Phoenix Insights

The People's Open – What WM Phoenix Open Week Means for Scottsdale-Area Transportation

Published on Mon, 5 Oct 2026

All Insights

Tournament week is one of the busiest times of the year in Scottsdale, as the WM Phoenix Open attracts huge numbers of people to the area. The event is much more than just four days of golf at TPC Scottsdale. Visitors come from all over the country, and corporate groups, hotel guests and tourists fill hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and surrounding attractions.

That kind of activity requires a different way of moving around.

When you arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), stay at Scottsdale and travel to the course, a little preparation can make your week much easier.


πŸŒοΈβ€β™‚οΈ What makes WM Phoenix Open Week So Busy?

The scale of the event is the most important factor.

Thousands of people may be on the same side of Scottsdale at the same time. The roads around the course get busier, parking lots get full and the number of rides gets higher throughout the day. Your schedule may include more than a trip to the golf course. You could be dealing with:

  • Airport arrivals and departures

  • Hotel check-ins and transfers

  • Daily trips to TPC Scottsdale

  • Corporate hospitality events

  • Business meetings

  • Restaurant reservations

  • Evening entertainment

When several of these plans fall on the same day, having a dependable way to get around becomes especially useful.


πŸ† Is the WM Phoenix Open the Highest-Attendance PGA Tour Event?

The WM Phoenix Open has been known to have some of the highest crowds on the PGA Tour and has set the bar high with attendance several times.

Its popularity is not difficult to understand. The tournament combines professional golf with a lively spectator atmosphere, hospitality experiences, entertainment, and the iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.

The numbers of visitors may vary from year to year and may depend on how organizers count visitors. Instead of depending on one definitive figure, it is better to take into account the size of the crowds that have been present at the event at all times.

For anyone visiting Phoenix during Open week, the takeaway is straightforward: expect more people and more activity than you would during an ordinary week. A reliable limousine rental Phoenix service can make airport transfers easier.


πŸ—ΊοΈ How Far Is TPC Scottsdale From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 25-30 miles from TPC Scottsdale, depending on the route. The ride takes about 35 to 45 minutes in lighter traffic. But during the WM Phoenix Open, the same trip could take longer.

The traffic around big event days can change very rapidly. The trip can be impacted by your arrival time, road conditions and the number of visitors traveling to Scottsdale. When flying into PHX on a tournament day, think of the whole trip, not just the flight. Once you have picked up your bags, you will need to make it to your hotel and prepare for the rest of your itinerary.


⏰ Should Your Book Your Ride Before Open Week?

If you have your travel dates and itinerary already planned, it's a great idea to book ahead.

Demand is generally higher during significant events. Group rides, hotel pickups and airport transfers may be more crowded than usual, as well as evening trips. By booking a limousine rental Phoenix beforehand, you also have the opportunity to plan your itinerary around your real plans.

This is particularly helpful if you are travelling with:

  • Family or friends

  • Colleagues

  • Clients

  • Corporate guests

  • A larger crowd attending the event

You don't have to look for a ride after you arrive, as your pick up can be arranged before you travel.


🏨 What About Hotels in Scottsdale?

The WM Phoenix Open can also bring up a surge in hotel demand. Popular properties have a constant stream of visitors year-round to Scottsdale. Throw in one of the largest sporting events in the area, and there may be fewer rooms available.

Another factor to consider is location.

A hotel may look like it's close to TPC Scottsdale on a map, but travel time will vary based on the roads and traffic around the course. If you are comparing hotels, consider both the property and how you will get to your daily activities.

Early booking can provide you with greater options when it comes to room type, budget, and location. Choose limousine rental Phoenix options when you want comfortable, scheduled travel.


πŸš— Think Beyond the Golf Course

One of the easiest mistakes to make is to only plan the trip between your hotel and TPC Scottsdale. There are usually lots of activities around open week, before and after the day’s play. It could be breakfast, a course, meeting clients and then a restaurant or private event at the end of the day. This means your travel needs can change several times in one day.

A simple itinerary might look like this:

Time

Trip

Morning

Hotel to TPC Scottsdale

Afternoon

Tournament and hospitality activities

Evening

TPC Scottsdale to restaurant or event

Night

Return to hotel

It can be even more difficult if you're traveling as a group. Having your rides scheduled ahead of time means everyone knows what to look for and doesn't have to waste time looking for a ride between activities.


πŸ‘₯ A Comfortable Option for Groups and Guests

Long days of events can be exhausting. After spending hours walking around the course, dealing with crowds, and enjoying the atmosphere, the last thing you may want is to figure out your next ride. A limousine service offers a specific service to travel between your scheduled stops.

It's also a good idea for business travel. For clients and colleagues, coordinated transportation ensures that the group stays together and simplifies travel arrangements at the airport, hotel, and event.

You can also stay connected with your ride arrangements while travelling with our Android and iOS app.


✨ Make Your Open Week Easier From the Start

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the largest annual events in the Phoenix area. Its popularity creates a different travel environment around Scottsdale, especially on the busiest days. The most effective thing you can do is consider your transportation prior to your arrival.

Be prepared with flight details, hotel address, event program and preferred pickup times. This will help you get a better understanding of how much traveling you'll be doing for the week.

No matter how you're getting in and out of PHX, living in Scottsdale, attending an event near the course, or spending the night across the city, having your rides organised can help you spend less time worrying about logistics.