Aside from the majors, distinguishing one PGA Tour event from another can be difficult. Naming tournaments after sponsors only makes it more confusing. The Hyundai? The Farmers? The Northern Trust? To golf fans, these are Kapalua, Torrey Pines and Riviera. The pristine look-alike golf courses, the all-too-familiar Yanni theme to kick off CBS broadcasts and the tranquilizing voice of Jim Nantz don’t help either.
But one event breaking from golf’s homogeneity is the Phoenix Open. Staged each year concurrent with the Super Bowl, the tournament is in step with the party atmosphere of Super Sunday. No PGA Tour stop draws a younger, louder or more lubricated crowd.
Many come to TPC Scottsdale for the keg party scene at the par-3 16th hole, where grandstands circle the hole. Fans sing chant, sing and taunt players. They boo bad shots and roar for birdies. Most of all, they beg to be recognized.
On Saturday, Rickie Fowler got into the spirit, wearing numerous hats simultaneously as he played the hole and tossing an armload of them to the crowd as he made his way to the green.
“I love it,” Fowler said. “The fans are great there, and it was cool to pump them up.”
Many other tour players have not been as enthusiastic about the reception they receive at 16.
But the PGA Tour could use more tournaments like the Phoenix Open and more players like Fowler who recognize the big picture when it comes to making golf more palatable to the masses.
– Kevin Dunleavy
