We all know how notorious the WM Phoenix Open is for having fans go absolutely crazy. The event has earned a reputation for being one of the wildest and most unpredictable stops on the PGA Tour. Last year’s edition was no exception, with fans crossing ropes and engaging in humiliating behavior that disrupted the game.

Well, it seems like the PGA Tour has finally come up with a potential solution to the problem. In response to the chaos, officials have announced a “zero tolerance” policy for unruly behavior, aiming to maintain the integrity of the game. While some fans have expressed outrage and disagreement with the new rule on social media, the player’s roster has helped save the event. While we wait to see if the tour’s plan really has an effect on the fans, let’s revisit some of the worst WM Phoenix Open moments in the tournament’s history.

1. Zach Johnson clashes with fans

The 2024 WM Phoenix Open was marred by controversy when Zach Johnson lost his cool with a group of fans during the third round. The 12-time PGA Tour winner was caught on camera telling a group of fans to “shut up” after someone apparently crossed a line. “Somebody said it, I’m just sick of it. Just shut up,” Johnson was heard saying. Security intervened, but not before Johnson made his feelings clear. The incident highlighted the challenges of maintaining a respectful atmosphere at the tournament, which is known for its rowdy crowds.

2. Billy Horschel’s run-in with a spectator

Johnson wasn’t the only one who clashed with fans. Billy Horschel also had a run-in with a spectator who was talking during a player’s swing. “He’s trying to hit a damn golf shot here – it’s our f-ing job!” Horschel was overheard saying, as he expressed his frustration with the lack of respect from some fans. Horschel’s reaction was more justified, but it’s clear that the players are getting frustrated with the disruptions.

The incident served as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining a lively atmosphere and ensuring that players can compete without unnecessary distractions.

3. Fifty-four arrests at the 2024 WM Phoenix Open

The 2024 WM Phoenix Open will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. What was supposed to be a celebration of golf and community turned into a spectacle of unruly behavior and chaos. A record attendance was overshadowed by incidents off the course, including a staggering 54 arrests – a significant jump from the previous year’s 18. The Scottsdale Police Department also reported 211 ejections, more than double the previous year’s number. The poor weather conditions only added to the mayhem, with overcrowding and congestion forcing fans into smaller spaces.

The tournament organizers are determined to learn from last year’s mistakes and change the narrative. “Last year gave us some unique insights with the insane weather,” said tournament chairman Matt Mooney. To address the issues, organizers have added a second entry point and enlarged walkways across the course. While these efforts are a step in the right direction, the 2024 WM Phoenix Open will go down in history as a bad moment for the tournament.

4. WM Phoenix Open deemed the worst thing after the 2020 edition

We all remember the 2020 WM Phoenix Open, a tournament marred by rowdy behavior, drunken fans, and a bad precedent for other tournaments. The 16th hole was the epicenter of chaos, with spectators behaving like they were at a frat party. The ripple effect is evident, with events like the Honda Classic and Presidents Cup being overrun by obnoxious fans. A notable example is the altercation between Patrick Reed’s caddie, Kessler Karain, and a spectator during the Presidents Cup. The spectator had been relentlessly heckling Reed throughout the match, and Karain finally confronted him, sparking a heated exchange that highlighted the growing problem of fan behavior in golf, which the Phoenix Open has unfortunately helped to perpetuate.

5. Max Homa breaks club in anger at the 2023 WM Phoenix Open

Last but not least, Max Homa’s outburst at the 2023 WM Phoenix Open left a sour taste in the mouths of golf fans. Despite starting the final day with a chance to improve his ranking and potentially clinch his second trophy of the year, Homa’s temper got the better of him. He was just one score behind leader Scottie Scheffler, but his fortunes changed on the par-4 sixth hole. Homa’s drive hit the sand, and the ball only traveled 100 yards, leaving him 80 yards short of the hole.

The disappointing shot led to a moment of anger, with Homa breaking his club in frustration. The incident was caught on camera, and a video was tweeted by a pro golf staffer. While some fans sympathized with Homa’s frustration, others were quick to criticize his lack of sportsmanship. With the PGA Tour’s new rules in play, one can only hope nothing like this will happen at this year’s tournament. What do you think will happen? Let us know in the comment section below!