The 2024 WM Phoenix Open concluded with Nick Taylor taking home the victory after a remarkable birdie-birdie-birdie finish. However, the electrifying performance on the golf course was overshadowed by the chaotic and rowdy atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale. Known as the 'People's Open,' this tournament draws in passionate fans who aren't afraid to voice their opinions, sometimes excessively.
At the heart of the excitement is the infamous 16th hole, appropriately nicknamed the Coliseum. This fully enclosed par-3 hole is surrounded by a tri-level grandstand boasting 298 suites, accommodating up to 20,000 fans with general admission seating. The 16th hole has become notorious for its raucous crowd, making it the loudest and most attended hole on the PGA Tour. However, this year, the line between enthusiastic cheering and inappropriate behavior appeared to be crossed.
Competitor Byeong Hun An took to social media to express his frustration, labeling the event a 'poopshow' and pointing out that the chaos seemed to spill over onto every hole. Fans were seen engaging in heckling, beer-swilling, and other behaviors that deviated from the traditional decorum of golf.
In response, Chance Cozby, the executive director of the Thunderbirds, the organizing philanthropic group, promised significant changes in the event for the following year. He acknowledged that Saturday's events had been a turning point, and that they now had an entire year to reassess their operations and make improvements.
The 2024 Phoenix Open faced additional challenges besides spectator behavior. Inclement weather disrupted the tournament from the start, causing delays in every round and forcing spectators away from the usual hillside seating areas. Fan behavior also became more erratic than in previous years, with instances of fans fighting, sliding down muddy hills during weather delays, and even a shirtless individual turning a greenside bunker into a makeshift playground.
During one rain delay, fans brought out their inner rock stars by singing 'Sweet Caroline' while creating a massive 25-foot 'snake' made out of empty beer cups in the grandstand. Alcohol sales were eventually cut off on one day to address crowd management issues, causing delays at the gates and frustrating some ticket-holders.
Professional golfers Zach Johnson and Billy Horschel both found themselves irked by the fan behavior. Johnson, a former U.S. Ryder Cup captain, gestured towards a fan on the 15th tee box and expressed his frustration, while Horschel snapped at a fan who disrupted another player's shot on the 15th fairway. These incidents highlight the players' discomfort with the unruly atmosphere.
The event also saw an alarming increase in the number of people arrested by the Scottsdale police, with 54 arrests reported compared to 18 the previous year and none in 2022. A total of 211 individuals were arrested or removed for trespassing.
Looking ahead, the Thunderbirds and tournament organizers are determined to address the issues that arose during the 2024 WM Phoenix Open. While they take pride in what they have built over the years, changes are necessary to ensure a more controlled and respectful environment for both players and fans. Cozby emphasized that everything is up for evaluation, including general admission ticket distribution, security measures, and overall operations.
Despite the challenges faced by this year's event, it's important to note that the WM Phoenix Open, along with the BMW Championship, was named co-winner of the 2023 'Tournament of the Year' award by the PGA Tour. However, it's clear that adjustments need to be made to maintain the balance between a lively atmosphere and one that upholds the values of the sport.
As golf fans anticipate the next iteration of the WM Phoenix Open, they hope to witness not only fantastic golf but also an atmosphere that respects the tradition and spirit of the game.
