Every year, the PGA Tour descends on TPC Scottsdale for the WM Phoenix Open, or sometimes called the “People’s Open.” That’s because of the loud, noisy environment created by the infamous par-3 16th hole.
In the “party hall,” patrons taunt and heckle golfers, the only time on tour where they are not only shunned but encouraged.
More than 16,000 people fill the stands every day, creating one of the best environments in all of sports. But things changed on Saturday.
Overcrowding and poor manners from inebriated fans forced tournament directors to make the decision to close gates and halt alcohol sales.
As you can imagine, this wasn’t very well received.
#dry In the desert: “We want beer” chants broke out! –Phoenix fans are getting restless after authorities put a ban on drinking. (via IG/eric_gliebe) pic.twitter.com/11Y0fOlbUu
— NUCLR Golf (@NUCLRGOLF) February 10, 2024
Fans could be seen shouting “I want a beer” through a hole in the stadium.
Earlier in the day, golf influencer Paige Spiranac, who was at the grounds, captured a shirtless fan doing a front flip into the 16th greenside bunker.
A deafening rainstorm early in the tournament left the field muddy. A video of them sliding down a hill was leaked on the internet and fans decided to have some fun with it.
It’s at least a harmless act.
But on Friday, the situation became even more dangerous.
The woman fell from the stands on the 16th hole and was taken to a local medical center. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Despite this, things seem to be getting a little more out of control this year than usual.
Will there be any changes to the WM Phoenix Open in the future?
As for the tournament itself, Saheeth Segala finished the second round with a one-stroke lead. The third round was nowhere near over before darkness began, with 19 golfers within four strokes of the lead, including two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
The WM Phoenix Open should be a wild finish to Super Bowl Sunday.
Kendall Capps is the senior editor of SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow @_PlayingThrough on all major social media platforms.
