Police confirm staggering amount of arrests at Waste Management Phoenix Open
Scottsdale Police have revealed the extent of the chaotic behavior at the Waste Management Phoenix Open which saw 54 people arrested throughout the week.
As well as those arrested, a record 211 fans were kicked out of the event, more than double last year's number, and 73 people were removed for trespassing. These figures don't include arrests for underage drinking violations, as there were 653 calls for service.
Both golfing stars Billy Horschel and Zach Johnson found themselves in heated exchanges with spectators, while Jordan Spieth was distracted during his backswing. Fans got a bit too involved, with one doing a 'snow angel' in a bunker and others streaking on the fairway and sliding down mud hills.
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Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega has called for "necessary change" to the tournament after facing heavy criticism.
He said: "The Phoenix Open has an outstanding reputation and has successfully attracted millions of fans over the last 37 years to Scottsdale, without the unruly behaviour that we witnessed last week. I am confident that the Thunderbirds are committed to make necessary changes so the next Open is safe and enjoyable for all."
Fans pour beer on themselves on the 16th hole during the final round of WM Phoenix Open (Getty Images)After the chaotic event, chief Chance Cozby has admitted changes will have be made to next year's event after the 2024 edition descended into chaos last week.
He told Golf Channel: "We are very proud of what we’ve built. I think, we’ve been tournament of the year on the PGA Tour five of the last seven years. But we don’t like what happened on Saturday. The players don’t like what happened on Saturday. Our fans don’t like what happened on Saturday, and, so, nothing is off the table.
"We’re going to make changes. I think everybody probably agrees that we have a very unique culture of our event. This was our 89th playing and I don’t think any of us dreamed that it would grow to this level of attendance and excitement."
One Phoenix resident stated that security didn't even check her bag or scan her ticket. Taylor Davidson told the Arizona Republic : "I've never seen that many people in one place in my entire life. It was a lot crazier from what I saw this year.
"Last year, I did more walking around, too - like in the general area. And I mean there were a lot of drunk people, but this year was definitely a lot worse. There were a lot of people non-responsive, stumbling all around, falling. I've seen many, many videos of people just going completely limp."
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