‘A place where things beyond imagination happen.’
The American golf world refers to the PGA Tour WM Phoenix Open, which is called the ‘major of fanatics’. Because drinking and loud singing are allowed, more than 600,000 galleries gather every year, the largest number among PGA Tour events, and that is why happenings do not cease.
On the 12th (Korean time), the WM Phoenix Open held at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, USA was buzzing with stories other than golf this year. The case that received the most attention this year was committed by a man named Sean McConnell (27) who broke into the course during the second round of the tournament. According to Golf Week, an American golf media outlet, McConnell broke into the field wearing only a swimsuit on the 16th hole. Also called the ‘Colosseum’, this hall is characterized by a four-story stance surrounding the hall that can accommodate about 20,000 people. Drinking and singing loudly are allowed here, so a fierce competition for seats takes place every year. 바카라
McConnell, who encroached from this hole to the top of the green, held his flagpole like a gun and pretended to shoot it into the sky, then ran out of the hole as soon as the security guards came. Heading straight to the 17th hole, he crossed the fairway and jumped into the lake next to the green to swim. McConnell’s ordeal ended when security guards waiting at the 18th hole tee box caught him.
The local investigative authorities do not seem to regard this case as an incident. According to Golfweek, McConnell is currently in custody on charges of trespass, assault, and obstruction of justice. In 2018, a man in his 20s was arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor while dancing naked on the 16th hole.
The ‘open run’ that takes place every year to preoccupy the 16th hole seat continued this year as well. According to Golf Week, some galleries slept in front of the venue the night before to secure good seats, and woke up at 2 am to line up. A police officer was also stationed at the entrance to prevent any mishaps. It is said that as soon as the gate opened in the morning, the 16th hole became a ‘full crowd’ in less than an hour.
The organizing committee of the tournament, concerned about too many spectators, set a limit on the number of tickets for the 2nd and 3rd rounds for the first time in the history of the 1991 event. Even so, it was still so popular that all tickets were sold during the first round.
The tournament hasn’t counted crowds since 2019, but media outlets have estimated that around 700,000 people will attend this year. The record for the highest number of spectators on the PGA Tour was 719,179 in 2018.