WM PHOENIX OPEN NEWS INFO
Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg announced today that sports icons Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Carli Lloyd, and Emmitt Smith have committed to compete in the 2026 WM Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am, set to take place Wednesday, Feb. 4, on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale.
Fitzgerald, a former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver and longtime Annexus Pro-Am participant, is joined by Lloyd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA World Player and NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, who is the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. The trio represents the first group of celebrity commitments for the 2026 Annexus Pro-Am, one of the most anticipated events of tournament week.
LARRY FITZGERALD JR., CARLI LLOYD AND EMMITT SMITH SET TO PLAY IN 2026 WM PHOENIX OPEN ANNEXUS PRO-AM
“The Annexus Pro-Am has become a destination for legendary competitors across the sports world,” Eisenberg said. “Bringing together athletes like Larry, Carli, and Emmitt captures the spirit of the WM Phoenix Open — elite competition, larger-than-life personalities, and an unforgettable experience for fans, partners, and players alike.”
A familiar face at the Annexus Pro-Am, Fitzgerald is an Honorary Thunderbird and one of the most respected figures in Arizona sports history. Over his 17-year NFL career, he earned 11 Pro Bowl selections and was widely recognized for his leadership and sportsmanship, including the 2014 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award and the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. In 2024, Fitzgerald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Beyond football, Fitzgerald is a philanthropist, investor, and business leader. He founded The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation in 2005 to create opportunities for youth in underserved communities and provide support for individuals and families affected by breast cancer. His business ventures span hospitality, sports, technology, real estate, and fintech.
One of the most accomplished players in U.S. soccer history, Lloyd is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time FIFA World Cup champion, and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year. She played 17 years with the U.S. Women’s National Team, finishing her international career with 134 goals in 316 appearances. Lloyd earned induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2025 and currently serves as a FOX Sports analyst and New York Times bestselling author. She also operates CL10 Soccer Clinics and continues to inspire audiences through her media work, most recently winning FOX’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
Smith enjoyed a 15-year NFL career, spending 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and two with the Arizona Cardinals. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing yards (18,335) and rushing touchdowns (164). A three-time Super Bowl champion, eight-time Pro Bowl selection, and 1993 NFL MVP, Smith has competed in the Annexus Pro-Am six times and captured the WHOOP Shot at Glory in 2016.