'Golf Liberation Zone' Phoenix Open "Only 8,000 Spectators This Year?"

Due to the Impact of 'COVID-19', Audience Greatly Reduced, 'Reverse Marketing' Allowing Loud Cheering and Drinking Disappears

'Golf Liberation Zone' Scottsdale TPC 16th Hole, the venue of the Phoenix Open.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "700,000 → 8,000."

The 'golf liberation zone' PGA Tour Phoenix Open has ultimately been hit hard by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). On the 4th (Korean time), the organizing committee announced, "The upcoming February tournament will allow only a small number of galleries due to the impact of COVID-19," adding, "Ticket reservations have already been accepted." It is famous in the global golf community as the only place that allows loud cheers and drinking with its 'contrarian marketing' approach. The attendance usually approaches a staggering 700,000.

At this golf course, where players could not even breathe audibly at address moments, spectators can freely shout and drink. The 16th hole (par 3) features a massive stand that can accommodate up to 30,000 people, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum gladiator arena. On the pathway to the 17th hole (par 4), interactive communication is possible, such as taking commemorative photos with players. This is why it has earned the special nickname 'golf liberation zone.'

The PGA Tour was completely suspended after the first round of The Players, known as the 'fifth major,' in March last year, but resumed with the Charles Schwab Challenge in June, holding 'no-audience matches.' At the Houston Open in November, only 2,000 spectators were allowed. This year as well, the Sentry Tournament, Sony Open, American Express, and Farmers Insurance Open, held consecutively starting on the night of the 7th, will have no galleries. Allowing 8,000 spectators at this tournament is considered fortunate.

The Phoenix Open will open on the night of February 4th at Scottsdale Golf Course in Arizona, USA. Scott Jenkins, the person in charge, explained, "After consulting with the PGA Tour office and health authorities, we concluded there are no major issues," adding, "Although the exact number cannot be disclosed yet, we will make a conservative decision considering community safety." He added, "Spectators will wear masks and maintain sufficient distancing outdoors over an area of 776,000 square meters (about 230,000 pyeong)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.