It’s Waste Management Week!
In advance of arguably the most electric Golf tournament of the season, we want to make sure travelers get the most out of their trips to Phoenix. 500,000+ rowdy spectators will flock to the city for this year’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course.
The tournament is unique in that fans are encouraged to participate actively (and loudly). The 16th hole is transformed into “The Coliseum” and is undoubtedly the most juiced hole on the professional tour.
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While most of your time will presumably be spent at the tournament participating in “The Greatest Show on Grass,” you still need somewhere to sleep, eat, and play golf. That’s where we come in.
Traveling someplace new is an opportunity to explore local foods, cultures, and unique experiences. Certainly, you can source all of your food from tournament vendors and even sleep undetected under the bleachers, but if you are like us, you are interested in exploring the Phoenix area and getting an authentic taste of the city.
Where to Stay:
The Scott Resort & Spa
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
W Scottsdale
Airbnb (Most likely your best bet if you are traveling with a group.)
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Where to Eat:
Breakfast & Coffee
Welcome Diner –
Early morning or late night. When your group can’t make up their minds, hit the Diner.
Essence Bakery Cafe –
European-style pastries with local flair. Depending on where you are staying this is a possible multi-visit breakfast option.
Fourtillfourcoffee –
Desert-roasted coffee and vintage cars with a large outdoor patio. From Porches to Adventure Machines, the cafe hosts car-focused events every weekend.
Copper Star Coffee –
Drink local coffee. All pastries, bagels, sandwiches, and hummus are made in-house. They have a drive-through for those of us running late to the tournament.
Crew Coffee Co. & The Local Donut –
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7-10:30 a.m., Crew Coffee parks its coffee truck at The Local Donut in Scottsdale. Grab a donut for now, and some extra to get you through the day. You’re on vacation.
Lunch & Dinner
Pizzeria Bianco –
Pizza? In Phoenix? Chirs Bianco remains one of the most revered pizza makers in the country. Wood-fired pizzas that rival any in the country.
Durant’s –
A Phoenix institution. Serving up steaks and booze in an old-school steakhouse environment for over 50 years. Lunch or Dinner. Where local movers and shakers post up to devour stone crabs and martinis. Great lunchtime sandwiches.
Dominick’s Steakhouse –
Upscale chophouse for steaks & seafood served in an upscale setting with poolside dining on the roof. Perfect for larger groups.
Richardson’s –
Breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. This is your spot for New Mexican food, with some southwestern flair. Great for groups.
Arcadia Meat Market –
Pay a visit to this local deli/butcher for an old-school sandwich. The Italian combo is not to be missed.
Barrio Cafe –
A slightly more upscale option for Mexican run by a James Beard Award-nominated chef. This is a gem.
Little Miss BBQ –
Texas-style BBQ with two locations + a vendor booth at the tournament. Smoked meats that locals line up for.
Where to Play
Golf
Grayhawk –
The Talon and Raptor courses are both demanding but rewarding tests of desert golf. Stop what you’re doing, give them a call, and get on the tee sheet, you’ve come all this way.
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We-Ko-Pa –
The Saguaro is a Coore & Crenshaw-designed course that deserves to be walked in order to appreciate its views. It is a bit hilly. The Cholla course is desert target golf at its finest. Both courses are near a casino.
Longbow (Troon) –
A very entertaining layout, the course butts up against a small, private airport. Not the quietest course for this reason but a great place to play considering several other courses will be booked up with the WM and Superbowl in town.
Raven Golf Club –
Offering a bit of a different feel than other courses in the area due to its lush greenery. Super fun and walkable.
Aquila (Phoenix City Course) –
Taking into account value and layout, this may be one of the best options when visiting town this week. A super fun track that is always in good condition. There is also a Par-3 course on the property.
Encanto 18 –
With casual, muni-like vibes, it is centrally located in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The course offers great views of downtown and allows dogs. Great for players of all levels.
Talking Stick – O’oodham –
Fairways are wide open making this a great option for higher-handicap players. The course is located on Native American-owned land meaning water restrictions do not apply. Usually in great shape as a result.
Off Course Activities
Papago Park –
Hike the iconic red butte formations, including the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail. The park also features seven acres of stocked fishing lagoons, The Phoenix Zoo, The Desert Botanical Garden, and the Papago Golf Course.
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Camelback Mountain –
20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback is one of the city’s best hikes offering a few different trails.
With Kids? Visit the Largest Aquarium in the Southwest
OdySea features more than 30,000 marine creatures. The perfect place to tire young ones out before a nap.
Visiting Phoenix/Scottsdale while the WM Phoenix Open and the Superbowl are in town will inevitably present some logistical issues. If your first-choice options aren’t available, don’t fret, the city is chock-full of great ways to entertain yourself. Don’t forget to do your research in advance, have the tournament schedule readily available, secure reservations, and make sure to check the dress code for each restaurant you end up visiting.
Don’t know where to start and prefer a more hands-off approach? Visit the Turnpike Tour to speak with a trusted travel advisor. The Turnpike Tour specializes in creating customized trips that meet the needs and desires of your group. From lodging and transportation to reservations at local courses and restaurants, the Turnpike Tour builds personalized itineraries (on-and-off the course) for your group.
Helpful Links for attending the Tournament:
- https://www.pgatour.com/know-before-you-go.html
- https://wmphoenixopen.com/faqs/
- https://tpc.com/scottsdale/waste-management-phoenix-open/
Cover Image Via Visit Phoenix
