The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most unique events on the PGA Tour calendar.
Held in early February, the event at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course creates an atmosphere unlike any other on tour. The par-three 16th hole provides a distinctive experience for those competing.
Famously, Joel Dahmen took his top off during the 2022 event and also downed a beer for good measure whilst on the green. The Phoenix Open was also home to Scottie Scheffler‘s first PGA Tour victory, which, given the world number one’s trajectory, could prove to be a significant moment in golfing history.
During the 2024 event, Scheffler had a moment to forget on the 18th after he putted into a bunker after reaching the green in regulation, much to the enjoyment of the boisterous crowd.
However, the WM Phoenix Open’s vibrant atmosphere could soon be a thing of the past.
Golf fans split as WM Phoenix Open makes supporter decision
In light of a number of incidents which occurred during the 2024 event in Phoenix, a “zero tolerance” policy is now in place for those who behave out of line.
Fans will now be required to acknowledge a code of conduct when purchasing their tickets. As expected, social media reactions are split.
“Isn’t that literally the main reason anyone goes to that event,” @the_rick665 wrote on X
@mr_parr1 added: “Well, that just killed The Waste Management Phoenix Open college student participation there. Instead of $10,000,000 in beer sales: Well, it just won’t be there. Who will the winners or the losers be? Your choice.”
@hanlons_razor93 also said: “I thought that was the point of that tournament. No wonder LIV is pulling ahead. I mean, I don’t want loud music blasted on the 12th tee at Augusta, but letting a tournament have a personality isn’t a bad idea.”
While @jackpride_87 wrote: “Damn, looks like they’ve lost the entire vision for why this tourney was what it was. RIP WMopen, it won’t ever be the same.”
Some acknowledged the tournament had got out of hand in 2024, however.
@MikeJosephAZ said: “Who cares…absolute worst event to attend if you have any interest in golf.”
“About time,” added @daddington7. While @pegottschalk said: “Last year was ridiculous. I’m not going this year.”
Finally, @wintermix1 shared the same view. “Good because it has gotten out of control,” she wrote.
- READ MORE: Scottie Scheffler says whether he thinks PGA Tour and LIV Tour golfers have been overpaid in 2024
Waste Management Phoenix Open decision comes in the midst of Ryder Cup decision
In the wake of the WM Phoenix Open news, concern has also been raised about the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
After Patrick Cantlay’s mostly good-natured ridicule in Rome, US fans are expected to look for some payback in New York.
Fan misbehaviour is not uncommon at the Ryder Cup. In 2001, Tiger Woods expressed his disgust at the way Colin Montgomerie was treated at Brookline two years earlier.
As the 2025 event approaches, Keegan Bradley has spoken about the prospect of unrest at Bethpage. Bradley anticipates an electric atmosphere but has also reiterated that any unacceptable behaviour will result in immediate ejection from the event.
“The PGA of America has things in place for each group to monitor the situation, and if you act inappropriately, you’re going to be asked to leave the tournament,” he told BBC Sport.
“I hope and expect the fans will respect what the guys are doing but also at the same time be lively and supporting our team.”
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