Wm Phoenix Open Clear Bag Size Limits & Prohibited Items
Alright, gather 'round, you magnificent humans who are about to descend upon the glorious, the raucous, the utterly bonkers WM Phoenix Open! Picture this: you're strutting into TPC Scottsdale, ready to witness golf that's somehow both incredibly serious and hilariously informal (hello, 16th hole!). You've got your sunscreen slathered, your most questionable Hawaiian shirt donned, and your spirit animal (mine's a tequila-fueled parrot) ready to party. But wait! Before you go full-on festival mode, we need to have a little heart-to-heart about what you can and, more importantly, can't bring through those hallowed gates. Think of me as your friendly, slightly bewildered guide through the Wild West of stadium bag policy.
First up, let's talk about the star of our show: the bag. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Bag? What bag? I was planning on stuffing everything I own into my pockets, like a squirrel preparing for a nuclear winter." Bless your optimistic heart. While I admire your commitment to maximum pocket capacity, the powers-that-be have decided we need to be a little more organized. They've decreed a clear bag policy, and it's not just a suggestion, folks. It's the law. The law of the land, as interpreted by security guards who have probably seen it all, and are frankly, a bit tired of digging through your suspiciously lumpy fanny packs.
So, what exactly is this magical clear bag? Imagine a giant Ziploc bag, but way cooler. Officially, it needs to be 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. That's roughly the size of a large pizza box, or, perhaps more importantly, the size of a modest-sized novelty foam finger. So, your entire collection of autographed golf balls? Probably not. Your emergency stash of tiny umbrellas for spontaneous mariachi bands? Might be a squeeze.
Why clear, you ask? Well, think about it. It’s less about hiding your collection of vintage novelty socks (though I respect that hobby) and more about making everyone's lives easier. Security can do a quick visual sweep, and you can avoid that awkward moment where you're fumbling through a black hole of a purse while a line of thirsty spectators glares daggers at you. It's efficiency, people! And who doesn't love efficiency, especially when it means more time for cheering, jeering, and enjoying those $17 hot dogs?
Now, what if you’re more of a "small clutch" kind of person? Fear not, you minimalist marvels! You're allowed a small clutch purse, no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. This is perfect for your essential survival items: your phone (to capture all those epic golf swings and questionable outfits), your credit card (to pay for said $17 hot dogs), and maybe a single, very important Tic Tac. Think of it as your VIP pass to tiny-item storage. Anything bigger than that and it’s back to the clear bag life for you.
But here's the kicker, the twist that'll make you spill your overpriced lemonade: you can also bring a small, soft-sided cooler for medical necessities. Now, I'm not saying you should pack a cooler full of champagne and call it a "medical necessity" for your soul. Security is pretty good at sniffing out that kind of loophole. But if you've got genuine medical needs, they've got you covered. Just remember, clear bag is king for everything else.
Okay, deep breaths. We’ve conquered the bag situation. Now, for the really fun part: the prohibited items! This is where the legendary “no fun” police come out in full force. And let me tell you, some of these items are so ridiculously obvious that you have to wonder if someone, somewhere, has actually tried to bring them.
First on the “please, for the love of all that is holy, leave this at home” list are weapons of any kind. Shocking, I know. No swords, no nunchucks, no miniature bazookas you smuggled back from that international trip. They're not big on that kind of aggressive golf enthusiasm. Even a really, really sharp letter opener is probably a no-go. Let's keep the only pointy things the golf clubs, shall we?
Next up: noisemakers. This one is a bit of a gray area. On the one hand, the WM Phoenix Open is practically built on noise. The roar of the crowd, the "get in the hole!" chants, the occasional drunken rendition of "Sweet Caroline." But they're talking about those air horns that could wake the dead, or those vuvuzelas that made the World Cup sound like a swarm of angry bees. So, your lung power for cheering? Absolutely encouraged. Your industrial-grade foghorn? Probably not.
Then we have the big no-no for anyone who loves a good photo op: tripods and selfie sticks. Now, I understand the allure. You want that perfect, perfectly extended shot of yourself with a blurry golfer in the background. But apparently, these can be hazards. Imagine a rogue selfie stick taking out a prize-winning divot, or worse, accidentally poking a pro golfer mid-swing. It’s chaos! So, embrace the shaky, arm's-length photo. It’s more authentic, right?
And let’s not forget the classic: outside food and beverages. Unless it's for medical reasons, as we discussed, leave your picnic basket at home. They want you to experience the full culinary delights of the WM Phoenix Open. Which, as we've established, are… unique. Think of it as an immersion experience. You're not just watching golf; you're tasting the experience. Preferably with a $15 beer in hand.
Oh, and for all you aspiring pyrotechnics enthusiasts, fireworks are also a firm no. Imagine trying to explain to security why you’re carrying a Roman candle into a crowded stadium. “It’s for… celebratory golf cheers?” Yeah, not going to fly. Stick to the confetti cannons in your clear bag, if that’s even a thing you can fit.
What about strollers and wagons? Generally, no. They’re big, they’re bulky, and they can be a tripping hazard. If your little one needs a ride, you might want to consider a more compact, human-powered option, like a sturdy pair of legs. Or, you know, a really well-trained pack mule. But probably not the mule either.
And here's a surprise one for you: video cameras and GoPros. Now, this is a bit of a bummer for all you aspiring golf vloggers. They want to keep the focus on the professional footage. So, your 4K recording of your buddy’s questionable swing? Keep it to yourself. Just enjoy the moment, and let the official broadcasters worry about the high-definition drama.
So, to recap, my lovely golf-loving comrades: clear bags are your new best friend, and they come in two sizes: the pizza box and the tiny Tic Tac holder. Anything else, and you'll be left doing the sad walk of shame back to your car. And for the prohibited items, just use your common sense. If it can be used as a weapon, a loud disruption, or a significant tripping hazard, it's probably a no-go.
The WM Phoenix Open is an experience like no other. It’s a party with a golf tournament happening in the background. So come prepared, be smart, and for the love of all that is green and fairway-shaped, follow the bag rules. Your future, less-embarrassed self will thank you. Now go forth, cheer loudly, and try not to accidentally knock over any water coolers in your excitement. And remember, if all else fails, a well-timed "Fore!" can often deflect blame.