The Waste Management Phoenix Open, often dubbed “The People’s Open,” is famous for its raucous atmosphere, particularly at the iconic par-3 16th hole. However, the 2024 event was marked by significant crowd control issues and fan experience disruptions that drew widespread media attention and concern.
Our video, “WM Phoenix Open vows changes to 2025 fan experience | Golf Today | Golf Channel”, details the proactive steps the tournament organizers are taking to address these issues and ensure the 2025 event returns to its roots as a premier, fun, and safe PGA Tour stop.
Addressing the Controversies
The commitment to change comes directly in response to the challenges faced in 2024, which included overcrowding, long lines, and issues with alcohol consumption that negatively impacted the fan environment.
- Focus on Safety: The primary goal of the vowed changes is to enhance safety and manage the sheer volume of attendees, particularly around the most popular areas of the course.
- Fan Flow Improvement: Changes will likely target bottleneck areas and implement better logistics for entry, concession, and movement around the TPC Scottsdale property.
- Learning from Experience: The need for better management highlights how quickly a major golf event can turn chaotic if operational aspects aren’t perfectly executed, lessons that other tournaments like the 2024 Valspar Championship will also observe.
Potential Changes for 2025
While the specifics are still being finalized, the promised changes to the 2025 fan experience could include:
- Capacity Reduction: Limiting the number of tickets sold daily to reduce overcrowding.
- Alcohol Regulations: Stricter rules or limits on alcohol sales and consumption to improve public order.
- Enhanced Security: An increased presence of security and volunteer staff to manage crowds proactively.
These efforts are essential for maintaining the tournament’s unique energy while ensuring the focus remains on the incredible golf played by the PGA Tour professionals.
The Golfing Perspective
A well-managed fan environment is crucial for the players as well. High-stakes golf demands intense focus and a consistent SEQUENCE OF THE GOLF SWING—something that can be disrupted by unpredictable crowd behavior.
The WM Phoenix Open, with its unique stadium-hole energy, is meant to be a competitive challenge. By improving the fan experience, organizers aim to preserve the exciting atmosphere without compromising the high level of golf played.
To get all the details on the planned operational changes and hear the full analysis of the WM Phoenix Open’s promise to its fans, Check on YouTube