With music blaring and beer cans flying, LIV Golf has carved out a reputation as the party tour. However, as the PGA Tour descends upon Arizona for its annual event this week, it serves as a stark reminder of who first tore up the traditional golf gallery rules. More than half-a-million golf enthusiasts are expected to flood through the gates at TPC Scottsdale, eager to secure a prime spot at what has long been heralded as ‘the greatest show on grass’.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is not only the most-attended event in golf but also ranks among the best-attended events in global sports, with over 200,000 attendees on a typical Saturday. This spectacle, often dubbed the ‘People’s Open,’ coincides with Super Bowl weekend, transforming into America’s biggest party, with its main attraction being the stadium hole—a 150-meter par 3 that annually produces some of the most iconic scenes in golf.
The Stadium Hole: A Colosseum of Golf
The rush through the turnstiles at dawn is driven by fans eager to witness the action at the 16th hole, affectionately known as ‘the colosseum.’ Up to 20,000 spectators can gather around this hole, which has inspired similar setups like LIV Adelaide’s ‘Watering Hole.’ However, the general admission area accommodates only about 3,500 fans, with most opting to pay a premium for a spot in one of the 300 skyboxes lining the 150-meter stretch from tee to green. Renting a box for the entire week can cost nearly $150,000, while a single-day ticket ranges from $700 to $2,300, depending on location and suite size.
Despite the hefty price tags, the event has raised approximately $230 million for charity since 2010, drawing tens of thousands annually to be part of the action that often goes viral. Tiger Woods’ unforgettable hole-in-one in 1997 was the catalyst for transforming this hole into a stadium in the Arizona desert. Since its full enclosure, fans have witnessed more aces, and players have enjoyed an atmosphere unlike any other in golf.
Rowdiness and Revelry: A Double-Edged Sword
While many of the PGA Tour’s biggest names relish the one-week departure from golf’s typical decorum, the exuberance can sometimes cross the line. The tournament has taken measures to curb excessive rowdiness, such as replacing beer cans with commemorative cups after fans were criticized for showering the 16th hole in aluminum, necessitating frequent clean-ups mid-play. This is part of the tournament’s broader sustainability efforts, often referred to as ‘the greenest show on grass,’ with all on-site sales being either recyclable or compostable.
Nonetheless, the event can get unruly. Two years ago, former US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson confronted the gallery beside a tee box, telling them to “shut up” amid taunting from fans. Similarly, Byeong Hun An described the tournament as a “s***show,” citing chaos on every hole. Billy Horschel also made headlines for confronting spectators who disrupted his playing partner’s backswing.
“Buddy, when he’s over a shot, shut the hell up, man,” Horschel said. “He’s trying to hit a damn golf shot here—it’s our f****** job.”
Addressing the Chaos: Measures and Reactions
In 2024, the tournament faced serious scrutiny as viral images showed fans engaging in topless mud slides, making snow angels in a bunker, and public urination. Alcohol sales were temporarily halted, leading to chants of “we want beer” at the Stadium Hole. Alarmingly, 63 people were arrested at TPC Scottsdale in 2024 for drunk and disorderly behavior, a figure that has been rising. The Scottsdale Police Department also ejected 319 spectators, significantly more than in previous years.
In response, organizers have increased the police presence and established an on-site jail for those who go too far. A special medical facility is also set up beside the 16th hole. According to Scottsdale Fire Capt. Dave Folio, the primary reasons people end up in the facility are “falls, over-intoxication, and dehydration.”
Despite the chaos, the event remains a favorite among players, boasting a prize fund of nearly USD $10 million, making it one of the world’s most lucrative tournaments outside of majors or ‘signature events.’ The Phoenix Open offers a break from the PGA Tour norm, providing a once-a-year novelty that, though sometimes controversial, is always entertaining.
“We should let people have a good time,” said 2018 winner Gary Woodland. “Now, when you start throwing gambling and stuff involved and people are interacting while you’re swinging and it becomes an issue, that’s where it kind of gets out of control.”
Matt Fitzpatrick likened the Phoenix Open to LIV Golf’s slogan ‘Golf But Louder,’ while Sahith Theegala described the event as a “blast,” acknowledging that while some fans may not handle their alcohol well, the atmosphere is largely positive.
As the 2026 Phoenix Open approaches, the hope is that the measures in place will ensure a balance between revelry and respect, allowing fans and players to enjoy the spectacle without crossing the line.
