WM Phoenix Open should limit alcohol to curb drunk fans at PGA Tour event, readers say

We recently asked readers of The Arizona Republic how they would deal with the drunk and unruly fans problem at the Waste Management Phoenix Open amid the controversy over some spectators' actions at the event over the weekend.

They answered.

In a poll asking if the WM Phoenix Open should stop selling alcohol posted on X, 44.3% of voters responded that the golf tournament should limit the sale of alcohol.

Of voters, 32% replied that the tournament should keep things the same with alcohol sales at the TPC Scottsdale during the popular PGA Tour event.

Another 23.7% were for the Phoenix Open banning alcohol amid the problems with the gallery at the so-called "The People's Open."

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Waste Management Phoenix Open should limit alcohol sales

Many people expressed a desire for the tournament to limit alcohol sales in their replies about fixing the Phoenix Open.

One reader replied in an email: "I understand the Open needs alcohol to function economically, but it obviously needs to be limited. As a golfer I would love to attend the Open, but don’t because it’s largely a circus filled with fans of Budweiser rather than golf.  It has become dangerous, and normal people have increasingly chosen not to attend. At some point almost all PGA golfers will make the same choice."

Another shared this thought: "I can appreciate wanting to grow the game but is this what any of us wants at our local course? The game of golf is definitely social and drinking is a part of that but there has to be limits imposed in order to show respect both for the game itself and the other people around you."

Another responded: "1. Limit alcohol at a FEW selected areas only (beer garden like) No alcohol outside the beer garden areas. 2. No alcohol sales in stands especially hole 16. 3. Limit ticket sales somewhat. 4. All corporate tent alcohol limited to 2 per patron and not allowed outside tent. Perhaps this would allow more REAL golf fans to enjoy going to the open."

Another had this message via email: "Yes, maybe put in place some limitations, but only an idiot would suggest banning it."

One reader suggested: "I hope you find my suggestion simple and useful to monitor and curb the alcohol nonsense taking place at the Waste Management Golf event. A wrist band attached to each legal drinking age person entering. When alcoholic beverage is purchased, a punch is made on that wrist band. Or. Allow each person the opportunity to purchase a limit of (say 3) drink tokens when they enter."

Another reader emailed: "The WM is an embarrassment, I can’t believe the tournament’s directors haven’t put in to place alcohol consumption and crowd control restrictions.  I’m not a prude or old fashioned, I believe the WM is unique and should continue to be, but this is ridiculous. The younger golf 'fans' have no respect for the game nor the sport’s players. So many of them go there to get drunk, stupid and act the fool."

More: Should Waste Management Phoenix Open stop selling alcohol after drunken fans controversy?

Waste Management Phoenix Open should stop alcohol sales

Some people wished the tournament would stop selling alcohol altogether.

One longtime Republic reader emailed: "Alcohol should be banned at all sporting events. Alcohol brings absolutely nothing positive at it's best and everything negative at its worst. Can't argue with that description. See a fight at a sporting event and it's always alcohol induced. Always always always. See ridiculous profanity being spewed regardless of little kids being present, it's always alcohol induced. Always always always. See security removing people from the event, it's always alcohol induced. Always always always. So why allow alcohol at all? Why why why? It's serves absolutely no possible benefit to anyone and ruins the experience for the vast majority. I can't find a single logical reason to serve a beverage that eliminates inhibitions to do stupid and dangerous things. Like driving home."

Another sent us this message: "Stop selling it... because the ones who are drinking, whether they get drunk or not, will be getting into their vehicles afterwards and Driving While Under the Influence. 2 drink, 5, 6, doesn't matter. They're still under the influence, and they are impaired."

More: Epic Waste Management Phoenix Open overshadowed by drunken, unruly fans at TPC Scottsdale

Waste Management Phoenix Open should not alter alcohol sales

A few expressed the opinion that the Waste Management Phoenix Open should just continue doing things the same way and not change anything with the way the event sells alcohol.

Good luck with that line of thinking.

It's really not an option now after the fan behavior that marred the 2024 WM Phoenix Open.

Changes have to be made to ensure the safety of the fans, tournament workers and golfers at the event.

Or there won't be an event to go to.

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: WM Phoenix Open should limit alcohol to curb drunk fans at golf event