WM Phoenix Open 2026 Tees Off with Defending Champ Absent

Scottie Scheffler among favorites as tournament returns to TPC Scottsdale

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:31am

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The 2026 WM Phoenix Open is underway at TPC Scottsdale, with the first round of the PGA Tour event taking place on Thursday, February 5th. Defending champion Thomas Detry is not in the field after joining LIV Golf, but two-time winner Scottie Scheffler is among the favorites. Fans are eager to see the return of the popular tournament, which is introducing new food and beverage options this year.

Why it matters

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour calendar, drawing massive crowds to the Scottsdale area. With the absence of the defending champion, it opens up the field for new contenders to emerge and potentially claim the title at the iconic tournament.

The details

The first round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open is underway at TPC Scottsdale. Thomas Detry, the defending champion, is not in the field after joining the LIV Golf circuit. However, two-time winner Scottie Scheffler is among the favorites to take home the title this year. The tournament is also introducing new food and beverage options, including sushi and an open bar, to enhance the fan experience.

  • The first round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open teed off on Thursday, February 5th.
  • Thomas Detry won the 2025 WM Phoenix Open but is not competing this year after joining LIV Golf.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

A two-time winner of the WM Phoenix Open, Scheffler is among the favorites to claim the title this year.

Thomas Detry

The defending champion of the WM Phoenix Open, Detry is not in the field this year after joining the LIV Golf circuit.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The tournament will continue through the weekend, with the final round scheduled for Sunday, February 8th.

The takeaway

The absence of the defending champion, Thomas Detry, opens up the field for new contenders to emerge and claim the title at the iconic WM Phoenix Open. Fans are eager to see the return of the popular tournament, which is introducing new food and beverage options to enhance the overall experience.