The 2024 Phoenix Open was overcrowded.

In the US, organizers of the PGA Tour in Arizona had to temporarily close the course and stop selling alcoholic beverages to ensure safety when the crowd exceeded the course's capacity during bad weather.

The stands at the 16th hole, a par-3, at TPC Scottsdale were packed during the Phoenix Open. Photo: Golfweek — The stands at the 16th hole, a par-3, at TPC Scottsdale were packed during the Phoenix Open. Photo: *Golfweek*

Crowd control measures were implemented at 2 p.m. local time on February 10, as the third round began with several rain showers since morning.

"Due to the larger-than-usual crowd, we are temporarily closing the entrance gates and suspending the bus service to the stadium. The return route will continue to operate, with vehicles gathering at the parking lot. We appreciate your understanding."

This was the first time such an announcement had been made in the tournament's history since its opening in 1987. Despite the announcement that alcoholic beverages would no longer be sold, many stands recorded spectators patiently queuing for long periods to be served again, only to leave disappointed.

Yesterday, crowds gathered, cheering as they waited to enter the gate from 5:40 a.m., in the drizzling rain.

Crowds gathered and cheered as they waited to enter the gate from 5:40 AM.

Over the years, the Phoenix Open has attracted at least 700,000 spectators throughout the week. The penultimate day is always the peak, drawing over 200,000 spectators, with the largest concentration at the 16th hole, surrounded by a three-tiered grandstand reminiscent of the Roman Coliseum. Given its scale, the event has earned the title of " the world's most popular and boisterous open golf tournament."

The 2024 tournament continued to assert its dominance despite the bad weather over the past three days. Rain left the grounds muddy and slippery. But that didn't stop the overzealous spectators from using the grass as a playground. Some even stripped off their shirts and somersaulted in the sand pits.

The grounds of TPC Scottsdale are muddy and slippery.

The Phoenix Open is also a chance to hang out with friends, then get drunk on a hooker in the early morning, or sit motionless in a chair with a bottle of beer in hand.

The par-3 16th hole has always been a "key hole" on the course. Back in 2022, it witnessed two hole-in-ones, each time triggering a shower of beer cans from the stands.

Last year, the organizers switched to selling beer in white plastic cups. After finishing their drinks, the crowd joined the cups together, creating a long, snake-like shape. This year, the cups are blue and joined together to form a "green snake" shape.

The third round of the Phoenix Open was interrupted by rain, with the last group to have 12 holes to play. The leaderboard is currently at -13, held by Canadian golfer Nick Taylor, who has only completed six holes.

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