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#PEOPLESOPEN
Volunteers Map of Event

WM Phoenix Open

2026 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: DAVID WAGNER

January 26, 2026 by WM Phoenix Open

WM PHOENIX OPEN
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With more than four decades of service, David Wagner is one of the longest-tenured volunteers in WM Phoenix Open history. A leader within Volunteer Security, he has witnessed the tournament’s growth from its early days at Phoenix Country Club to its evolution into a global showcase, all while helping maintain the professionalism and safety required to operate at such a massive scale.

From iconic moments inside the ropes to the day-to-day leadership of his security team, David takes pride in supporting an event built on trust, teamwork, and respect, and values the people behind the scenes as much as the action on the course — a shared purpose that keeps him coming back year after year.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: DAVID WAGNER

Where are you from and where do you currently live?
I’m from Virginia Beach, Virginia. My wife Betty and I live in North Phoenix. We were stationed at Luke Air Force Base in 1985.

How many years have you volunteered for the WM Phoenix Open?
More than 40 years, starting when the tournament was held at Phoenix Country Club.

Have you volunteered in the same role or different capacities?
I began in Volunteer Security and have served in a chair or co-chair capacity ever since.

What role did you serve at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open?
I continue to serve as a co-chair for Volunteer Security.

What is your favorite memory as a volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open?
Being part of Tiger Woods’ security detail when he made a hole-in-one on the 16th hole — standing just 15 feet away during one of the most memorable moments in tournament history.

Why should people volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open?
Beyond seeing professional golfers and celebrities up close, it’s the people you meet. Moments like giving Alice Cooper a cart ride to the 16th hole are unforgettable.

What makes the WM Phoenix Open different from other volunteer opportunities?
The Thunderbirds genuinely care about every volunteer and always make time to show appreciation and support.

Have you met PGA TOUR pros or celebrities from your time as a volunteer?
Yes — Payne Stewart, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Larry Fitzgerald, Charles Barkley, and Michael Jordan, all of whom treated volunteers with respect.

What keeps you coming back to volunteer?
The camaraderie and the volunteers who have stayed with me for decades. Sharing stories and experiences is what keeps me coming back.

Wildest moment as a volunteer at the tournament?
Managing security on the 10th fairway when helicopters landed to escort VIPs to the Super Bowl in 1996.

Anything else you’d like to share?
We have volunteers from all over the world, and the charitable impact makes this an incredibly rewarding experience.

Filed Under: Volunteer Spotlight

ARIZONA CARDINALS STARS TREY MCBRIDE, BUDDA BAKER AND ZAVEN COLLINS SET TO MAKE ANNEXUS PRO-AM DEBUT AT 2026 WM PHOENIX OPEN

January 26, 2026 by WM Phoenix Open

WM PHOENIX OPEN
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Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg announced today that Arizona Cardinals stars Trey McBride, Budda Baker, and Zaven Collins will make their Annexus Pro-Am debut at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. The trio represents the latest group of local athletes committed to the popular pro-am, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale.

“Few things resonate more with our fans than seeing Arizona athletes take part in tournament week,” Eisenberg said. “Trey, Budda, and Zaven represent the present and future of the Arizona Cardinals, they will certainly add a special local connection and energy to the WM Phoenix Open.”

McBride has firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends and a cornerstone of the Arizona Cardinals offense. During the 2025 season, he delivered a historic campaign, setting an NFL record for receptions by a tight end with 126 catches and earning First-Team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl selection. His production placed him among the league leaders in receptions across all positions, underscoring his impact well beyond the tight end position.

A matchup nightmare with elite athleticism and reliable hands, McBride has recorded three consecutive seasons with at least 80 receptions, including back-to-back 100-catch seasons — becoming the first tight end in NFL history to accomplish that feat. He owns multiple franchise records for a tight end, including receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, and continues to redefine the role as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the league.

Baker is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the most accomplished defensive players in Arizona Cardinals history. Since being selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he has earned multiple All-Pro honors and is a six-time team captain and defensive leader. A former standout at the University of Washington, Baker leads all NFL defensive backs with 1,003 tackles since entering the league in 2017. Known for his speed, physicality, and versatility, Baker remains one of the NFL’s premier safeties and a fan favorite throughout the Valley.

A first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, Collins has developed into a versatile playmaker known for his size, athleticism, and football intelligence. He starred collegiately at the University of Tulsa, where he earned consensus All-America honors and captured both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award in 2020. He has played in 51 consecutive games and has 12 sacks, 259 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions in his career.

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale February 2–8 for the 91st edition of “The People’s Open.” One of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR, the WM Phoenix Open has been recognized six times as the PGA TOUR’s Event of the Year and is celebrated as one of the most iconic and fan-friendly tournaments in professional golf.

Filed Under: Insights, Press

LARRY FITZGERALD JR., CARLI LLOYD AND EMMITT SMITH SET TO PLAY IN 2026 WM PHOENIX OPEN ANNEXUS PRO-AM

January 23, 2026 by WM Phoenix Open

WM PHOENIX OPEN
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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.

“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.

Filed Under: Insights, Press

WYNDHAM CLARK, JORDAN SPIETH, BILLY HORSCHEL AND MAX HOMA ADDED TO 2026 WM PHOENIX OPEN FIELD

January 23, 2026 by WM Phoenix Open

WM PHOENIX OPEN
NEWS
INFO

Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg announced today that four of the most recognizable and accomplished players on the PGA TOUR have committed to compete in the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, scheduled for February 2–8 at TPC Scottsdale.

U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, three-time major champion Jordan Spieth, former FedExCup champion Billy Horschel, and six-time PGA TOUR winner Max Homa join an already strong field for the 91st edition of “The People’s Open,” adding proven winners, fan favorites, and major championship pedigree to tournament week.

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“These are players our fans know, respect, and connect with,” Eisenberg said. “Each of them has built an impressive career on the PGA TOUR, and their commitment adds depth, familiarity, and competitive experience to the 2026 WM Phoenix Open field.”

Clark is a three-time PGA TOUR winner whose rise has been highlighted by success on the game’s biggest stages. He earned his first two TOUR victories in 2023, capturing the Wells Fargo Championship before breaking through with a win at the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club. Clark followed that season with continued success in 2024, highlighted by a victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, two runner-up finishes, and eight Top-10 results, finishing eighth in the final FedExCup standings. The 2026 WM Phoenix Open will mark his eighth career appearance at TPC Scottsdale, where his best finish is a T10 in 2023.

One of the most accomplished players of his generation, Spieth has built a career defined by historic achievements and longevity. A three-time major champion and 13-time PGA TOUR winner, Spieth claimed five victories during his memorable 2015 season, including wins at the Masters and U.S. Open, en route to capturing the FedExCup and PGA TOUR Player of the Year honors. He has been a fixture on U.S. team competitions, representing the United States in five Ryder Cups and four Presidents Cups. Spieth recorded two top-five finishes during the 2025 season, including a tie for fourth at the WM Phoenix Open, and will make his 10th career start at TPC Scottsdale, where he owns five Top-10 finishes.

Horschel brings championship experience and consistency to the 2026 field. An eight-time PGA TOUR winner and FedExCup champion, he enjoyed a strong 2024 season highlighted by a victory at the Corales Puntacana Championship and six Top-10 finishes, including a runner-up result at The Open Championship, his best showing in a major. The 2026 tournament will mark Horschel’s 14th appearance at the WM Phoenix Open, where his best finish came with a sixth-place result in 2022.

Homa has established himself as one of the PGA TOUR’s most popular and recognizable players, earning six TOUR victories since turning professional in 2013. His breakthrough win at the 2021 Genesis Invitational launched a run that firmly positioned him as a consistent presence on leaderboards and a fan favorite across the TOUR. Homa’s best finish at the WM Phoenix Open came in 2020 with a solo sixth-place result, and the 2026 edition of “The People’s Open” will mark his eighth career appearance at TPC Scottsdale.

Filed Under: Insights, Press

XANDER SCHAUFFELE, VIKTOR HOVLAND AND TONY FINAU CONFIRMED FOR 2026 WM PHOENIX OPEN

January 21, 2026 by WM Phoenix Open

WM PHOENIX OPEN
NEWS
INFO

Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg announced today that three of the world’s top players — Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, and Tony Finau — have committed to compete in the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, scheduled for February 2–8 at TPC Scottsdale.

World No. 4 and two-time major champion Xander Schauffele, 2023 FedExCup champion Viktor Hovland (World No. 14), and six-time PGA TOUR winner Tony Finau headline the latest group of commitments. With their addition, the field now features seven former WM Phoenix Open champions and seven Major champions set to compete at the 91st edition of “The People’s Open.”  World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and two-time WM Phoenix Open champ Brooks Koepka committed earlier this month.

“This is the type of group that reinforces how strong and competitive the WM Phoenix Open field continues to be,” Eisenberg said. “Xander, Viktor, and Tony are proven winners on the biggest stages, and their commitment adds even more depth and quality to an already impressive 2026 field.”

One of the most consistent performers in professional golf, Schauffele enters the 2026 WM Phoenix Open with 10 PGA TOUR victories to his name. During the 2025 season, he qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs for the ninth consecutive year, advanced to the BMW Championship, and recorded four Top-10 finishes while making the cut in all 16 of his starts. An Olympic gold medalist and three-time U.S. Ryder Cup team member, Schauffele will be making his seventh career start at the WM Phoenix Open, where he has posted multiple Top-10 finishes, including a runner-up result in 2021.

Hovland enters the 2026 WM Phoenix Open ranked No. 14 in the world following another strong season highlighted by his victory at the Valspar Championship, the seventh PGA TOUR win of his career. The Norwegian standout finished No. 12 in the FedExCup standings and advanced to the TOUR Championship for the sixth consecutive season. A three-time Ryder Cup competitor for Team Europe, Hovland will be making his fourth career appearance at TPC Scottsdale, where his ball-striking and steady presence have made him a consistent contender.

A proven veteran and fan favorite, Finau returns to “The People’s Open” in 2026 after qualifying for the FedExCup Playoffs for the 11th consecutive season. The six-time PGA TOUR winner made the cut in 15 of 20 starts during the season, highlighted by a T-5 finish at the Genesis Invitational. Finau has represented the United States on two Ryder Cup teams and two Presidents Cup teams and will be making his ninth career start at TPC Scottsdale, where he finished runner-up to Webb Simpson in a playoff in 2020.

Filed Under: Insights, Press

FORMER WM PHOENIX OPEN CHAMPIONS HEADLINE LATEST WAVE OF COMMITMENTS FOR 2026 FIELD

January 19, 2026 by WM Phoenix Open

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Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg announced today a distinguished group of former WM Phoenix Open champions have committed to compete in the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, scheduled for February 2–8 at TPC Scottsdale.

Two-time champion Hideki Matsuyama (World No. 15), 2024 champion Nick Taylor, 2020 champion Webb Simpson, 2019 champion Rickie Fowler, 2018 champion Gary Woodland, and headline the latest commitments.

With these latest additions, the field for the 91st edition of “The People’s Open” now features seven former WM Phoenix Open champions, including previously announced World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and two-time WM Phoenix Open champion Brooks Koepka, all vying for another Waterford Crystal Thunderbird Trophy.

“We take great pride in the fact that champions want to come back and compete at the WM Phoenix Open,” Eisenberg said. “When past winners return to TPC Scottsdale, it reinforces the strength of this field and the standard of competition our fans expect. From the top of the world rankings to proven champions who know what it takes to win here, this group reflects the depth, history, and competitive excellence that define ‘The People’s Open.’”

Matsuyama continues to build one of the most accomplished careers in modern golf. Currently ranked 17th in the Official World Golf Ranking, he is a trailblazer for Japanese golf with 19 worldwide victories, including the 2021 Masters Tournament, where he became the first Japanese-born player to win a major championship. A two-time WM Phoenix Open champion (2016, 2017), Matsuyama is one of only eight players in tournament history to successfully defend a title at TPC Scottsdale. In 12 career starts at the event, he has recorded two wins, one runner-up finish, five Top-10s, and nine Top-25 finishes. He will seek a third WM Phoenix Open victory in 2026, which would place him among a select group of players to win the event three times.

Taylor, currently ranked 57th in the world, captured the 2024 WM Phoenix Open in dramatic fashion, defeating Charley Hoffman in a two-hole sudden-death playoff. A five-time PGA TOUR winner, the Canadian standout has authored several defining moments on TOUR, including his historic victory at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, becoming the first Canadian in nearly 70 years to win his nation’s open championship. Taylor will look to become just the 13th player in tournament history to claim multiple WM Phoenix Open titles.

Fowler remains one of golf’s most recognizable figures and a fan favorite at TPC Scottsdale. He earned his WM Phoenix Open victory in 2019 and returned to the winner’s circle in 2023 with a win at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. In 17 career starts at the WM Phoenix Open, Fowler has posted one victory, two runner-up finishes, and seven top-25 results, ranking among the tournament’s all-time leaders in career earnings.

Woodland owns four PGA TOUR victories highlighted by his 2018 WM Phoenix Open win and his major championship triumph at the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. He will make his 17th career appearance at TPC Scottsdale, where he has recorded three Top-10 finishes and seven Top-25s, ranking among the Top 20 players on the tournament’s career money list.

Simpson is a seven-time PGA TOUR winner and 2012 U.S. Open champion who claimed the WM Phoenix Open title in 2020. In nine career starts at TPC Scottsdale, he has posted four Top-10 finishes, including a runner-up result in 2017 that extended to a four-hole playoff.

“The Tee-Off Luncheon is our annual event that kicks off WM Phoenix Open season, brings together this great community, and allows us to showcase what’s new and exciting for the upcoming event,” said Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg. “We’re thrilled to welcome one of the Valley’s most beloved sports figures to the stage, where he’ll reflect on his journey in the NFL, talk about his achievements off the field and share personal stories of his experiences participating in WM Phoenix Open events throughout the years.”

A familiar face at the Annexus Pro-Am, Fitzgerald is an Honorary Thunderbird and is widely recognized for his notable accolades that include serving as a 12-time team captain, receiving the 2014 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award and the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, and being inducted into the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame.

Beyond football, Fitzgerald is a philanthropist, investor, and business leader. In 2005, he founded The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, which creates opportunities for young people in underserved communities to learn and thrive in safe and healthy environments while also providing resources for individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. As a dedicated investor and entrepreneur, Fitzgerald has built a diverse portfolio spanning hospitality, sports, technology, real estate, and fintech.

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale February 2–8, bringing back “The People’s Open” for its 91st edition. Recognized five times as the PGA TOUR’s Tournament of the Year, the WM Phoenix Open is celebrated as one of golf’s most iconic and fan-friendly events. In 2025, Thomas Detry made history in the desert, capturing his first career PGA TOUR win and becoming the first Belgian champion on the PGA TOUR.

Filed Under: Insights, Press

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