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A fan pounds two beers together and chugs them before getting arrested near the 17th hole during the second round at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

'Crossed the line': Rowdy WM Phoenix Open needs fixing

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated 2/12/24

PGA Tour players sign up for the Waste Management Phoenix Open because it's a refreshing change of pace from the typical event on the schedule. The loose atmosphere allows players to get away from the grind of a full PGA Tour season and have fun with the rowdiest crowd in golf.

But after this year's antics, many players are going to think twice before adding TPC Scottsdale to their schedule.

Over the weekend, the WM Phoenix Open morphed from a raucous, alcohol-fueled celebration in the desert to a boorish frat party. There were fans sliding down muddy hills with minimal clothing and on-course arguments between players and spectators.

One shirtless gentleman even dove into a greenside bunker during play and made sand angels. The chaos grew so out of control that the tournament closed its gates and stopped serving alcohol Saturday.

Now let’s review today’s highlights from the Waste Management Phoenix Open… pic.twitter.com/WXlgs4KBTT
— Jimmy Orr (@JimmyOrr) February 11, 2024

It was much more dangerous than a few drunken disturbances, though. During Friday's round, a woman fell from the stands on the stadium 16th hole and was transported to a nearby medical center. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries, per ESPN.com.

The WM Phoenix Open is supposed to be loud and obnoxious. That's what makes it such a fun and unique tournament on the PGA Tour, but it will have to scale back the craziness after this year.

Players complained about the over-the-top event. Billy Horschel became upset when fans yelled during a swing by fellow golfer Nicolo Galletti.

"Buddy, when he's over the shot, shut the hell up, man," Horschel yelled at a fan, per an ESPN.com report. "Come on, he's trying to hit a damn golf shot here. It's our [expletive] job."

PGA Tour veteran Zach Johnson also weighed in on fans' out-of-control behavior.

“This tournament has been inappropriate and crossed the line since I’ve been on Tour,” he told The Arizona Republic. "I don’t know what the line is, but you have people falling out of the rafters, you have fights in the stands. It’s to the point where now, how do you reel it in? Because it’s taken on a life of its own."

Johnson was caught on video engaging in a shouting match with a fan during his round, and he wasn't the only player who left TPC Scottsdale feeling frustrated and unsure about returning.

The WM Phoenix Open must tone down the madness if it wants players to keep adding it to their schedules.

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