Multiple PGA Tour Stars Got Into It With Fans At WM Phoenix Open

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One of the best features of the Waste Management (WM) Phoenix Open is just how many fans show up to the PGA Tour event and how vocal they are. Most players love the atmosphere. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, though, apparently doesn't like the chirping. 

During most PGA Tour events, fans are relatively muted. Sure, you get the loud cheers for great shots. But, almost no events feature fans openly heckling regularly. However, players who miss the green on the iconic par-3 16th hole are treated to a chorus of boos. 

There are also fans surrounding that tee box, as well as several others on the back-9. Plus, alcohol flows pretty freely at the event. As OutKick writer Amber Harding documented, the tournament shut down alcohol sales on Saturday because fans got out of hand. 

WM Phoenix Open PGA Tour fans

(Getty Images)

Apparently, before the ban, some of the fans had words for Zach Johnson. Johnson took a lot of heat for his decisions during the Ryder Cup, which the United States lost to Europe. American golf fans have not forgotten. 

Some of them chirped at Johnson, who didn't respond kindly. After hitting a terrible tee shot, Johnson took out his frustration on the fans who were giving him a hard time. 

Based on the information we have, it seems like Johnson wasn't very friendly towards the fans, and they rightfully let him know. 

That's quite a bit different than fans who are hooting during the actual back swing of players. 

BIlly Horschel chastised several fans who would not stop talking while players were swinging their clubs. The difference, though, is that Horschel wasn't even mad at them for talking during his own back swing. 

Instead, Horschel stuck up for his playing partner, Nicolo Galletti. 

"Buddy, when he's over his shot shut the hell up," Horschel snaps. "He's trying to hit a damn golf shot here, it's our f*cking job." 

I know it can be a tough event for players, but I don't care. Golf needs more of this. Athletes in every sport deal with fans, it's part of being a professional athlete. The best ones shut it out. The elite ones feed off the negativity. 

Keep doing your thing, WM Phoenix Open. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.