LIV Golf player Danny Lee has contrasted the respectful atmosphere at LIV Golf Adelaide's Watering Hole with the rowdy crowds at the PGA Tour's WM Phoenix Open. He described the Australian spectators as understanding the game while enjoying themselves. However, not all players share his view of the Phoenix Open's environment.
Danny Lee, a Korean golfer who joined LIV Golf in 2023, highlighted differences in spectator behavior between LIV Golf events and the PGA Tour's WM Phoenix Open during an interview at LIV Golf Adelaide.
The WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona draws thousands to its iconic par-three 16th hole, known as 'The Coliseum' with a 20,000 capacity. Spectators often cheer, chant, and heckle players, sometimes while heavily intoxicated. Critics argue this detracts from the game, with incidents including former US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson snapping at the gallery in 2024 for shouting during shots. That year, a woman fell from the 16th grandstand, and recently, a YouTube streamer received a lifetime PGA Tour ban for paying a spectator $100 to yell during a player's backswing.
Lee, who competed in the WM Phoenix Open 11 times and missed the cut seven times, including his last appearance before switching to LIV, called his final experience there 'horrible.' He told LIV Golf's editorial director Mike McCallister: "People here are a lot more respectful. They understand the game of golf, even though there's a lot of people having fun, having a good time out there. Nothing like Waste Management."
He added: "Last time I played there, it was horrible. They were just trying to put all the players off. Trying to yell out their names and stupid stuff during the swing. It's a million times better over here with all the Australians. Different level of crowds. They know how to enjoy it properly. We love them."
In contrast, the Watering Hole at LIV Golf Adelaide has featured notable moments like two aces: one by Chase Koepka in 2023 and another by Patrick Reed last year.
Multiple PGA Tour winner Viktor Hovland, who finished tied for 10th at the recent Phoenix Open, offered a milder assessment. He said: "I mean, compared to a couple years I feel like it's a lot more tame this year. I don't really think it's too crazy at all. 16 is just fun. I think to get booed every now and again or cheered for if you make a putt is completely fine. It's fun. It's reasonable. There is not beer all over the green. No one has made a hole-in-one yet, so not going to jinx that. I think it's been fine. It's nice to have. Every tournament is a little bit different. This is definitely a unique tournament and that's not overboard, so I like it."
