The WM Phoenix Open is getting a facelift–in more ways than one. The iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, already famous for its rowdy gallery and party-atmosphere, is about to undergo a major redesign in its hospitality infrastructure for the 2026 edition.
Organizers are introducing a 100% reusable modular structure (apparently the first of its kind in the U.S.) around the 16th hole. In keeping with the tournament’s “zero waste” goals, materials from the existing facility are expected to be repurposed by InProduction for other events. The aim: reduce construction waste, raise sustainability standards, and make the hospitality footprint as modern as the fan experience.
Enhanced Premium Experience & Layout Upgrades
The changes go beyond sustainability. The new 16th-hole hospitality will come with more polished finishes, larger interior bays, higher ceilings, and fewer support columns. Sightlines will improve through frameless glass railings replacing older scrims and barriers–giving premium guests a clearer, cleaner view of the action.
A major addition is the Pin Hi Club, a new venue located just left of the green. For the first time ever, fans can purchase individual hospitality tickets on No. 16 via this new venue. Previously, fans could only access the 16th via the greenside grandstand (first-come, first-served). LED video boards will be installed, and the interior design is being refreshed to match modern expectations.
Still, the traditional grandstand will remain in place for daily ticket holders who prefer that experience.
“For years, the 16th hole has set the standard for excitement in the golf world, now with this new structure, the 16th hole will also set the standard for what a premium fan experience is, not just in golf, but in sports,” Jason Eisenberg, WM Phoenix Open tournament chairman, said.
“We’ve opened up the sightlines, raised the ceilings, modernized the interior and added the brand-new Pin Hi Club to take the 16th hole hospitality experience to another level.”
Branding, Experience, and Revenue
The 16th hole is the crown jewel of WM Phoenix Open fan culture–the “loudest hole in golf.” Giving it a hospitality overhaul signals that the tournament wants to lean harder into that spectacle and monetize it. The improved amenities and visuals aim to match the emotional intensity fans bring to that hole.
The Pin Hi Club, offering individual tickets, opens access to premium hospitality beyond just corporate packages. That broadens the potential audience for higher-tier experiences.
The tournament’s commitment to 100% reusable modular construction is a bold statement in golf event management. Many tournaments build temporary structures that are discarded or dismantled with waste. By contrast, this modular approach suggests a shift toward greener, smarter design practices in sports venues.
Given growing fan expectations around environmental responsibility, positioning the Phoenix Open as a leader in sustainable tournament infrastructure could be a differentiator.
Possible Challenges & Considerations
Altering the 16th hole’s form significantly risks alienating purists who cherish the old setup. The organizers must be careful not to over-engineer away what makes that hole so magnetic: raw energy, unpredictability, and closeness to crowd action.
While individual hospitality tickets open new avenues, the price points will matter. The report noted that other hospitality options (on the 9th and 17th greens) start at $421 each (with a minimum order of two). The 16th-tier corporate packages reportedly start at $100,000. If pricing is too steep, many fans may opt out or feel excluded.
Ensuring that everyday spectators still feel part of the 16th-hole energy–even those not in premium suites–will be critical to preserving the communal vibe.