Paige Spiranac takes dim view of PGA Tour player's outburst
Paige Spiranac says she's a fan of the golfer but 'hates' his take of the boozy fans at the 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Paige Spiranac says she's a fan of Zach Johnson but 'hated his take' after the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup captain complained about the rowdy fans at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
The PGA Tour event over the weekend was overshadowed by poor behaviour from some spectators who appeared to have far too much to drink.
One woman reportedly fell from the grandstand at the iconic 16th hole, although it is yet to be substantiated if that was related to alcohol consumption.
Still, dozens of videos were shared on social media of drunk fans far beyond their limits and then some.
There was one clip showing a man, presumably asleep, wetting himself. In another, a man was carried out on the shoulders of his pal.
One person was also arrested after jumping over the ropes and diving into the greenside bunker at the aforementioned 16th.
Of course, the players were also subjected to some chirps from the galleries.
Johnson was reportedly told he should have taken LIV Golf's Talor Gooch to the Ryder Cup last September which prompted the American to confront the person (s) responsible for the comment.
"Don't 'sir' me", he blasted before walking off.
Later, Billy Horschel became the second player to take matters into his own hands.
According to Johnson, the 2024 edition of the tournament might be the last time we see him at the Phoenix Open.
Johnson told a reporter the line has always been crossed at TPC Scottsdale.
"This tournament has been inappropriate or crossed the line ever since I've been on Tour and this is my 21st year," he said.
It begged the question, why does the golfer still show up if it's that bad.
"Big ZJ fan but personally hate this take," Paige wrote on X.
"Don't play it then. It's been a fantastic tournament for the growth of the game over the years."
Big ZJ fan but personally hate this take. Don’t play it then. It’s been a fantastic tournament for the growth of the game over the years https://t.co/HcKSXTSms4
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) February 12, 2024
Although it could be argued this rowdy behaviour only happens once a year, tournament organisers have now had enough.
The tournament will be 'completely overhauled' in 2025, according to Chance Cozby, the executive director of Thunderbirds.
Cozby told Golf Channel: "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."
He added: "We are going to make changes. There's no time off, we have 365 days to fix this."
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