WM Phoenix Open Attendees Threaten To Sue Due To Rowdy Venue And Lack Of Alcohol

The Waste Management Phoenix Open found itself in a dire situation as organizers made the unprecedented decision to suspend alcohol sales and shut down entrances to the course due to a surge in attendees.

The sold-out tournament saw fans with tickets line up outside, unable to gain access as the rowdiness increased. It comes after one fan fell from the grandstands in what is reportedly a "non-life threatening" accident.

Several fans took to social media to express their displeasure, with some also threatening to sue the organizers.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open, known to be one of the most renowned events on the PGA Tour, experienced a spike in attendance that created an atmosphere of chaos and unruliness in and outside the course.

Fans with tickets were reportedly unable to enter the event they paid for as tournament organizers had to suspend the sale of alcohol as lines built up outside the course, with many fans pushing through metal detectors.

The WM Phoenix Open Twitter account later released a statement saying it was "temporarily" closing its entrances due to "larger than usual crowds."

According to GolfweekReports, the surge also affected the smooth running of the event as golf carts used by the PGA Tour officials and TV crew were parked due to the increased foot traffic.

In a TikTok video making the round, a particular fan shared live reports at the event, which showed the mammoth crowd and increased foot traffic at the course. The TikToker lamented her inability to gain access to the course as organizers no longer scanned tickets due to the surge.

"We can't get drinks because everyone stopped," the user noted before adding, "Everyone is pissed… I think we should all sue waste management; what do you guys think?"

An individual who was bartending at the golfing event also shared on TikTok that the security who were meant to be checking tickets at the Phoenix Open gave up and let people in for free due to the massive crowd.

The bartender revealed that people even entered the VIP boxes, where they were served food and drinks. He noted that when things got out of hand, the managers told them to stop serving, and people in general admissions were forced to leave due to being unable to buy food and drinks.

Angry fans took to the comment section to share their reactions to the wild incident at the Phoenix Open.

A particular fan asked how one could "get a refund," as she  got her tickets "months ago and was turned away!" adding, "I'm pissed!"

"Honestly, it was miserable," another fan penned.

However, some fans pointed out that Waste Management wouldn't be the right body to sue.

"Sue waste management? What do you mean? They are the sponsor for the event, not the production. PGA tour is national, lol," one fan noted.

"The company who runs it needs a permit to sell/serve for that many people, and they could get severely fined if they don't comply lol," another fan pointed out.

During the tournament's second round on Friday, a woman fell off the grandstand and was rushed to the hospital for swift medical attention. According to Yahoo Sports, the incident occurred amid the bustling atmosphere of the tournament at the 16th hole, which is known for its raucous crowds of up to 16,000 fans in a stadium-style hole.

Organizers of the PGA Tour event held at TPC Scottsdale then released a statement noting the woman's injuries were "non-life threatening" and "Scottsdale fire and bike team paramedics reacted quickly at the scene to give the injured fan immediate medical attention and then provided safe transport to a local medical center for further evaluation."

"The WM Phoenix Open works closely with local law enforcement, fire and medical organizations, and the PGA TOUR to strategically place emergency units throughout tournament grounds to promptly address health and safety situations," the statement added. "We will provide additional details if or when appropriate out of respect for medical privacy."

Despite the unfortunate incident, fans were allowed back in to continue the game after police cleared the area.