PGA Tour Preview: Travis Kelce rocks Phoenix - favorites in check

As the NFL world prepares for Super Bowl LX, a very special guest is proving his ball skills in the Arizona desert. Travis Kelce stole the show at the World Championship Phoenix Open Pro-Am and set the stage for one of the most spectacular events on the PGA Tour calendar.

When Travis Kelce steps onto the field, spectacle is guaranteed - but usually on the football turf. This Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end swapped his helmet for a golf club and provided one of the most exciting moments ahead of the official PGA Tour week at the legendary TPC Scottsdale.

Follow the leaderboard of the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open LIVE here.

Travis Kelce rocks the "Coliseum" on the 16th hole

As part of the popular Annexus Pro-Am, Kelce showed that his sporting ambition is unbroken even after the Chiefs' season was over. On the famous 16th hole, known worldwide as "The Coliseum" due to its enclosed grandstand architecture, he fired a tee shot just a few centimetres from the hole.

The reaction of the fans was deafening, reminiscent of the atmosphere in an NFL stadium. For his performance, Kelce was awarded the symbolic "World Cup Gold Chain" - an honor traditionally bestowed on players who excel at this iconic Par-3. The football star, who is currently contemplating a possible retirement, clearly used the day to clear his head, while his fiancée Taylor Swift did not make the trip to Scottsdale.

PGA Tour preview: Scheffler and Koepka in focus

From Thursday, however, it's down to the wire for the pros. The field of participants in this year's World Championship Phoenix Open is top-class and promises excitement right down to the last Putt.

• Scottie Scheffler on course for a record: the world number one returns to the scene of his first triumph. Following his victory at The American Express in January, Scheffler has already surpassed the historic 100 million dollar mark in prize money. A hat-trick in Scottsdale would further cement his status as the PGA Tour's dominator.
• Brooks Koepka's comeback: One of the most exciting storylines of the tournament is the return of Brooks Koepka. After spending the last few years with LIV Golf, he is now part of the Returning Member Program. A two-time winner in Phoenix (2015, 2021), he definitely knows how to win in the party city...
• New champion wanted: With last year's winner Thomas Detry not competing to defend his title due to his move to LIV Golf, the race for victory and the lion's share of the US$9.6 million prize money is completely wide open.

The 16th hole: The soul of the PGA Tour in Arizona

No other tournament on the PGA Tour manages to combine Traditions and a party atmosphere like the World Championship Phoenix Open. The 16th hole remains the epicenter. Where Tiger Woods ushered in a new era with his hole-in-one in 1997, the pros can once again expect a cauldron full of emotion in 2026. Anyone who misses the green here has to reckon with the loud displeasure of the 20,000 or so spectators - a psychological challenge that is unparalleled in professional golf.

Tournament schedule and facts

Sunday's final round will start a little earlier than usual due to the Super Bowl, allowing fans to enjoy both sporting highlights seamlessly. With temperatures expected to be around 27°C and bright sunshine, the TPC Scottsdale will provide the perfect backdrop for "The Greenest Show on Grass".