It’s loud, fun, wildly well-attended and heavily lubricated by domestic lager.
Yes, we’re talking about The Waste Management Phoenix Open (WMPO). A tournament that is by some accounts the manifestation of a Happy Gilmore commissionership, the #PeoplesOpen is set to once again grace the verdant hues of TPC Scottsdale later this month. And for a tour with some rather pedestrian weeks, lacking a fraction of the buzz (pun intended) of the WMPO, one has to wonder if it’s time other tournaments utilized this fan-focused setup. But then again, does golf need more “baba-booeys” being yelled? Let’s take a quick assessment on whether or not the WMPO model is the right fit for further application.
Pros
The event is the best attended on tour and it’s not solely because people want to watch the golf. As some tournaments struggle with attendance, the question needs to be asked: would they rather have boisterous fans pack the course or stick with a few soft-clappers? The RBC Canadian Open’s “Rink” setup offers an example of how to thoughtfully execute such a plan.
Unlike the majority of PGA Tour events that are watched only by the ardent golf fan, the WMPO manages to escape these confines and seep into mainstream consciousness. Viral social media videos of shenanigans on the Par 3 16th hole now seem to be an inevitability, as does having someone you follow on Instagram share their experience. Social media is a great way to introduce people to golf, and few events in sport create as many onlne impressions as the WMPO.
But it’s not all about the 16th hole, social media and fan antics. The tournament leverages its status to further its charitable giving and spread awareness for its “no waste” initiative. Having a good time for a good cause is a solid philanthropic formula, one that resulted in giving over $13 million to local charities in 2019. Perhaps other tournaments can take note.
Cons
On the flip side fan behaviour is already teetering on the edge of unacceptable, so let’s not pretend that the proliferation of a drinking culture is going to relieve the situation. For example, Patrick Reed’s caddy nearly fought a drunk fan at the Presidents Cup in December, and an excited spectator yelled, “Cheater,” at the golfer as he tried to win in a playoff recently in Hawaii.
With the Arizonian air being the only dry thing at the WMPO, it may be only a matter of time until someone takes it too far. It’s all fun and games until someone does something truly regrettable. It’s probably not a great idea to increase this likelihood at other events.
Of course the Tour wants to promote the game, but if the environment at the WMPO becomes a regularity on Tour, aren’t we detracting from the competition in favour of unrestrained hijinks? There are plenty of places you can drink and yell, namely bars.
What’s your take?
Do you like the crazy atmosphere of the Waste Management and its insane 16th hole? Should there be more events like it, or is golf a game of decorum, where fans clap politely and are supporting, rather than jeering and aggressive. Tell us in the comments below!
This is my absolute favorite tournament of the year. It’s fun to watch and the crowd gets into it. Yes, there are a few people that get take it a little too far but those are few and far between. When that happens, show them the door.
One scene is enough, we do not need to make a circus out of golf. It is good to watch for one week a year, then shut it down and let it rest.