Police have announced a record number of arrests at the 2024 Phoenix Open after numerous clips of poor behaviour went viral on social media.
Scottsdale Police revealed a shocking 54 arrests from February 5 to February 11, while 211 attendees were ejected from the event.
Those numbers mark a significant increase from 18 arrests and 102 ejections in 2023, while in 2022 there were zero arrests and 90 ejections.
The winner of the PGA event was Canadian Nick Taylor, but rather than the golfers, it was drunk and disorderly fans that dominated the coverage.
Alcohol sales were stopped during the week, and clips went viral of topless fans sliding in the mud, while footage of fights even hit the internet.
Speaking on behalf of the Scottsdale Police, a spokeswoman told azcentral: “The course conditions were not normal due to the mud and rain.
“This resulted in the large crowds only occupying a small portion of the course and caused a large buildup of crowds.
“There was a large group of attendees that were stopped before going through the gate. Attendees were waved through for a short time period in order to keep everyone safe and to create a larger space for people to move around on the course.”
Asked how the police would change things for next year another spokesperson added: “It’s too early to say.
“Those decisions are part of the entire planning process and weigh multiple factors including, challenges of the previous year(s), day of the week within the event, profile of golfers/elevated event status, historical population within the footprint, weather conditions throughout the operational period, venue activation locations, footprint condition and its ability to absorb attendees.”
A number of stars expressed their frustration at heckles and fan behaviour, culminating in Zach Johnson confronting a group of rowdy spectators.
“Don’t ‘Sir’ me,” he was heard saying. “Somebody stand here. I’m sick of it – just shut up.”
News Summary:
- Staggering police arrest numbers show 2024 Phoenix Open was rowdiest and most chaotic golf event ever
- Check all news and articles from the latest Golf updates.