SHANK?! PGA Tour pro sends one into the crowd at Phoenix Open's rowdy par-3 16th

PGA Tour pro Keith Mitchell held an early share of the lead when he boarded the iconic par-3 16th on day one of the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. That was until he semi-shanked his tee shot into the crowd. 

"What was that... a shank?!" said the PGA Tour commentator during the LIVE Featured Groups coverage. 

Well, it probably wasn't a complete hosel rocket, but it was certainly very close. 

You don't often see PGA Tour players find the gallery on this hole given its length. 

Incredibly, Mitchell's ball flew into the stands and then pinged out over to the greenside bunker and bounced out into the fairway.

WATCH WHAT HAPPENED HERE

The wind is strong on the par-3 16th at TPC Scottsdale.



This is from early co-leader Keith Mitchell:pic.twitter.com/SDyhePJD37

— Triple Bogey Golf Club (@TripleBogeyGC) February 9, 2023

Mitchell was hitting a mid iron into the hole from 173 yards due to very strong winds in the opening round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, so we should probably cut the American a bit of slack. 

Typically we would see players hitting wedges and 9-irons. 

Mitchell unfortunately could not get his ball up and down for par, and Mitchell ended up making a bogey.

Three groups later, Tony Finau nearly sent his ball home for an ace, which at the time was only the second birdie of the day, a reflection of just how tricky the conditions are out there right now. 

WATCH HERE

TONY FINAU TAKE A BOW! Almost a ace at 16 on Day 1 pic.twitter.com/EUrW1QVUT7

— Bird (@abird_5) February 9, 2023

The early wave of groups are currently out on the course, including Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth. 

McIlroy earlier sent an ominous message to his rivals when he said "because I do."

Jon Rahm, the tournament favourite, will be teeing off later in the day. 

It's fair to say given the early windy conditions in the first round, the record Phoenix Open score of 28-under par set by LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson (2013) and Mark Calcavecchia (2001) will not be in any danger this week. 

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