Traveling to Scottsdale for the Waste Management Open? Here’s How to Plan the Perfect Golf Trip

The Waste Management Golf Tournament: What to Know Before Traveling to Scottsdale (and the Easiest Way to Ship Your Golf Clubs)

Every February, Scottsdale turns into the epicenter of the golf world. The sun is out, fairways are pristine, and the atmosphere is unlike any other event on the PGA Tour. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is part elite golf tournament, part full-scale festival, and part bucket-list experience for golfers and non-golfers alike.

If you’re planning a trip to Scottsdale for the tournament, or you’re tacking on a few rounds while you’re in town, there are a few things worth thinking through ahead of time. Where to stay, how to get around, which courses to play, and most importantly, how to get your golf clubs there without turning travel day into a stress test.

This guide breaks it all down.

Why the Waste Management Phoenix Open Is Different

If you’ve never been, it’s hard to explain just how unique this tournament is. Yes, it’s a PGA Tour stop with the best players in the world. But it’s also known as “The Greatest Show on Grass” for a reason.

The famous 16th hole stadium is loud, rowdy, and electric. You’ll see players feeding off the crowd energy in a way that simply doesn’t happen anywhere else in golf. Scottsdale embraces it. The city plans for it. Restaurants, resorts, and golf courses all lean into the vibe.

That energy is exactly why people travel from all over the country for this week.

When to Go and What to Expect in Scottsdale

Peak Season Timing

The tournament usually lands in late January or early February, which happens to be prime Scottsdale season. That means perfect weather, but it also means higher prices and packed tee sheets.

Highs are typically in the low to mid-70s. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and almost no rain. From a golf perspective, it doesn’t get much better.

Where Most People Stay

Many visitors choose to stay in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, or North Phoenix. Airbnb and short-term rentals are extremely popular during tournament week, especially for groups.

If you’re staying at an Airbnb, double-check:

• Gated community access rules
• Delivery policies
• Whether oversized packages are allowed

These details matter when you’re shipping golf clubs.

Playing Golf While You’re in Town

Scottsdale is one of the best golf destinations in the country. Tournament week fills courses fast, so booking early is critical.

Popular public and resort courses include:

• TPC Scottsdale (Champions Course)
• Troon North
• Grayhawk
• We-Ko-Pa
• Talking Stick

Many of these courses are used to receiving shipped golf bags, but each has its own process. Some require advance notice. Others ask that bags arrive a certain number of days before your tee time.

That’s where planning ahead pays off.

Why Flying With Golf Clubs Is a Hassle

Anyone who has dragged a golf travel bag through an airport during tournament week knows the pain.

Airlines treat golf bags differently. Oversize fees, overweight limits, tight connections, and the constant worry of damage all add up. Add a crowded Scottsdale airport and packed rental car shuttles, and suddenly the trip feels harder than it needs to be.

It’s not just about cost. It’s about convenience.

That’s why more golfers are choosing to ship their clubs instead of flying with them.

Shipping Your Golf Clubs to Scottsdale the Smart Way

Shipping your clubs gives you a cleaner, easier travel day. No wrestling with a bulky bag. No worrying about baggage handlers. No waiting at oversize luggage claim.

With Fairway Freight, you can ship your golf clubs directly to:

• Your Airbnb
• Your hotel
• Your golf course or pro shop

You choose the destination that works best for your trip.

Shipping to an Airbnb

This is the most popular option for tournament week travelers.

Tips:

• Confirm the delivery window with your host
• Ship to arrive one to two days before you do
• Use the host’s name if required for package acceptance

Fairway Freight provides tracking and delivery confirmation, so you know exactly when your clubs arrive.

Shipping to the Golf Course

Many Scottsdale courses are very familiar with shipped golf bags, especially during peak season.

Best practices:

• Call the pro shop in advance
• Let them know your arrival date and tee time
• Label the shipment clearly with your name and tee time

This option is great if you’re bouncing between locations or staying somewhere with limited package access.

How Far in Advance Should You Ship?

For Scottsdale and the Waste Management tournament, earlier is better.

Recommended timing:

• Ground shipping: 7 to 10 days before your first round
• Expedited options: 3 to 5 days if cutting it close

Tournament week creates higher shipping volume, so building in buffer time reduces stress.

Cost Compared to Airline Fees

Airline golf bag fees can add up quickly, especially on connecting flights or premium travel days.

When you factor in:

• Checked bag fees
• Oversize charges
• Potential damage
• The hassle factor

Shipping often comes out competitive, and in many cases, cheaper overall.

More importantly, it’s predictable. You know the price up front.

Getting Your Clubs Home After the Tournament

One underrated benefit of shipping is the return trip.

Instead of dragging tired gear through a packed airport after a long weekend, you can ship your clubs home from:

• Your Airbnb
• The golf course
• A local shipping partner

Drop them off, enjoy your last round or dinner in Scottsdale, and fly home light.

Final Thoughts

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of those trips golfers talk about for years. Scottsdale delivers incredible weather, world-class courses, and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

The key to enjoying it is removing friction wherever you can.

Plan your stay early. Book your tee times in advance. And seriously consider shipping your golf clubs instead of flying with them. It turns travel day from a grind into a breeze and lets you focus on what you came for: great golf and a great time.

If you’re headed to Scottsdale this season, your clubs don’t need to ride shotgun. Let them meet you at the course.