Swimming Streaker to Being Accident Prone: All the Reasons No. 16 at WMPO Is Considered the Craziest Hole on PGA Tour

Unpredictable. That’s all you can say about the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. Following the WM Phoenix Open’s reputation for having the most bizarre fan behavior on its greens, the 16th is where most of these improbable acts turn out to be almost disastrously real (and crazy).

The event with an $8.8 million prize purse is not just known for its fan behavior but also its embellished history of star performances, be it Tiger Woods or Viktor Hovland—they have all spread their magic in Arizona through the years. However, the fame these fans have accrued over the years is worth mentioning.

Whenever it is believed that the People’s Open has seen it all, something even more crazy becomes a reality. Here are four instances to back this up.

1. When a scary fall shocked everyone

The par-3, 162-yard hole saw a woman fall during the second round of the 2024 WM Phoenix Open. She incurred non-life-threatening injuries after she fell from the grandstands.

The PGA Tour was quick to issue a statement addressing the same. They wrote, “The WM Phoenix Open works closely with local law enforcement, fire and medical organizations, and the PGA Tour to strategically place emergency units throughout tournament grounds to promptly address health and safety situations.”

Thankfully, the woman was provided with immediate healthcare after this and was treated for all the injuries that happened due to her shocking fall.

2. When a streaker decided to take a swim

A streaker was spotted running wild at the 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open. The overenthusiastic fan decided to go for a swim and hang out at the ‘W’ inside the water body.

However, eventually, his actions cost him an arrest (and quite a bit of social media popularity). His long swim was one of the unforgettable moments that happened on ‘The Coliseum.’

3. A beer can shower that was potentially dangerous

The last edition of the event also saw a beer can shower after anything remotely exciting took place. So much so that it was feared that if a filled can was thrown, it could easily injure a player and their caddies, along with the rest of the staff present on the greens. The beer shower could also damage the golf course.

In their efforts to avoid this in the future, it was issued by the authorities that all alcoholic beverages on the 16th hole would be served in plastic cups. It was also acclaimed that fans would not be allowed to enter the 16th from other areas if they had a canned alcoholic beverage with them. No matter how fun this seemed at the moment, owing to the large number of fans present, the rule was necessary to be put out.

4. The time when the fans made an ‘improbable but now-possible run’ to the 16th hole

A large group of enthralled fans were also seen making a run for the 16th in 2023. The fans in large groups could be seen sprinting to the course once the gates were opened, and the excitement on their faces was quite possible.  Even the sportscaster was shocked to see the enthrallment amongst the netizens for the event, and he was surprisingly pleased to witness the craziness.

What do you think about this way of fans displaying emotions at the 16th hole of the WM Phoenix Open? Share your views in the comments section below.

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