Record-Breaking Attendance at “Rowdy” Phoenix Open
The Waste Management Phoenix Open got off to a record-breaking start yesterday with 118,461 golf fans in attendance, 30,000 more than any other Thursday in the event’s history.
Despite the PGA Tour’s attempts to “tone it down,” the event is continuing to gain even more popularity this year, with possible reasons including Tiger Woods’ return and the Super Bowl also in town for the weekend.
Known as one of the rowdiest golf tournaments on the PGA schedule, the Phoenix Open has had a varied and colourful history over the years.
From screaming spectators to hilarious “caddie races,” it’s a golf tournament like no other. A point perfectly illustrated by the shenanigans reserved for the par-3 16th hole.
With bleachers surrounding the tee box that can hold around 15,000 fans, the 16th can get loud, real loud. Last year the PGA banned the caddie races to the green and this year set about putting an end to players and caddies throwing swag into the crowds, a decision that didn’t go down too well.
While many questioned whether or not the “fun” was being taken out of the tournament it appears the regulations have done little to affect the crowds.
During a week when golf fans seem to lose all sense of decorum and on-course etiquette, the Phoenix Open is proving once again that it’s a tournament worth keeping your eye on.
Day one finished with American Ryan Palmer leading after an incredible 7-under 64, just 1-stroke ahead of Keegan Bradley, Bubba Watson and Daniel Berger.
For Woods, his first professional round of 2015 and his first time at the Phoenix Open since 2001, got off to a far rockier start. With an opening of 73, the Nike golfer seems to be suffering with his short game, specifically his chipping.
“I’m just having a hard time finding the bottom,” Woods told reporters yesterday.
“Because of my old pattern, I was so steep on it, that I have a new grind on my wedge and sometimes it’s hard to trust. This is a similar grind I used to use back in the early 2000s, but it’s a different grind.”
Unless Woods can find “the bottom” today he risks missing his first cut of the season.
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