PGA bans players, caddies from tossing items into crowd at Waste Management Phoenix Open
Jan 13, 2015, 12:47 PM | Updated: 12:47 pm
PHOENIX — Things may be a little calmer this year at one of the biggest parties in professional golf.
The PGA has reportedly banned players and caddies from tossing things into the crowd at the Waste Management Phoenix Open’s 16th hole, traditionally one of the rowdiest spots in the game.
The PGA Tour becoming like the no fun league. Trying to take the fun out of Phoenix Open. pic.twitter.com/tuWl7dAwsp
— Alex Miceli (@alexmiceli) January 13, 2015
During the tournament, players and caddies would often toss souvenirs, ranging from hats to golf balls and gloves, into the stands.
In 2013, the PGA banned popular caddie races at the 16th hole. In the races, the golfers’ caddies would drop their bags and run about 150 yards to the green. After canning the races, the PGA Tour released an app encouraging fans to guess which golfer’s shot would be closest to the hole.
Ending the races wasn’t the PGA’s first attempt to calm the fans. In 2002, the PGA moved the Bird’s Nest, a popular party venue that used to be on the 16th hole, away from the golf course. It returned to the course, although not the 16th hole, in 2005.
