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WM Phoenix Open 2026: Your Complete Guide to Watching the First Round

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Alright, golf fans, buckle up. The WM Phoenix Open is kicking off, and if you’re anything like me, you want to know exactly when and where to catch all the action. This isn’t just another tournament; it’s TPC Scottsdale, the raucous party on the links. We’re talking about the first round, kicking off on Thursday. You need the lowdown on TV, streaming, and who’s teeing off when. No messing around.

This year’s event is already shaping up to be a barn burner. We’ve got some serious talent in the field, including guys who know this course like the back of their hand. It’s always a good bet to keep an eye on the big names, but sometimes the dark horses steal the show. You never know with this tournament. It’s got a reputation, and for good reason. The fans are wild. The course is unique. And the golf? Usually pretty damn exciting.

So, let’s get down to business. You want to watch. You need the times. You need the channels. We’ve got you covered. No need to scramble around looking for bits and pieces. Here’s the full breakdown for Thursday’s opening round. Get your snacks ready. Get your viewing spot sorted. Let’s dive in.

Who’s Making Waves? The Headliners for Round 1

You can’t talk about the WM Phoenix Open without mentioning the big guns. This year, all eyes are on a couple of former champions who have a serious history with TPC Scottsdale. First up, we’ve got Brooks Koepka. This guy is making his second start since returning to the PGA Tour. Last week was… well, it was a start. He made the cut, which is something, but ended up T56. Not exactly setting the world on fire. But here? This is different territory for Koepka. He’s a two-time winner of this event. His first PGA Tour win? Yep, right here in 2015. And his last victory before taking that LIV detour? Another WM Phoenix Open title in 2021. He’s looking to make a statement, and there’s no better place than where he’s had so much success.

Then there’s the undisputed king of the golf world right now, Scottie Scheffler. World No. 1. He’s already 1-for-1 this season, taking down The American Express. Scheffler also happens to be a two-time WM Phoenix Open champ himself, and like Koepka, he snagged his first Tour win at this very course. It’s going to be a fascinating showdown watching these two battle it out, especially with their shared history at TPC Scottsdale. You know Scheffler is going to be dialed in. He doesn’t do anything halfway. Expect him to be aggressive and look for that third Phoenix Open trophy.

Beyond those two giants, the field is stacked. You’ve got guys like Viktor Hovland, Hideki Matsuyama, and Collin Morikawa all looking to make their mark. Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young are always threats, and it’ll be interesting to see how they handle the unique atmosphere of this tournament. And let’s not forget about Rickie Fowler and Min Woo Lee – they always bring a good energy. It’s a field designed to produce drama from the very first swing. You won’t want to miss any of it.

Catching the Action: TV Coverage Details

Alright, the most crucial part for many of you: how do you actually watch this thing on TV? For the first round on Thursday, the Golf Channel is your go-to. They’ll be broadcasting the action live, so you can get your golf fix starting in the afternoon. The coverage kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and runs through 7:30 p.m. ET. That’s a solid four-hour block to soak in the early stages of the tournament. Make sure your cable or satellite package includes the Golf Channel, or if you’re using a streaming service that carries it, you’re all set.

It’s important to note that this is just for the first round. As the tournament progresses, other networks like CBS might pick up coverage for the weekend rounds. But for Thursday, it’s all about the Golf Channel. So, set your DVRs, clear your schedule, or just park yourself in front of the TV. It’s going to be a good day of golf. Don’t expect any fluff; they’ll be focused on the play, the storylines, and the drama unfolding on the course. This is where the tournament really gets going, and you’ll get to see all the key shots and moments.

Streaming Live: PGA Tour Live on ESPN+

For the die-hard fans who want even more access, or maybe you’re on the go, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ is where it’s at. This is your best bet for comprehensive streaming coverage. They’ll be providing a much earlier start to the day’s action. Streaming begins bright and early on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. ET. That’s right, you can follow the early starters, the guys who are out there before the main TV window even opens. This is perfect for catching those players who might not be in the primetime spotlight but are still aiming to make a splash.

Beyond just the general coverage, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ also offers featured group and featured hole coverage all day long. This means you can tune in specifically to watch the marquee players we talked about – Koepka, Scheffler, and their playing partners. You’ll get an in-depth look at their rounds, shot by shot. Plus, they’ll focus on specific, often dramatic, holes on the course. If you’re a fan of analytics, strategy, or just want to see how the pros tackle the toughest parts of TPC Scottsdale, this is invaluable. You’ll need an ESPN+ subscription for this, so make sure you’re signed up and ready to go before Thursday morning.

Tee Time Breakdown: Who Goes When?

Now for the nitty-gritty: the tee times. This is what separates the early risers from the afternoon grinders. We’ve got a full slate of players heading out from both the first and tenth tees. It’s a long day, so you’ll have plenty of golf to follow.

Starting on Tee No. 1:

  • The early wave kicks off around 9:20 a.m. ET with Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Rasmus Hojgaard, and Kevin Roy.
  • Keep an eye on the 9:53 a.m. group featuring Jake Knapp, Chris Kirk, and Webb Simpson.
  • Later in the morning, the 10:15 a.m. tee time includes Brian Harman, Harris English, and Davis Thompson – all solid players.
  • As we move into the afternoon, the groupings get even more star-studded. At 2:44 p.m., you’ll see Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, and none other than Brooks Koepka. That’s a group you absolutely do not want to miss.
  • Following them at 2:55 p.m. is Min Woo Lee, Rickie Fowler, and Si Woo Kim. Another fantastic pairing.
  • The late afternoon closes out with groups like Austin Eckroat, Charley Hoffman, and Matti Schmid at 3:17 p.m., and Haotong Li, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, and Neal Shipley at 3:39 p.m.

Heading over to Tee No. 10:

  • The action from this side also starts around 9:20 a.m. ET with Mackenzie Hughes, Ryo Hisatsune, and Max McGrevy.
  • A significant group to watch for tees off at 9:53 a.m.: J.J. Spaun, Sahith Theegala, and Sam Burns. All capable of going low.
  • Then, at 10:04 a.m., we have Ben Griffin, Wyndham Clark, and Matt Fitzpatrick. Clark is always a contender, and Fitzpatrick is a major champion.
  • The absolute must-watch group here tees off at 10:15 a.m.: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Chris Gotterup, and Jordan Spieth. This is the marquee morning pairing.
  • Further down the line, at 10:26 a.m., you’ve got Michael Brennan, Karl Vilips, and Tony Finau. Finau is a long hitter who can dominate this course.
  • The afternoon wave from the 10th tee also brings heat. At 2:44 p.m., Andrew Novak, Harry Hall, and Akshay Bhatia are set to play.
  • Later, at 3:06 p.m., we’ll see Sami Valimaki, Garrick Higgo, and Nico Echavarria.
  • The day wraps up with groups like Jordan Smith, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, and Pontus Nyholm at 3:28 p.m., and Alejandro Tosti, Adrien Saddier, and Jeffrey Kang at 3:50 p.m.

It’s a packed schedule, and you can find the full, detailed tee times on various sports websites. This list gives you the highlights and the groups you’ll likely want to track throughout the day. Remember, these times are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, but this is the official schedule as released. Planning your viewing around these times is key to not missing any of the crucial early or late action. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and the first round sets the tone.

TPC Scottsdale: A Course Like No Other

This tournament isn’t just about the players; it’s about the venue. TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course is legendary. It’s known for its unique design, especially the infamous 16th hole. That stadium seating, the crowd noise, the sheer insanity of it all – it’s unmatched in professional golf. It can make or break careers. You’ll see players thrive under that pressure, and you’ll see others crumble. It’s pure theater.

But it’s not just the 16th. The course itself is a strategic challenge. It demands accuracy off the tee and precise iron play. Water hazards come into play on several holes, and the greens can be tricky to read. Wind can also be a factor in the desert. It’s a course that rewards smart play and punishes mistakes. Watching how the players navigate these challenges, especially under the intense atmosphere of the WM Phoenix Open, is part of the appeal. It’s a true test of skill and nerve. For anyone looking to understand the nuances of professional golf course design and how it impacts play, TPC Scottsdale is a prime example. It’s a course that has stood the test of time and continues to deliver unforgettable moments year after year.

Final Thoughts on Round 1

So there you have it. Everything you need to know to catch the opening round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. From the star power of Koepka and Scheffler to the nitty-gritty of TV times and tee sheets, you’re prepared. Whether you’re glued to the Golf Channel or following every shot on PGA Tour Live, make sure you’re tuned in. This tournament is always a spectacle, and the first round is where the groundwork is laid for what promises to be another thrilling weekend of golf in Scottsdale. Don’t miss the drama. Don’t miss the birdies. And definitely don’t miss the madness.