Administered by the Southwest Section PGA, the Arizona Open Championship dates back to 1937 and has been held annually since 1953. Past champions include Johnny Bulla, Dale Douglas, Jim Carter and Curt Byrum.
The 2026 Arizona Open Championship field includes defending champion Michael Herrera; former PGA TOUR professional and two-time Arizona Open champion Jim Carter; PGA TOUR Champions professional Rob Labritz; Grand Canyon University Assistant Golf Coach and PGA professional Jesse Mueller; and Papago Golf Club Head Golf Professional Zach Amsler.
“We are super excited to host this prestigious event once again,” said Papago Golf Club General Manager Daryl Crawford. “The Arizona Open brings one of the strongest championship fields with top amateurs and professionals competing.”
Papago Golf Club, normally a par 72 golf course, will play as a par 70 at 7,295 yards for the Arizona Open as the first and 10th holes will play as par 4s instead of par 5s. The William Bell-designed layout set against the Papago Buttes will once again test the top players with the course’s four par 3s averaging 228 yards, including the 250-yard 8thhole, and the 14th hole playing as a 520-yard par 4.
Papago is hosting the Arizona Open Championship for the third straight year and for the third time in the course’s 66-year history.
Prize money will be paid to all competitors that make the 36-hole cut and complete the final round of play. Amateurs will receive payment in the form of merchandise gift certificates redeemable at Papago Golf Course.
For Arizona Open Championship tee times, live leaderboard and tournament information, visit https://swpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/swpga27/event/swpga2776/contest/9/leaderboard.htm.