The WM Phoenix Open has long been known as the rowdiest event on the PGA Tour. But things reached a tipping point in 2024, when tournament officials had to close the gates and shut down alcohol sales.
New guidelines restored some order in 2025. Those changes will remain in place this year.
Chairman Jason Eisenberg says the 2025 tournament’s success stemmed from widening the pathways and providing solid ground after a muddy event in 2024. That also meant providing a care center for families and the elderly.
He says the event will continue doing away with physical tickets.
“We're in year two of our three year plan to go digital with our ticketing. This will allow us to be more efficient. This will allow us to get patrons in and out of the course much quicker and in and out of the venues much quicker," he said.
The Scottsdale Police Department was part of the effort to rein in the rowdiness last year, making over a thousand service calls and 63 arrests.
Eisenberg says the police will continue to work with the tournament to ensure safety and civility.
“Every year we look at safety. We look at crowds. We look at everything and we make decisions on how to make it better. And Scottsdale PD has a say in that. And they're a great partner and we’ll continue to work with them," Eisenberg said.
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On-site liquor-related arrests at the Waste Management Phoenix Open were down from last year.
