If you've heard anything about the WM Phoenix Open, you've probably heard about the 16th hole. It's the most talked-about single hole in professional golf — a short par-3 surrounded by a 20,000-seat stadium that transforms a quiet golf shot into something closer to a rock concert.
What Is the 16th Hole?
The 16th at TPC Scottsdale is a par-3 measuring between 163 and 201 yards depending on the pin position. Temporary grandstands are constructed around the hole each year, creating a bowl that holds up to 20,000 spectators. When the hole is full — which it is for most of the day on Thursday through Sunday — the noise is extraordinary.
The History of Holes-in-One on 16
The 16th has produced some of the most memorable moments in PGA Tour history. When a player aces the hole, the stadium erupts. Beer gets thrown in the air. Players have been known to do laps of the green and feed off the crowd in ways you simply don't see anywhere else on tour.
How to Get a Seat at the 16th
### General Admission — Arrive Early
With a general admission ticket, you can access the 16th hole stadium on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats fill up fast — often by 9 or 10 AM on busy days.
### 16th Hole Loge
The Loge is a reserved hospitality section built into the 16th hole stadium. You get a guaranteed seat — no need to arrive at dawn — along with food and beverage service and excellent sightlines.
### 16th Hole Skybox
The Skybox is the premium option. Private suite-style seating at the top of the stadium, with the best views on the course, premium catering, and a genuinely exclusive atmosphere.
The Best Times to Be at the 16th
Thursday and Friday mornings are the best time to get a seat on general admission. Saturday afternoon is when the atmosphere really builds. Sunday afternoon is the pinnacle — the leaders coming through 16 on the final day is one of the great experiences in professional golf.
Is the 16th Hole Worth the Hype?
Yes. Genuinely, unequivocally yes. Whether you watch from the general admission sections, the Loge, or the Skybox, a day at the 16th hole is a day you won't forget.