CHAOS at TPC Scottsdale as officials forced to shut gates

The ‘People’s Open’ is temporarily closed to the people. 

Officials at TPC Scottsdale, host venue of this week’s WM Phoenix Open, were forced to shut spectator gates early on Saturday after being overwhelmed by the turnout for the event’s third round.

A statement posted on the tournament’s official social media channels read: “Due to larger than usual crowds, the WM Phoenix Open entrance gates are temporarily closed and shuttle service to the event is on hold. Shuttle service back to parking lots will remain running.”

It is understood this is the first time in the event’s history that this has happened.

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Due to the congestion on the grounds, TV crews and PGA Tour officials are also unable to use golf carts to get around.

It has been reported that beer sales have also been suspended.

The highest attended tournament on the tour, the WM Phoenix Open routinely attracts upwards of 700,000 spectators across the week.

However, it has also drawn criticism for the overly raucous behaviour of the crowds.

I would say he did not stick the landing pic.twitter.com/Y8bI8Eu9IK

— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) February 10, 2024

One spectator was filmed performing a sand angel in a greenside bunker at the par-3 16th earlier today, with another fan hospitalised with non life-threatening injuries after falling from the grandstands surrounding the same hole during Friday’s second round.

The rowdy antics have drawn widespread criticism from social media users. Here’s a flavour of what people have been saying…

The Phoenix Open has jumped the shark

— Clarke Malcolm (@CMalcolm_Says) February 10, 2024

https://twitter.com/savannah_ryen/status/1756439936486760615

This is an example why I think the 16th hole of TPC Scottsdale is a disgrace to golf. People fill the stands there and act like they’re in the Wrigley Field bleachers. https://t.co/khIoegsxGe

— 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒆𝒍 𝑱. 𝑮𝒂𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔 (@mikegaichas) February 10, 2024