not been able to attend a tour event since the restart in June, and just last week Augusta National Golf Club announced no patrons will be allowed on site at the 2020 Masters in November.
The 2021 Waste Management Pheonix Open begins Feb. 1.