It’s that time of year again, do we want more tournaments like the Waste Management Phoenix Open or is once a year more than enough?
The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is one of the most famous par-3s in golf for both right and wrong reasons. Whether it’s pin seeking golf shots down the stretch, throwing beer cans on the green, taking your shirt off if you’re of a certain weight, or young ones getting off their face, the stadium hole has it all.
The message is that you are there to make as much noise as is humanly possible and it’s generally accepted by much of the TPC Scottsdale faithful.
The 16th is a carnival atmosphere, but you need a tough skin. Miss the green and you will be abused.
PGA Tour player Byeong Hun An took to Twitter to blast some of the spectators behaviour on Saturday.
“Shitshows. Totally out of control on every hole,” he said.
It’s been a stop start week for the WM Phoenix Open with weather delays wreaking havoc.
On Saturday, thousands of fans scampered towards the stadium hole. The gates had to be temporarily closed, alcohol sales were suspended in an attempt to maintain crowd safety levels, the first time such measures have had to be taken in the event.
Due to the weather delay, some players are yet to complete their third rounds and An will return to the course on Sunday, starting on the par-3 16th.
“Yes I know what I signed up for. Played here multiple times over the years and it was fine until today, it’s just personal experience.
“Exactly. 16th hole is always loud so it works but other holes, 97% of the people are quite and 3% says some dumb stuff. It’s weird to hear stuff that I dont normally hear in other events.”
After one fan asked if the behaviour from fans had been worse than normal this year, An replied: “I think so. I didn’t have to deal with it until the last few holes. Almost every other hole today.”
It’s also Superbowl Sunday. The 16th is going to be louder than loud.
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