Last weekend, especially Saturday, the crowd at the WM Phoenix Open (WMPO) got out of hand. Since many of you know of my interest to broaden the culture of the grand old game to those groups historically underrepresented, it stands to reason that the WMPO to some extent represents an atmosphere not ordinarily found in golf. As my favorite golf journalist (who’s also my son) Jack Hirsh says in this article for Golf.Com, and in this interview with Phoenix FM Radio KJZZ, according to tournament organizers, “change is coming.”
What does this mean? What should the atmosphere be like at a PGA Tour event? Golf is known to some as a “stuffy, old white man’s game”. In order to grow, continue the surge started during COVID and broaden golf’s culture, that description has to be laid to rest. On the other hand, golf is, and should continue to be a “gentleman’s game”, though I know lots of folks at some of the most revered clubs that are anything but gentlemen.
In order for the next generation of millennials and Generation Z’ers to embrace our game, golf needs to embrace them. Just like politicians need to respond to voters, golf needs to respond to the new breed of golfers while preserving tradition. Clearly, what happened at the WMPO last weekend is unacceptable, however, creating an atmosphere where 200,000 people want to come watch golf is good for the game.
No stranger to a cold beer, I’d hate to see alcohol sales eliminated. That said, moderation is necessary and excessive drinking in a (usually) warm sun is a recipe for trouble. Conversely, as a longtime college football fan, I rarely see raucousness at Penn State games that creates a safety hazard for attendees. Did the Thunderbirds sell too many tickets? Was security lax? Probably so. Hopefully, positive changes will be made, however the WMPO is (IMHO) important for the growth of golf and I suspect that other events will try to duplicate (at least to some degree) the festive atmosphere that exists at TPC Scottsdale each February. Golf is still a GAME. Its supposed to be FUN.
Where should the line be drawn? Overreaction, like the onerous rules and hushed conversation that occurs at so many (especially private) golf clubs could destroy what’s been created. While changes are necessary to prevent doors blowing off airplanes, we’re still flying. I believe the college football tailgating atmosphere (at least at Penn State where I’m familiar) and the “vibe” present at most ski resorts present a good model for the WMPO (and other events seeking to broaden the appeal of golf) to follow in preserving their unique brand of professional golf and show a path for other golf venues to embrace the more relaxed and festive atmosphere desired by the next generation of golfers, while maintaining order.
Alcohol sales need to be controlled. Excessive rowdiness (such as throwing beers, removing clothes and stampedes) that create a safety hazard need to be addressed with removal from the premises. Crowd size needs to be planned for, capped and adequate security employed. 200,000 people at one venue is a lot! As one used to others being quiet while a shot is being played, I somewhat like the cheering and (good natured) booing that occurs and think that it’s good for the long term future of the game, even though I’d have to get used to it. I must admit that I do enjoy listening to my favorite music during more casual rounds, which is forbidden at some clubs, even if not detectable by others. In order for the game to grow, it can no longer be perceived as “stuffy” and “elitist” and maybe taking a look at the roots of golf in Scotland, where it’s an “everyman’s” game can help.
The point here is that while COVID has most certainly spurred growth in golf during the past 4 years, whether it is sustainable or not depends on changing the fundamentals to become more inclusive, especially of the next generations. Many of the historically high golf participation groups are aging out of the game or otherwise declining in numbers, frequency of play or both and replacing them and adding to the golfer population is essential for long term growth. Events like the WMPO help the game grow. While moderation is needed to ensure a safe environment, the WMPO has committed to make modifications as necessary which I hope are successful. “For the good of the game” we need a good model going forward that preserves golf’s best traditions and helps attract the next generation.