The WM Phoenix Open is famous for its wild crowd atmosphere, and this year’s tournament was no exception. Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, reflected on the raucous fan influence, sharing a bizarre moment where a spectator loudly coached Max Homa mid-putt—something that can throw off even the best golfers.
Fans Yelling Mid-Putt? Welcome to Phoenix
While the rowdy nature of the Phoenix Open is part of its appeal, it can sometimes cross the line into direct interference. Scheffler recalled an instance where a fan shouted putting advice at Max Homa, urging him to stop reading his putt and just take the shot.
“I think of yesterday, we were on No. 6, and Max [Homa] has a putt from 12 or 15 feet, and a guy in the crowd yells out, ‘It’s dead straight!’” Scheffler told NBC Sports.
But the fan didn’t stop there.
“Then Max starts reading the putt, and [the fan] is like, ‘Stop reading it, Max, it’s dead straight!’ and he’s yelling at him. So, like, you can’t not hear it.”
For a tournament known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” moments like these have become almost tradition—but are they crossing the line?
Scheffler: Some Fans Are Helpful, Others Just Want to Get in Your Head
Scheffler, however, isn’t one to let fan antics get under his skin. In fact, he recalled a similar experience in Memphis last year, where a spectator actually helped him make a putt.
“I remember in Memphis last year I had an instance like that where a guy was yelling in the crowd, ‘Everybody is leaving it short; hit it a little harder than you think!’” Scheffler said.
The result? The fan was right.
“Sure enough, two guys on a similar line left it short, and I was like, ‘I guess I’d better hit it a little harder,’ and ended up hitting it a little harder and making it.”
Phoenix Open: Where the Fans Are Part of the Show
This fan-player dynamic is what makes the WM Phoenix Open unique. While some pros embrace the chaos, others find it frustratingly distracting. But one thing is clear—it’s unlike any other event on the PGA Tour.
Scheffler, ever the composed competitor, took it all in stride. While he didn’t take home the trophy, he once again proved why he’s the No. 1 golfer in the world—cool under pressure, no matter the noise.
The question now? How much louder will it get next year?
