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Resembling something out of the 1990s Adam Sandler movie Happy Gilmore, the annual Waste Management Open golf event at TPC Scottsdale is well known for its chaotic atmosphere and rowdy crowds.

American golfer Zach Johnson is however “done” with the tournament after he got into a verbal exchange with a drunken fan.

Johnson’s viral exchange with the fan seemed to be the icing on the cake for the WM Phoenix Open, which had to suspend alcohol sales at one point after the crowd became out of control during the tournament, which had pissed fans passing out and others sliding down muddy terrain slip-n-slide style.

Johnson was obviously not having as much fun and said, “You’re hitting me at a very emotional point right now, so if I were to say if I’m gonna come back, I’d probably say no.”

The Phoenix tournament has long been an anomaly on the PGA Tour calendar, with a relaxed environment reminiscent of a football match, or WWE. However, the rowdiness of this year’s event has prompted the issue of where the queue is before things go too far.

 

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Even before the event, Johnson complained about the crowds and atmosphere, saying “This tournament has been inappropriate and crossed the line since I’ve been on Tour, and this is my 21st year.”

“I don’t know what the line is, but you have people falling out of the rafters, you have fights in the stands,” Johnson added later. “It’s to the point where now, how do you reel it in? Because it’s taken on a life of its own. I think the Thunderbirds probably need to do something about it. I’m assuming they’re ashamed. Because at some point, somebody’s either gonna really, really get hurt or worse. You’ve got a woman falling down 20 feet.”

The confrontation between Johnson and the crowd began after they apparently heckled him about his Ryder Cup leadership selections. Johnson responded by confronting the crowd in a videotaped rant.

INBOX: “Zach Johnson can not take the heat after being an absolute dick to fans before his tee shot. Then shanks his ball wide right and does this when a fan says “guess being an asshole doesn’t help”” pic.twitter.com/bvfh5NCdnT

— Old Row Golf (@OldRowGolf) February 11, 2024

“I am sick of it. “Just shut up.” Johnson slammed the crowd of onlookers.

It wasn’t the only unfavourable player-fan encounter, however. Another video shows Billy Horschel shouting at a spectator for chatting when Nicolo Galletti took his shot. During Jordan Spieth’s drive on 18, another spectator screamed throughout his backswing.

Golf players have been critical of the event for a number of years, with several saying they might not want to participate if it continues like this. That’s too bad, but if you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the Waste Management Open.

[source:nypost]