Almost three-quarters of a million people—including hundreds of Canadians— a streaker, and Olympian Michael Phelps showed up last week for the Waste Management Phoenix Open. A golf tournament broke out in the middle of the party, with eventual victor Gary Woodland holding off former RBC Canadian Open winner Chez Reavie in a playoff.
Here are some of the biggest highlights from the Tournament.
Record Crowds
Estimates for Saturday suggest just over 216,818 spectators were on the grounds, setting a new single-day record for the tournament and making it the single largest crowd to watch a round of golf. More than 20,000 showed up for the “coliseum,” the three-floor grandstand that surrounds the par-three 16th hole, where spectators cheer and jeer players all week.
Dramatic Finish
Big-hitting Woodland bettered Reavie on the first playoff hole. Woodland’s much improved putting, and three birdies on the final four holes, including an approach to eight feet on the 16th, led to a 7-under final round, and bettering Reavie on the 18th in the playoff.
Twist Face Wins Again
Woodland used a mixed bag of clubs to win the tournament, which included TaylorMade’s new M3 440 Driver. It was the fifth global win in as many weeks for TaylorMade’s new Twist Face technology, which is available now for pre-order at Golf Town.
Rowdy Fans
Well, it’s called the loudest hole in golf but a reason but not everyone was thrilled with the scene at the 16th. Both Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas complained about the antics of some fans. “I was a little disappointed in some of the stuff that was said and I don’t want much negativity,” Fowler said. “The normal boos for missing a green, that’s fine, but leave the heckling to a minimum and make it fun.”
Baring It All
A break dancing streaker made headlines before the tournament even started. With the indication that alcohol had overtaken his better judgement, Adam Stalmach, 24, stripped down and busted some moves, before, well, getting busted. Police warned against any further nakedness.
This Drink’s On Me
Ryan Palmer threw out golf balls with $10 bills wrapped around them on the 16th hole. One can only assume the money paid for plenty of adult beverages.
Hey 16…. they're baaaaack!!! @WMPhoenixOpen pic.twitter.com/2S1QV85ZwP
— Ryan Palmer (@RyanPalmerPGA) February 2, 2018
The Canucks
Three Canadians—Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor and Ben Silverman—made the cut at the tournament. Hadwin put himself in a good position heading into Saturday, but was 3-over on the weekend to fall well down the leaderboard. Rookie Silverman won the “Ford Drive Your Ride” award (and a new Ford Expedition) for being the combined closest to the pin on the 16th through the first two rounds.
https://twitter.com/Benw_Silverman/status/959981167712718848