PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open descends into chaos as the boozy golf event shuts the gates to limit attendance and cuts off alcohol to hold back raucous crowds during Saturday’s third round
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the organizers of the WM Phoenix Open have turned off the beer taps and denied visitors access due to the enormous crowds.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, organizers closed the gates of TPC Scottsdale and halted alcohol sales at most locations along the course due to the raucous party atmosphere.
This was despite terrible weather conditions by Arizona standards – with rain and temperatures of 40 degrees in the morning, allowing the sun to break through the clouds and temperatures in the mid-50s.
“Due to larger than normal crowds, the WM Phoenix Open gates are temporarily closed and shuttle service to the event has been suspended,” the tournament said on social media.
Alcohol sales were halted and fans were turned away during the third round of the Phoenix Open
Due to the large crowds, the gates were closed to visitors for the first time in the event’s history
A festive atmosphere has become common at the Phoenix Open, which bills itself as ‘The People’s Open’ and the ‘Greatest Show on Grass’.
But the atmosphere became dangerous when fights broke out and people blacked out from drinking alcohol.
According to KTAR talks to radio host Barry Markson30 people blacked out during the event, leading to the organizers’ decision to stop the flow of drinks.
The tournament is known for its atmosphere – with the epicenter being the student parties on the par-3 16th hole, where fans ignore calls for silence (and where golfers, for once, welcome the noise).
Yesterday, a serious party mistake occurred on that same hole when a woman fell and suffered non-life-threatening injuries that required hospitalization.
During Friday’s second round, several videos of drunk fans found their way to social media.
One saw an adult man being carried out over the shoulders of another man.
Elsewhere on the course, fans began sliding down a muddy hill before police put an end to proceedings on Friday.
A police officer watches fans on the 16th green during Saturday’s action at the Phoenix Open
Some customers were caught video fighting when security wasn’t around to stop them
But the debauchery continued on Saturday. Images showed more fans – in various states of dress and undress – sliding down the same hills as the crowd cheered them on.
Videos from fans also appeared to show people becoming violent – with at least one fight caught on camera.
Security was outnumbered and arrived late after other onlookers pulled over the two men who were fighting.