I am fairly confident that if you have shown any interest in the WM Phoenix Open on the weekend, you would have watched the hole in one by Sam Ryder. It was a fantastic shot the resulted in an enthusiastic response from the fans. If you have not seek it, take a look:
The reaction from the crowd garnered some positive and negative comments across social media. I watched live on TV and was amazed at the craziness that ensued. The amount of debris (looked like beer containers) thrown on the par 3, 16th hole was a bit over the top for many. Personally, I think the response from the fans was exactly what the organizers and media outlets expected.
The stadium hole is designed to provide an atmosphere of excess. There is little doubt that the organizers want the fans to be interactive with the players. And littering the hole with beverage containers was expected. Why expected you might say? Well, there were about 30 people (likely volunteers) clearing away the litter once the fans quieted down after a minute of so. Yes, there was a delay in play what the antics the many unfolded, but again I will suggest that the organizers planned for this type of response.
Personally, I am not fussed by the over-the-top reaction of the fans. The 16th hole at the Phoenix Open is designed as a venue like no other in golf. It is designed to allow the fans to be interactive with the players. Every player understands what happens when you play the 16th hole and as such should be prepared to be booed, cheered or experience an over-the-top response to a hole in one. I would not support other venues like the 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open, but I do for this one event for professional golf.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 