The 16th Hole at TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course

The Loudest Hole in Golf: TPC Scottsdale's 16th

The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona stands as one of the most iconic and electrifying holes in professional golf. Known as "The Coliseum" this par-3 is the only fully-enclosed hole on the PGA Tour, seating approximately 20,000 spectators in a stadium-like atmosphere. At just 163 yards from the championship tees, it's the shortest hole on the Stadium Course, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in intensity and excitement.

❝The hole has become so iconic that it transformed from a "solid par 3" to golf's most electrifying venue.❞
Max Homa

❝It's going to be pretty wild. It seems like every year it gets crazier and crazier.❞
Justin Thomas

❝Yeah, it's a cool atmosphere. It's unlike any other FedEx Cup event. 16 is the hole out here.❞
Jordan Spieth

❝I love it, honestly, personally... Not really, because that's what makes it unique. If it happened everywhere, then it wouldn't be special.❞
Patrick Reed

Iconic Moments That Shook the 16th Hole at TPC Scottsdale

Tiger Woods' Ace (1997)
A 21-year-old Tiger Woods sent the crowd into a frenzy with a hole-in-one, creating one of the most memorable moments in PGA Tour history.

Sam Ryder's Hole-in-One (2022)
Ryder's ace led to a beer shower on the green as ecstatic fans celebrated by throwing their drinks.

Harry Higgs' Shirtless Celebration (2022)
After a viral tweet from Joel Dahmen, Higgs took his shirt off on the green, embracing the hole's party atmosphere.

Mastering the 16th at TPC Scottsdale: Strategy, Precision, and Poise

Simon Aiken - Jumeirah Earth

The 16th at TPC Scottsdale continues to be a highlight of the WM Phoenix Open, offering one of the most entertaining holes on the PGA tour. Here's how to tackle this golfing gem:

Club Selection : With the hole measuring 163 yards from the championship tees, most low handicap golfers will opt for a short iron or wedge. However, club selection can vary based on wind conditions and pin placement.

Aim & Execution: The green is guarded by three bunkers, so accuracy is crucial. Aim for the centre of the green to avoid trouble and give yourself a chance at birdie.

Mental Approach: Practice visualisation techniques on your ball flight

Unforgettable Experiences Await

Without the grandstands and roaring crowds, the hole appears more serene with an open setting but still features a well-protected green, guarded by bunkers on both sides, requiring precise shot-making to avoid trouble.

The absence of the amphitheater atmosphere allows golfers to focus purely on their game, highlighting the scenic desert landscape and the course's natural beauty without the usual fanfare and excitement.

Phoenix Open Statistics

Hole in One's: 11
First Ace: Hal Sutton (1988)
Last Ace: Carlos Ortiz (2022)

TPC Scottsdale Scottsdale

Rated 9.8 by 9 golfers

Based on 4 golfers (4 ball)

Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights Bed and Breakfast at Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town
1 Round at We-Ko-Pa Cholla
1 Round at TPC Scottsdale
1 Round at Quintero Golf Club
1 Round at Monument Course

Other Scottsdale Courses to Play during a Golf Holiday

Troon North Golf Club Scottsdale

Rated 9.0 by 13 golfers

Based on 4 golfers (4 ball)

Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights Bed and Breakfast at Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town
1 Round at We-Ko-Pa Cholla
1 Round at TPC Scottsdale
1 Round at Quintero Golf Club
1 Round at Monument Course

The Boulders Club Scottsdale

Rated 8.6 by 9 golfers

Flights, 7 Nights, 5 Rounds
7 Nights Room Only at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
1 Round at Kierland Golf Club
1 Round at Monument Course
1 Round at We-Ko-Pa Saguaro
1 Round at South Course
1 Round at Quintero Golf Club

Longbow Golf Club Scottsdale

Rated 6.0 by 1 golfer

Based on 4 golfers (4 ball)

Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights Bed and Breakfast at Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town
1 Round at Sidewinder Course
1 Round at Longbow Golf Club
1 Round at Rancho Manana Golf Club
1 Round at Foothills Golf Club

More About Simon

Handicap: 5
Favourite Course: Pebble Beach Golf Links
My 'Expert' areas: USA, UAE, South Africa, Mauritius
Best trip I've done: Monterey, California
Where my next trip is to: New Zealand

Give Simon a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.

Simon Aiken

Long Haul Golf Expert

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