Fans Bring Essentials to Survive 16th Hole at WM Phoenix Open

From sunscreen to meat sticks, spectators pack survival kits for the lively tournament atmosphere.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The 2026 WM Phoenix Open is known for its vibrant crowds and high-energy atmosphere, especially at the iconic 16th hole. With temperatures reaching the low 80s and limited bag policies, fans must carefully pack their essentials to endure the day-long event. Items like sunscreen, portable chargers, lip balm, and even protein-rich meat sticks are among the must-have items spotted in fans' bags as they secure their spots early to soak up the lively tournament experience.

Why it matters

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the most popular stops on the PGA Tour, drawing massive crowds that create a unique, stadium-like atmosphere. Understanding how fans prepare for the event, especially at the renowned 16th hole, provides insight into the overall experience and the lengths spectators will go to in order to fully immerse themselves in the tournament's energetic environment.

The details

The tournament enforces a strict bag policy, limiting opaque bags to 6-by-6-by-6 inches and clear bags to 12-by-6-by-12 inches. With most seats at the 16th hole being general admission, fans arrive hours before sunrise to secure a spot, leaving them exposed to the desert sun for the duration of the day. As a result, items like sunscreen, portable chargers, lip balm, and even protein-rich snacks like meat sticks have become essential for fans looking to survive the long, hot day.

  • Fans began arriving as early as 6 a.m. to secure lower bowl spots at the 16th hole.
  • The Annexus Pro-Am was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Tammy Woods

A Sun City, Arizona resident who arrived at 7:30 a.m. with her husband Jerry and extended family, packing essentials like sunscreen, gum, Tylenol, body spray, lotion, and a sun hat.

Jenelle Dent

A fan who traveled from Washington and brought protein-rich meat sticks as her go-to item in her survival kit, which she shared with her friends.

Hayley Cox

A St. Louis resident who packed a kit designed for both utility and aesthetics, including a digital camera, hair clip, mini deodorant, Tide pen, Lumify eye drops, and a Summer Fridays lip balm.

Summer Condit

An Arizona State freshman who used her first-responder status to secure free tickets and brought lip gloss as her favorite item.

Morgan Leechman

An Arizona State freshman who arrived at the tournament with her friend Summer Condit and cited sunglasses as her favorite item.

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What they’re saying

“I have sunscreen, gum and Tylenol in case I get a headache, body spray, lotion and a sun hat. I also have my debit card and a makeup compact.”

— Tammy Woods, Sun City, Arizona resident (Golfweek)

“Protein forward is the way to go, I am a meat stick girl, so today I've got a chomp”

— Jenelle Dent (Golfweek)

“I have my digital camera, you can only bring them in on practice days. I have a hair clip in case I get hot, mini deodorant that I've offered to the whole group, a Tide pen and Lumify eye drops. I'm also carrying my Summer Fridays lip balm in 'Iced Coffee.' I think I might be addicted.”

— Hayley Cox, St. Louis resident (Golfweek)

“The essentials for today include an extra pair of sunglasses, four different lip gloss options and two different lip liners.”

— Jordyn Owens, Local resident (Golfweek)

What’s next

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open will continue through Sunday, February 9th, with the final round and trophy presentation scheduled for that day.

The takeaway

The unique atmosphere and fan experience at the WM Phoenix Open, especially at the iconic 16th hole, demonstrates the lengths spectators will go to in order to fully immerse themselves in the event. From packing essential survival items to arriving hours before sunrise, fans are dedicated to soaking up the high-energy, festival-like environment that has become a hallmark of this popular PGA Tour stop.