Craziness at the Colosseum

The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is considered the loudest hole in golf. In 1997, nearly 10,000 fans were present when Tiger Woods hit "the shot heard around the world," his hole-in-one from 145 yards with a 9-iron. Thousands of people erupted and were heard for miles while throwing plastic beer cups across the hole. In the recent years, that number has doubled in attendance. 20,000 people, that's like small university. In fact, the fans it attracts are mostly students from Arizona State University.

It is no different than attending a college football game where the beer flows like water, and the trash talk is just as common as the "boo's". Yes, the fans do "boo" you if you miss the green. The atmosphere, actually, is exactly like a college football game, rather than a golf tournament.

Now it even looks like a college football game. Tournament officials have decided to build general admission grandstands that completely surround the hole. Making this more of a stadium than simply a golf hole for spectators to view.

Players will have to bring their best game with them in order to block out the rowdy and uncontrolling fans. Especially those who tee off later than others. As the day goes on and the beer gets cheaper, the sun also gets hotter, and the buzz gets a lot stronger, which is bad news for the players. Golf has been prided on its sportsmanship and honest qualities, but at the Colosseum at TPC Scottsdale, all that flies out of the window and into a $10 adult beverage. It would be the same as Phil Mickelson hitting a 150 yard shot inside of a miniature Doak Campbell Stadium.


Tiger's "shot heard around the world," before the additions and with half the number of people it will hold today.