This year’s WM Phoenix Open took mid-PGA Tour tournament partying to a new level.
The fans got out of control and several players, including Team USA Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, complained about the incident.
Things seemed more out of control than usual at TPC Scottsdale, especially on Saturday, due to numerous weather delays. The tournament organizer, Thunderbirds, issued a statementFriday morning about this year’s event.
“Conditions at TPC Scottsdale deteriorated significantly due to heavy rain last week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning, resulting in some of the most difficult conditions in tournament history,” the Thunderbirds said in a statement.
Tournament officials temporarily closed the gates Saturday afternoon and suspended the sale of alcohol at concession stands. Nearly a week later, the Thunderbirds explained their decision and offered fans who had tickets but were denied admission the opportunity for a refund.
“Due to these conditions causing congestion throughout the golf course on Saturday, we have made the decision to temporarily close the main entrance and end concession sales to provide fans with a safe path to exit the golf course. We understand the frustration this has caused our fans.”
It also included a message on how fans can request a refund via email.
They didn’t directly address the real issue last week, leading to criticism from fans. WM Phoenix Open did not hide all replies on X (formerly Twitter), but many did.
The WM Phoenix Open is all about having fun and creating a party atmosphere, but there have to be lines that shouldn’t be crossed. It was clear that fans crossed that line multiple times this year.
I want to keep blaming it on the weather, but there is a bigger problem.
— Å Løkî (@only1alok) February 16, 2024
The tournament became a complete farce and an embarrassment to the PGA Tour.
— Marc Taillefer (@MarcTaillefer6) February 16, 2024
Many fans claim the tournament didn’t even check their tickets upon entry, so it’s no surprise how crowded the course was.
I was blaming the weather as if it was the only factor lol. @chancecozby I have to go!! You guys (for the second year in a row) don’t even check tickets and then blame the traffic on the condition that there are limited people in the aisles. Perhaps it actually checks tickets or limits tickets?
— Brian (@bryanthomas621) February 16, 2024
This event had the potential to be very serious. A woman fell from a balcony more than 6 feet below. Fortunately, she survived with only minor injuries.
But if the Thunderbirds and Phoenix Open don’t make the changes mentioned in the message, disaster could ensue next time.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
