GOLF

Waste Management Phoenix Open to further reduce fan attendance in 2021

Jan 13, 2021, 10:51 AM
(Photo by Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)...
(Photo by Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)
(Photo by Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is cutting back on spectators even more for the 2021 edition of the golf tournament.

The WMPO announced Wednesday it will be limiting fan attendance this year to 5,000 spectators per day, Wednesday through Sunday, due to the COVID-19 concerns in the state. Before the announcement, the tournament was expected to hold up to 8,000 fans per day, according to ESPN’s Bob Harig.

“The Thunderbirds continue to work closely with the PGA TOUR, local government and health officials in preparation to have limited fans at the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open,” 2021 WMPO tournament chairman Scott Jenkins said in a press release Wednesday. “Since returning to competition in June of 2020, the PGA TOUR has a successful track record of health and safety in the communities in which they play, including several events with ticketed spectators.

“We remain hopeful we can host an extremely limited number of socially distanced fans at ‘The People’s Open,’ and in light of the current COVID climate, we have decided to further reduce our attendance to fewer than 5,000 fans each day, Wednesday through Sunday.”

Jenkins added the WMPO will implement strict COVID-19 safety protocols that include mandatory wearing of masks throughout the tournament and thermal screening of every spectator upon entry.

“The expansive, 192-acre, open-aired layout of TPC Scottsdale is conducive to social distancing, and combined with stringent COVID safety protocols in place, The Thunderbirds are confident we can conduct a safe and responsible tournament in February,” Jenkins said in the release.

The 86th playing of the event runs from Feb. 1-7.

Golf

Jon Rahm of Spain celebrates on the 18th green after winning The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Co...
Associated Press

Jon Rahm wins Genesis Invitational by 2 strokes, reclaims world No. 1

Jon Rahm returned to No. 1 in the world on Sunday by winning the Genesis Invitational, his fifth win in his last nine starts worldwide.
1 month ago
Scottie Scheffler acknowledges the crowd after his birdie putt on the second hole during the third ...
Associated Press

Scottie Scheffler repeats at Phoenix Open, regains No. 1 ranking

Scottie Scheffler successfully defended his WM Phoenix Open title Sunday at TPC Scottsdale to regain the No. 1 spot in the world.
1 month ago
Rickie Fowler of the United States celebrates a hole-in-one on the seventh hole as Jason Day of Aus...
Tom Kuebel

Rickie Fowler sinks hole-in-one at WM Phoenix Open on No. 7

Rickie Fowler became the first golfer to drill a hole in one at the 2023 WM Phoenix Open, only it did not happen on the famous 16th hole.
1 month ago
Jon Rahm wants to hear it from the crowd after his birdie on the 16th hole after his birdie during ...
Associated Press

ASU golf alum Jon Rahm tied for 2nd after 3rd round of WM Phoenix Open

Scottie Scheffler held onto the lead Saturday at the WM Phoenix Open in a bid to successfully defend his title and regain the No. 1 spot in the world.
1 month ago
The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale during the second round of the 2023 WM Phoenix Open on Friday, Feb....
Tyler Drake

WM Phoenix Open far from overlooked with Super Bowl in town

For the first time in tournament history, the WM Phoenix Open had to put a cap on tickets for Friday and Saturday.
1 month ago
A streaker is detained by police after rushing the 16th hole at the 2023 WM Phoenix Open on Friday,...
Haboob Blog

Fan detained after rushing onto green of WM Phoenix Open 16th hole

A mulleted fan dressed in, well, not very much, ran onto the green at the WM Phoenix Open's 16th hole on Friday.
1 month ago
Waste Management Phoenix Open to further reduce fan attendance in 2021