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The game of golf boasts numerous notable locations and moments throughout the year.
Augusta’s Amen Corner. PGA National’s Bear Trap. TPC Sawgrass’s iconic island green.
However, none of them can compare to the electric atmosphere found at the 16th hole of TPC Scottsdale during the annual Waste Management Open.
This particular hole has earned the nickname “The Stadium Course” due to its ability to accommodate up to 20,000 fans at once, with a significant portion of them being enthusiastic students from nearby Arizona State University.
But this isn’t your typical golf hole. The crowd is known for being boisterous, rowdy, and unafraid to express their opinions when a player makes a less-than-ideal shot. In fact, last year’s event even featured a Post Malone concert at the hole.
However, on Saturday, the fans may have crossed a line.
Also just got this text https://t.co/VboAda0mdx pic.twitter.com/cgxSwmdJGT
— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) February 10, 2024
The situation in Scottsdale became so chaotic that local law enforcement had to close the gates to the course, preventing even ticket-holding fans from entering.
But that’s not all.
According to Claire Rogers of Golf.com, the event had to cease all alcohol sales due to the unruly behavior of the crowd.
Even golf influencer Paige Spiranac shared a video of a fan who took things to the extreme by running onto the course and performing a somersault into a greenside bunker.
I would say he did not stick the landing pic.twitter.com/Y8bI8Eu9IK
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) February 10, 2024
The 16th hole at Scottsdale holds a special place in the hearts of golf enthusiasts. We certainly don’t want to see it lose its unique charm. However, fans who cross the line like this may force the course or the PGA to implement stricter measures.
They have already had to take unprecedented actions to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. It’s important to remember that these are professional golfers who are trying to perform their job.
At some point, common sense must prevail, even if some fans have consumed a few too many beverages.
According to the Source brobible.com