Before the WM Phoenix Open ever reaches full throttle, tournament week in Scottsdale gets rolling with one of its most anticipated traditions: the Annexus Pro-Am. Scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, the celebrity-filled showcase will take over the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, pairing PGA Tour professionals with standout athletes and entertainers in a relaxed, high-energy setting.
The Pro-Am has become a signature element of Phoenix Open week, blending competitive golf with star power and accessibility. It offers fans an early look at the course, a chance to see familiar faces in a different light, and a reminder that Scottsdale embraces personality just as much as performance. Each year, the event sets the emotional and cultural tone for what follows, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different.
MLB Standouts and Hollywood Favorites
Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg announced a new wave of participants headlined by Major League Baseball stars Cal Raleigh, Alex Bregman, and Mookie Betts, along with entertainers Colin Jost and Brian Baumgartner. The group adds another layer of intrigue to an event already known for its eclectic mix of competitors.
Raleigh arrives fresh off a standout 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners, where he led all MLB catchers in both home runs and RBIs while continuing to anchor the defense behind the plate. Bregman, a two-time World Series champion, remains one of baseball’s most consistent infielders, blending power, patience, and postseason pedigree. Betts, a former American League MVP and perennial All-Star, brings elite athleticism and genuine golf enthusiasm – a combination that tends to translate well in the Pro-Am environment.
Comedy Meets Competition on the Stadium Course
The entertainment side of the field is just as compelling. Jost, a longtime writer and performer on Saturday Night Live, has served as co-anchor of Weekend Update since 2014 and remains one of the most recognizable voices in modern comedy. A New York Times bestselling author with multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards, Jost adds quick wit and big-event polish to the Pro-Am lineup.
Baumgartner, beloved for his role as Kevin Malone on The Office, brings a different kind of star power, and legitimate golf chops. An avid golfer and frequent participant in celebrity events, Baumgartner is also the host of the popular Off The Beat podcast, where he explores behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood. His comfort on the course makes him a natural fit for a Pro-Am that thrives on entertainment without sacrificing competitive credibility.
A Deep Celebrity Field That Fits Scottsdale’s Energy
Beyond the newly announced names, the Annexus Pro-Am field already includes a deep roster of high-profile competitors from across sports and entertainment. NFL stars Travis Kelce, Larry Fitzgerald, Trey McBride, Budda Baker, and Zaven Collins are slated to appear, alongside global icons Michael Phelps, Carli Lloyd, and Emmitt Smith.
Zach Top brings a fresh musical angle to the field as a rising country artist whose sound draws heavily from bluegrass roots. Growing up in Sunnyside, Washington, on his family’s farm, Top was immersed in classic country music from an early age; influences that remain central to his songwriting today.
That blend of star athletes, entertainers, and committed golfers is exactly what makes the Annexus Pro-Am such a natural extension of the Phoenix Open itself. The Stadium Course rewards bold shots and confidence, and the environment encourages interaction, spontaneity, and memorable moments that ripple through the rest of the week.
What to Expect on Wednesday
The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Annexus Pro-Am. With fewer competitive stakes and a lighter atmosphere, Wednesday offers the best opportunity to see big names up close, interact with players, and watch the course come alive before tournament pressure sets in.
Official pairings for the Pro-Am can be found here.
As the afternoon unfolds, attention shifts to the tournament’s most famous stage. At 3:30 p.m., the WHOOP Shot at Glory takes over the iconic par-3 16th hole, where players and guests take aim in front of a packed amphitheatera to participate in a “closest-to-the-pin contest for a chance at $1 million for charity.” At the same time, the Coors Light Birds Nest opens its doors, kicking off the night’s entertainment with a lineup headlined by Bailey Zimmerman and special guest Chase Matthew.
Star-Studded Annexus Pro-Am Set for Wednesday at WM Phoenix Open