“S**tshow” – Pro blasts fan behaviour at Phoenix Open

Byeong Hun An has condemned the behaviour of spectators at TPC Scottsdale, host venue of this week’s Phoenix Open, branding the event a “shitshow”.

The 32-year-old South Korean shared his thoughts in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) after especially raucous scenes at the so-called ‘People’s Open’ on Saturday.

Tournament officials were forced to shut spectator gates early on Saturday after being overwhelmed by the turnout for the event’s third round.

Alcohol sales were also temporarily halted as boozed-up fans went on the mother of all benders in the desert.

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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.

And then there was this…

Been at my son’s hockey game & a mate asked how’s WMPO going? I said it’s Saturday, it’s not about the golf. He just sent me this video with the quote “you’re right!” #WastedManagent #PhoenixOpen
pic.twitter.com/9djhn4mdTi

— Luke Elvy (@Luke_Elvy) February 11, 2024

Other spectators were filmed apparently urinating on a floor in the tented village and fighting with one another close to one of the holes.

An, who was five-over for 15 holes before darkness forced Saturday’s play to be suspended, was less than impressed with what he saw and heard, and made his feelings known in a series of tweets.

Shitshows. Totally out of control on everyhole https://t.co/GnPZdqAyHB

— Byeong Hun An (@ByeongHunAn) February 11, 2024

Booing after shots are fine.
There are lots of people yelling before hitting it. https://t.co/IBkgtMRLGA

— Byeong Hun An (@ByeongHunAn) February 11, 2024

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 https://t.co/Bz6YWYpkxT

— Byeong Hun An (@ByeongHunAn) February 11, 2024

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. https://t.co/4DHXVcBENm

— Byeong Hun An (@ByeongHunAn) February 11, 2024

An’s opinion was in stark contrast to that of Jordan Spieth, who described them as awesome – despite the huge crowds causing him trouble when he tried to return to the course for the afternoon’s third round, after completing his second round earlier in the day.

“When I went home and when I came back, I couldn’t come the same direction,” said the former world No.1. “The police officers had blocked it off, so I drove up and I said, how am I supposed to get back to the course. He said, we’re over capacity. It’s hazardous.

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“Once he said that, I thought maybe we were in a little bit of trouble this afternoon, but we were on the front nine so it was a little less rowdy, and I heard they stopped alcohol sales.

“Honestly, they were awesome. It was really cool actually to see that many people on the front nine. You typically just see them on the back nine here and then occasionally on nine and a couple other spots. They were fantastic.

“Saturday is normally the big day, but I think with 27 holes tomorrow, we might see some more people come out than usual on Sunday anyway.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor