The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale has transformed from a simple par 3 into an over-the-top arena over nearly four decades. Originally designed as a solid par 3 in 1986, it now hosts rowdy crowds during the WM Phoenix Open, complete with boos, beer projectiles, and viral player antics. This evolution reflects broader changes in equipment, culture, and tournament atmosphere.
Jay Morrish, who co-designed the course in 1986 with Tom Weiskopf and input from Howard Twitty, initially viewed the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale as a 'solid par 3,' envisioning shots with a 7- or 8-iron. The course hosted its first Phoenix Open in 1987, and the tournament, now known as the WM Phoenix Open, has remained there ever since. Advances in equipment have shortened the required shot to a baby wedge for many pros.
The hole's transformation into golf's most chaotic spot has been gradual but dramatic. In the Sonoran Desert setting, the event has shifted from lively to boisterous, with the 16th embodying this arc. Fans boo poor shots, throw beer cups, and create an atmosphere likened to a gladiator arena—far from the decorum of Masters patrons.
Key moments accelerated its notoriety. Tiger Woods' ace in 1997 marked a flashpoint. Caddie races from tee to green added zaniness but were banned after 2013. Players' reactions vary: some embrace the chaos, while others resist. In 2002, Chris DiMarco had a heckler removed for yelling 'Noonan' over a putt, referencing Caddyshack. More recently, in 2022, Harry Higgs lifted his shirt to show his belly, and Joel Dahmen removed his top entirely, going viral and drawing a PGA Tour reprimand.
Tournament organizers balance encouragement of exuberance with control. In 2024, wet weather and delays created a quagmire of over-served fans. Morrish, who died in 2015, criticized how club and ball evolution had 'destroyed the strategy' of the closing stretch, turning the hole into 'a rallying point for the unduly enthusiastic and sobriety-challenged portion of the gallery.' Today, tens of thousands fill grandstands, with beers flowing, exposed bellies in the stands, and noise rivaling a NASCAR race—all on display during the current event.
