Turf Tested: Behind the Scenes at TPC Scottsdale for the WM Phoenix Open

As the raucous energy of the WM Phoenix Open takes over TPC Scottsdale, the unsung heroes of the tournament are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure pristine playing conditions. At the heart of it all is Brandon Reese, GCSAA, Director of Golf Course Operations, leading a seasoned agronomy team that has meticulously prepared the course for one of the most unique stops on the PGA TOUR.

Weathering the Desert’s Challenges

This year’s preparation came with a twist: an extreme drought. Phoenix saw a near-record-breaking dry streak of 159 days without measurable rainfall, a challenge that tested the limits of turfgrass management. Reese and his team leaned on reclaimed water sources and innovative maintenance practices to keep the playing surfaces in top condition. High temperatures during overseeding season added another hurdle, requiring the team to deploy grow lamps and fans to ensure the health and vibrancy of the ryegrass and Poa trivialis greens.

Course Enhancements and Strategic Adjustments

Beyond managing the climate, the TPC Scottsdale agronomy crew has made subtle but significant changes to elevate both player and spectator experiences.

• Ridge work on holes #6 and #12 enhances sightlines for fans, adding to the stadium-like atmosphere that makes this event so electric.

• The build-out for the famed 16th hole began in mid-September, ensuring the legendary “coliseum” structure is ready for the thousands of spectators who will transform it into golf’s loudest hole.

• Refined green surfaces after a tough overseed period have helped maintain smooth and consistent putting conditions across the course.

Meet the Team Behind the Turf

Reese, a 16-year GCSAA member, has a deep history in tournament prep, having hosted PGA TOUR events every year since 2008. His leadership is complemented by a staff filled with industry veterans, many of whom have spent over three decades maintaining the course. Key agronomy personnel include Superintendent Doug Hamman and assistants Aric Runge, Will Maier, Rylan Hulse, and Blake Cederberg. With an all-hands-on-deck approach, the team has been fine-tuning every blade of grass to ensure players face the best possible conditions.

Tournament Turf Details

• Par: 71 | Yardage: 7,261

• Greens: Poa trivialis / Bentgrass / Ryegrass overseed

• Fairways & Tees: Ryegrass / Fine Fescue overseed

• Rough: Ryegrass / Fine Fescue overseed

• Average Green Size: 7,069 sq. ft.

• Bunkers: 67 | Water Hazards: 3 (impacting 6 holes)

Ready for the Spotlight

With a firm, fast setup and expert conditioning, TPC Scottsdale is primed for another thrilling week at the WM Phoenix Open. While fans soak in the spectacle, the turf professionals who shape the course will be laser-focused on their craft—ensuring the action inside the ropes is just as spectacular as the atmosphere outside of them.

For more updates on the agronomy team’s work, follow @brandonleereese and @tpscottsdale on X.