re: Waste Management Phoenix Open Thread (Scottie Scheffler wins; Returns to World #1)

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How did this tournament become such a party scene?

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This tournament goes way back to when a group of college guys basically set up a tailgate scene on 16. It was and really is a totally unremarkable hole but it became just an organic ASU party scene with everyday fans. In 1997 Tiger Woods steps up to the tee and makes a hole in one and fans start reigning beer from everywhere. This Tiger era brought a whole bunch of new people into golf, and sponsors decided right then and there to capitalize on that Tiger moment. Grandstands were put up in 1998 and the “rock concert” atmosphere took over. The fully enclosed 16 now gives it a complete coliseum feel. This event now draws in more fans in a day than the largest NASCAR tracks, bringing in all different kinds of people. It’s truly one of a kind setting for a golf tournament.