K Mitchell Challenges Fans at Loudest Golf Hole | PGA Tour 2026

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The energy at the February 7th, 2026 WM Phoenix Open is already reaching fever pitch, and it’s not just the competition on the course that’s generating the buzz. A video circulating online, featuring PGA Tour player Keith Mitchell engaging with fans at the iconic 16th hole, perfectly encapsulates the unique atmosphere of what’s known as “The Greatest Show on Grass.”

The video, posted by PGA Tour on social media, shows Mitchell playfully testing the reflexes and golf knowledge of spectators packed into the grandstands surrounding the par-3 16th. The hole, notorious for its boisterous crowd, is fully enclosed by seating, creating an arena-like environment where every shot is met with either raucous cheers or good-natured jeers. Mitchell’s interaction highlights the symbiotic relationship between players and fans at TPC Scottsdale, a dynamic that sets the Phoenix Open apart from nearly every other event on the PGA Tour.

More than 600,000 fans are expected to attend the tournament throughout the week, with Saturday traditionally drawing the largest crowds. The 16th hole is the epicenter of this energy, a place where a well-struck shot is celebrated with unrestrained enthusiasm and a missed green is met with playful heckling. The atmosphere is so intense that players often describe it as unlike anything else they experience in professional golf.

This year’s tournament boasts a strong field, led by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler is seeking his third victory at the event, having won in 2022 and 2023. He’s already off to a strong start in 2026, having secured a win at the American Express earlier this year. The defending champion from 2024, Nick Taylor, is also in the field, but last year’s winner, Thomas Detry, has since moved to LIV Golf.

Beyond Scheffler, the field includes several other top-10 players, including Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, and Ben Griffin. Harris English, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Hideki Matsuyama, Chris Gotterup, Collin Morikawa, and Cameron Young round out the contingent of the world’s top 20 golfers competing at TPC Scottsdale. The presence of so many highly ranked players underscores the tournament’s appeal, even as it falls the week before signature events at Pebble Beach and the Genesis Invitational.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the event is the return of Brooks Koepka. Koepka is making his second start since returning to the PGA Tour, following a T56 finish at the Farmers Insurance Open. A two-time winner at TPC Scottsdale (2015, 2021), Koepka was added to the field without displacing another PGA Tour member, a testament to his popularity and the tournament’s desire to attract star power.

The WM Phoenix Open’s unique atmosphere extends beyond the 16th hole. The entire course is designed to encourage fan engagement, with ample viewing areas and a lively atmosphere throughout. This year, Zone Nicotine Pouches is sponsoring the event, offering a new Jalapeño Lime flavor exclusively at select Phoenix-area Circle K stores, alongside a “Buy 1 Get 4 Free” promotion running through February 15th, 2026.

The tournament’s appeal isn’t limited to the professional players. The Tito’s Shorties Classic, a related event, recently featured interviews with PGA Tour pros Keith Mitchell, Harry Higgs, and Joel Dahmen, as well as insights from Bob Does Sports crew, highlighting the broader community surrounding the Phoenix Open. Pat Perez, recently reinstated to the PGA Tour after a stint with LIV Golf, discussed his decision to return and the reactions from other players.

The WM Phoenix Open has consistently drawn large crowds, exceeding 600,000 attendees annually, although official figures haven’t been released in recent years. The tournament’s popularity is a reflection of its unique blend of competitive golf and festive atmosphere, making it a must-attend event for golf fans and a highlight of the PGA Tour season. The interaction between Mitchell and the fans at the 16th hole is just a small glimpse of the energy that defines this iconic tournament.

With Scottie Scheffler aiming for a historic third victory and the return of a major champion in Brooks Koepka, the February 7th – February 14th, 2026 WM Phoenix Open promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the tournament’s storied history. The event continues to solidify its reputation as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” offering a unique and exhilarating experience for both players and fans alike.