PGA Tour Players Weigh In on Watching Golf at TPC Scottsdale's 16th Hole

Fans flock to the infamous par-3 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open, but some players say the front nine offers a better golf-watching experience.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open, is known for its raucous atmosphere, with fans lining up for hours to experience the chaotic scene. However, some PGA Tour players suggest that the front nine of the course offers a better environment for actually watching golf, as the 16th hole is more about the party atmosphere than appreciating the players' skills.

Why it matters

The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale has become a iconic part of the WM Phoenix Open, but the divide between fans who want to experience the party atmosphere and those who want to focus on the golf itself highlights the challenges of balancing entertainment and the sport at high-profile golf events.

The details

The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is surrounded by a massive temporary arena, with fans waiting in line for hours to enter the chaotic scene. While some embrace the party atmosphere, with fans cheering, booing, drinking, and refilling their beverages, other players suggest that the front nine of the course offers a better environment for actually watching golf, as the views and crowds are more conducive to appreciating the players' skills.

  • The wait to enter the 16th hole arena can be up to an hour during Friday's second round.
  • On the weekend, the wait can be two hours or more.

The players

Jake Knapp

A local resident and PGA Tour player who says you have to "embrace" the atmosphere at the 16th hole.

John Parry

An Englishman making his tournament debut at the WM Phoenix Open.

Joel Dahmen

A PGA Tour player who missed the cut at the event and could only attend as a spectator this weekend.

Rickie Fowler

A PGA Tour player who recommends experiencing the 16th hole but says the front nine is better for actually watching golf.

Akshay Bhatia

A PGA Tour player who says TPC Scottsdale is "almost two different courses" with the front nine and the "crazy" back nine.

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What they’re saying

“You have to embrace it.”

— Jake Knapp, PGA Tour player (Yahoo Sports)

“You just have to accept what they're there for.”

— John Parry, PGA Tour player (Yahoo Sports)

“If you just want to watch golf you go to the front nine. If you're asking me, I would go to 16.”

— Max Homa, PGA Tour player (Yahoo Sports)

“To drink.”

— Max Homa, PGA Tour player (Yahoo Sports)

“I think there are spots on the front nine where you can get a really good view of multiple holes. Once you get to that 16, 17, it's pretty tough to see stuff. So the front nine is a little quieter, and then when you get out to 13, 14 it's pretty quiet out there as well. I would not be in the masses if I was here to watch golf.”

— Joel Dahmen, PGA Tour player (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The 16th hole experience at the WM Phoenix Open will continue to be a topic of discussion among players and fans as the tournament progresses.

The takeaway

The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale highlights the challenge of balancing entertainment and the sport of golf at high-profile events. While the raucous atmosphere draws large crowds, some players suggest the front nine offers a better environment for actually watching and appreciating the golf itself.