2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament Format Announced

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The 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open, a PGA Tour event held at TPC Scottsdale near Phoenix, Arizona, will maintain its traditional 72-hole tournament format. The field will be 123 players, with a cut made after 36 holes to the top 65 players and ties. The final two rounds will feature pairings based on total score. Any playoff to settle a tie after 72 holes will use a sudden-death format on the 18th hole, with the hole location moved every two holes.

Why it matters

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour, known for its lively atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds. Maintaining the standard tournament format helps provide continuity for players and fans alike, as they know what to expect each year at this long-running event.

The details

The 123-player field will be divided into threesomes for the first two rounds, with each threesome playing both the morning and afternoon waves. After 36 holes, a cut will be made to the top 65 players and ties. For the final two rounds, pairings will be based on total score, with the highest scorers going first. Any playoff to determine the winner will use a sudden-death format on the 18th hole, with the hole location moved every two holes.

• The 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open will take place from February 5-8, 2026.