The WM Phoenix Open has witnessed several wild moments over the years, including a streaker in 2018, stolen clubs in 2019, beer cans thrown onto the green and players going topless in 2022, and a fan invasion in 2023, all contributing to its reputation for a raucous atmosphere.
At Glance
‣ The WM Phoenix Open is known for its unique atmosphere, highlighted by the famous stadium hole at TPC Scottsdale, which contributes to the event’s popularity among the world’s best golf players.
‣ In 2018, a streaker entertained the crowd during the pro-am with a series of antics, including a clumsy forward roll and breakdancing moves, ultimately receiving a standing ovation despite facing legal consequences.
‣ The 2022 WM Phoenix Open saw fans throwing beer cans onto the 16th green, causing significant delays, which led to the introduction of serving beer in commemorative plastic cups to prevent similar incidents in the future.
‣ Players Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen went topless during the final round of the 2022 tournament, celebrating a putt in an unconventional manner that was premeditated via social media, reflecting the event’s spirited and sometimes unruly atmosphere.
Oh, the WM Phoenix Open. It’s a magnet for the crème de la crème of the PGA Tour, drawing in the big guns every year. And let’s not forget, it coincides with the Super Bowl weekend. Talk about a double whammy of excitement! The cherry on top? That infamous stadium hole at TPC Scottsdale. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s unlike anything else in golf.
But, oh boy, does it get wild sometimes. Fans and players alike sometimes get a little… carried away. Let’s dive into five moments that have gone down in Phoenix Open folklore.
Flashback to 2018, before the main shindig even kicked off. A streaker decided the 17th at the pro-am was his stage. His performance? A clumsy forward roll, a chip onto the green with an imaginary club, bunker shenanigans, and some questionable breakdancing. A spectacle, indeed. But it landed him in jail for a few nights, plus a fine. No regrets, though. He even started a GoFundMe to pay it off, claiming he just wanted to give the crowd a thrill. “Naked,” he added on the page. His parting shot before the stunt? “I just wanna give the crowd something to cheer about.” And cheer they did, giving him a standing ovation when he surrendered to the officials.
2019 brought another shocker. Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher and pro-am celeb, found his clubs stolen. Finishing fourth must’ve felt bittersweet when he discovered the theft. Luckily, they popped up for sale online the next day, his name still embroidered on the bag. Talk about a close call.
Then came 2022. With COVID restrictions lifted, the stadium hole was back to its 2,000-fan glory. Maybe too much glory? Beer cans rained down on the 16th green, causing delays and quite the headache for the PGA Tour. Their solution for the next year? Commemorative plastic cups. Genius.
Also in 2022, Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen decided shirts were optional. After Higgs sank a putt at the 16th, off went the shirts, twirled around their heads in celebration. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Dahmen had teased the possibility on Twitter, but later admitted maybe they’d gone a tad too far.
2023 saw history repeat itself, but with a twist. Another fan invasion at the 16th, this time involving a dance around the flagstick and a dramatic belly flop into the water. It seems the lessons of keeping beer in the stands and shirts on players hadn’t fully sunk in.
The WM Phoenix Open, folks. Where golf meets spectacle, and anything can happen.
