The 2024 WM Phoenix Open should be remembered for the stellar performance of Nick Taylor, who shot a course-record-tying 60 in the first round and finished with three consecutive birdies on Sunday. A two-hole sudden-death playoff win over Charley Hoffman at TPC Scottsdale.
But years later, when we reflect on what happened, we are more likely to remember the fans as drunken, rude and unruly than the talent of Taylor and other golfers — something local tournament organizers and the PGA Tour need Resolve the problem before things get completely out of hand with your arms outstretched.
I get it; the WM Phoenix Open has always been known for excesses, especially on the 16th hole, where fans – some in costumes, many drinking – seemed to prefer to take issue with tee shots that missed the green on the par-3 hole Booing instead of cheering for tee shots that miss the green on par 3 holes. stamp. But this year goes beyond that in a big way.
There are idiots jumping into the bunker shirtless, drunken unconscious men peeing on chairs while others pass by as if this is normal behavior, women falling from railing 16, unconscious patrons being carried onto people’s shoulders and fans fighting along the gallery ropes.
Now let’s recap the highlights from today’s Waste Management Phoenix Open… pic.twitter.com/WXlgs4KBTT
— Jimmy Orr (@JimmyOrr) February 11, 2024
On Saturday, race officials closed the entrance gates and stopped beer sales, presumably because the crowds were too large and unruly.While concerning, what PGA Tour officials should be aware of is the reaction of players who feel disrespected by confrontations with spectators In the middle of their turn.
Zach Johnson, one of the more mild-mannered competitors in the Tour de France and known for his unfailing politeness, lost his patience with a fan who confronted him about his Ryder Cup loss and his decisions as captain conflict.
“Leave my husband alone. That’s what someone said,” Johnson said, visibly frustrated and angry. “I’m just tired of it. Shut up.”
Billy Horschel warned someone in the crowd who was talking loudly as his partner Nicolo Galletti hit the backswing. “Man,” Horschel told everyone, “when he’s done with one shot, shut up.”
Korean-born golfer Byeong Hun An said Saturday on What’s the purpose. I’ve played here many times over the years and it’s fun to this day.”
It’s clear that 2023 is the WM Phoenix Open’s highest level. Regardless, have fun at the game, but don’t get to the point where the fans’ behavior becomes the story. It will be interesting to see what this event looks like next year. pic.twitter.com/xH7F0yJfwp
— Luke Elvy (@Luke_Elvy) February 11, 2024
If the tour (and/or the Thunderbirds, the local organization hosting the event) don’t take notice, how long will it take before players start to decide it’s not worth the trouble and skip the event? If that happens, everyone loses — the tour, which is competing with LIV Golf for audience retention; the players, who will miss out on a better-paying non-signature event; and well-behaved fans who want to see the world Be the best golfer, not the local Johnny like Homer Simpson.
Over the years, this atmosphere has been considered fun. Unlike any other tour event, fans can increase the energy by raising the roof. Players are having fun, too, like two years ago when Harry Higgs took off his shirt after making a par on the 16th hole and teammate Joel Dahmen took off his shirt and Heads spin while fans throw beers onto the green. The touring show may not like it, but Netflix sure does like it by making it a staple of Damen’s All Out episodes.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the uniqueness of the game, especially this hole. It breaks the dullness usually associated with so-called gentleman’s games. The PGA Tour even embraced the fraternity atmosphere, treating it as a one-time event on the schedule and not rejecting the People’s Open’s unofficial name.
But today’s waste management is similar to waste management. Organizers fail to recognize that people often tend to push behavioral boundaries. Whenever some vulgar behavior is tolerated or accepted, it becomes the basis for the next act of debauchery, until we finally get what we got last weekend.
Some people attribute excessive drinking to increased drinking due to the weather. While it’s possible, could it be simpler than this? Do people see this as an opportunity to do stupid things without fear of major consequences?
Before this year, I was interested in attending the Phoenix Open to experience the controlled bustle of Court 16, but I never understood why anyone would pay more than $13 (2020 prices) for a beer just to throw it at On the green. But that might be better than people drinking them, because too many people like to use alcohol as an excuse for inappropriate behavior, which can lead to the worst-case scenarios.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend two games as a fan, one at Lambeau Field and the other at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Neither of these things are pleasant, as drunk fans act as if they are free to say and do whatever they want.
The Phoenix Open may be called the People’s Open, but the people should never be the story. Golf should. Sadly, that’s not the case this year.
“I think the Thunderbirds probably need to do something about it,” Johnson later told reporters. “I guess they feel ashamed because at some point, someone is either really, really hurt or worse.”
(Photo: Ben Jared/PGA Tour, Getty Images)
