SCOTTSDALE — The WM Phoenix Open has secured several celebrity commitments for the 2026 Annexus Pro-Am, including an Arizona Cardinals legend.
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Former NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald walks along the first fairway during the Workday Golden Bear Pro-Am at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on May 28, 2025. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tournament organizers revealed that former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd, and NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith are set to compete in the Pro-Am — a preview event that blends competition with broader entertainment and fan engagement.
The Annexus Pro-Am is one of the most anticipated events on the WM Phoenix Open’s slate, broadening the tournament’s reach beyond traditional golf audiences. By attracting elite athletes from other sports, including a well-known and beloved Valley figure, the event delivers a unique crossover appeal.
Carli Lloyd of NJ/NY Gotham FC, waves to the crowd at the end of her final game, following a draw game 1 to 1 against Racing Louisville FC at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison on 10/31/21. © Mitsu Yasukawa/ Northjersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Pro-Am continues to reinforce “The People’s Open” as a destination for top-tier competition and a cultural showcase across the sports landscape, not just within golf.
“The Annexus Pro-Am has become a destination for legendary competitors across the sports world,” tournament chairman Jason Eisenberg said in a press release. “Bringing together athletes like Larry, Carli and Emmitt captures the spirit of the WM Phoenix Open — elite competition, larger-than-life personalities, and an unforgettable experience for fans, partners and players alike.”
Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher (18,355 yards) and rushing touchdowns (164) and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Xxx Cowboys Ravens 021 S Fbn Usa Md © H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY, USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Fitzgerald has previously competed in the Annexus Pro-Am and is an honorary member of the Thunderbirds, the organization that runs the tournament. His presence within Arizona sports, including at one of the year’s most anticipated golf events, underscores why the Waste Management Open isn’t just a tour stop, but a celebration of competition and the game of golf.
With elite talent already confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open and star athletes joining the Pro-Am for a lighter side of competition, the event is shaping up to be another unforgettable stop on the PGA Tour.
Oh yeah, we’re name dropping. @LarryFitzgerald Jr., @CarliLloyd & @EmmittSmith22 are in for the @Annexus Pro-Am.
More info: https://t.co/4g4bjGPSIw@WasteManagement @tpcscottsdale pic.twitter.com/lW2N1ww5UC
— WM Phoenix Open (@WMPhoenixOpen) January 24, 2026
The WM Phoenix Open runs Feb. 2-8 at TPC Scottsdale, with the Annexus Pro-Am scheduled for Feb. 4.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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