‘Brace Yourself for the Madness’: How Top Golfers Navigate the ‘Extraordinary’ Atmosphere at the Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE: This week on the PGA Tour is arguably the most “one-of-a-kind” on the schedule, characterised by its electrifying crowds, and one of the main attractions is ready for another Phoenix Open.

Endearingly dubbed “The People’s Open” for its laid-back vibe and boisterous spectators, this annual event in Scottsdale, Arizona, stands out as a pinnacle of the golf calendar.

While the audience often steals the spotlight, the players thoroughly enjoy showcasing their skills before a lively crowd hailing from various parts of the globe, creating an atmosphere akin to that of a basketball or baseball match rather than a traditional golf tournament.

THE MOLE: Bennett is contemplating a bold round one selection choice.

During the launch event for the upcoming PGA Tour 2K25, cover star Max Homa shared that the exhilarating atmosphere does bring him moments of “frustration.”

“In an odd way, it makes things easier because you know it’s going to be wild,” he said when questioned by Wide World of Sports about the event’s ambience.

“You sort of know what you’re in for, and I honestly consider this the most enjoyable week on tour throughout the entire year – I truly love it.

“There are moments that can certainly be frustrating, like when your game isn’t on point and there’s plenty of noise around, but overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

“This event is unlike anything else, and particularly at the 16th hole, it feels more like we’re performing in a basketball stadium or a baseball arena.

“It’s entirely unique for us, and it’s pretty special.”

The lively atmosphere of the Phoenix Open is epitomised by the famous 16th “stadium hole,” where hundreds gather to create a colosseum-like setting and toss their beverages onto the green if a player sinks a hole in one.

The excitement in Scottsdale for the “greatest show on grass” is only building as the tournament kicks off Thursday evening (AEDT).

However, tournament officials have implemented additional measures to ensure that fans maintain their decorum.

“This is one of the aspects that worries me the most,” remarked tournament director Matt Mooney.

“This year we’re placing a strong focus on our fan code of conduct.

All general admission attendees will be required to acknowledge the code of conduct, and we’re imposing a zero-tolerance policy for any violations.

Regrettably, there exists a small portion of society that seeks to create viral moments, and this harms the event, hurts other fans, and most importantly, impacts the athletes themselves.”

Homa is in pursuit of his inaugural victory at Scottsdale as he launches into the 2025 season, still on the lookout for that elusive major title after a commendable showing at The Masters last year.

While his primary focus is on the course, the 34-year-old American admits that being featured on the cover of the video game alongside legends like Tiger Woods and Matt Fitzpatrick is truly “surreal.”

“As a kid, when you’d create a player in a video game, you’d design it to resemble yourself because you wanted to be part of it,” Homa explained.

“It’s a different scenario now since I make a living playing the sport, so seeing myself on TV isn’t foreign to me.

“However, to actually be in the game and see how accurate it is feels genuinely surreal.

“The entire experience is mind-blowing.”

Liam O’Loughlin is reporting from Arizona, covering the Phoenix Open for Wide World of Sports. His trip has been sponsored by PGA Tour 2K25, released on 28th February.