The WM Phoenix Open has all the time supplied an environment in contrast to another on the PGA Tour schedule, though this yr’s contest will probably be remembered extra for incidents outdoors the ropes.
Nick Taylor produced a superb end to say his fourth PGA Tour title, birdieing three of his remaining 4 holes to complete alongside Charley Hoffman on 21 below earlier than birdieing each further holes to beat the American within the play-off, in per week the place fan behaviour typically overshadowed the golf itself.
Social media movies over the occasion revealed the complete extent of the chaos, as alcohol-fuelled incidents included spectators combating, urinating in public, sliding topless down a muddy hill and even arrested for creating snow angels in one of many course’s bunkers.
TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course can appeal to as much as 200,000 followers a day and its iconic par-three sixteenth gap is dubbed the “loudest hole in golf”, with cheers, boos and even beer showers greeting golfers by means of the years, however this yr’s contest left gamers concerned in heated exchanges with spectators.
Crushed American Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson was filmed remonstrating with followers at TPC Scottsdale and could possibly be heard telling them “I’m sick of it” earlier than demanding they “just shut up”.
In a separate incident, Billy Horschel was seen shouting at a spectator for calling out whereas certainly one of his taking part in companions, qualifier Nicolo Galletti, was about to hit a shot.
“Buddy, when he’s over a shot shut the hell up man,” Horschel mentioned. “He’s trying to hit a damn golf shot here – it’s our f****** job.”
Three-time main champion Jordan Spieth could possibly be seen mouthing the phrases ‘what the f***’ after rowdy crowds made noise on his backswing throughout one gap, whereas former BMW PGA Championship winner Byeong Hun An described the occasion a “s*** show” which was “totally out of control on every hole”.
He added: “Played here multiple times over the years and it was fine until today.”
‘Some individuals aren’t the perfect drunks’
Followers queue for hours forward of gates opening earlier than working to get their vantage spot safe on the Stadium Gap, the place one spectator was hospitalised after falling from one of many stands.
Match officers have been compelled to close spectator gates sooner than deliberate throughout Saturday’s motion after being overwhelmed by the turnout, leaving some paying spectators unable to get in.
“Due to larger than usual crowds, the WM Phoenix Open entrance gates are temporarily closed and shuttle service to the event is on hold,” the event mentioned on social media. “Shuttle service back to parking lots will remain running. Regularly check our channels for updates.”
There was additionally the unprecedented transfer of non permanent halting alcohol gross sales as a result of variety of fan incidents, resulting in chants of “we want beer” from these within the stands on the Stadium Gap.
“The officer was telling me people got too drunk,” Sahith Theegala mentioned. “It’s a blast. There’s definitely some people that aren’t the best drunks, but for the most part it’s all positive.”
The “Greenest Show on Grass” might be again once more in 2025 and can proceed to generate big crowds, though event organisers will need the golf itself to return to the topic dominating headlines.
Watch the PGA Tour all through the season dwell on Sky Sports activities. The Genesis Invitational is dwell from Thursday at 3.30pm on Sky Sports activities Golf. Stream the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Women European Tour and extra on NOW
Get Sky Sports activities on WhatsApp
Now you can begin receiving messages and alerts for the newest breaking sports activities information, evaluation, in-depth options and movies from our devoted WhatsApp channel. Discover out extra right here…