What went wrong at the WM Phoenix Open? Many things. But there was one tipping point for Billy Horschel. The PGA Tour Pro understands the identity of the People’s Open, but what he didn’t like was the “loss of respect” for players and what they do from a large section of the crowd. 

In a chat with Golf instructor, Michael Breed, Horschel recounted the events that led to his infamous bust-up. The 37-year-old, like Zach Johnson, feels it has crossed the fine line between enjoyment and disruption.

When Horschel and his playing mate Nicolo Gallenti were on the 11th hole, fans largely went quiet. Except for one group. “There is (sic) three or four guys over there that’s just continue to talk. They talk very loudly,” Horschel, who played with Gallenti’s brother in college, recounted. 

Horschel clapped back, “Come on, he’s trying to hit a damn golf shot here. It’s our f—ing job.” The University of Florida alum felt there was a lack of respect for what Gallenti and, by extension, what everyone as a golfer was trying to do. Make a living. “I just feel there was loss of respect,” Horschel said.

The moving day at the WM Phoenix Open sees anywhere between 200,000-250,000 people. Horschel admits, “[It was the] Third day of the tournament. We hear a lot of different things.” But this year, it went a little much for his liking. “I was displeased with the level of respect they were showing a fellow player of mine,” the seven-time PGA Tour reiterated.

But make no mistake, Horschel knew what he signed up for. There have been posts on social media that players who are complaining now shouldn’t have teed up at the TPC Scottsdale. But Horschel claims things truly went out of control at the People’s Open.

WM Phoenix Open is not about drunk fans

Horschel feels there is a need to rein in the fans. The 37-year-old said, “The last couple of years it has been a little much. [It has] Gotten a little bit out of control.” His colleague, Zach Johnson, who also had a heated argument with fans, called for a rule change. In fact, Jordan Spieth, too, was miffed when someone from the crowd yelled at his backswing. 

“That was never the idea of this event,” emphasized the Ponte Vedra resident. Notably, last year the play was stopped for ten minutes after fans threw beer cans on the course celebrating Sam Snyder’s ace on the 16th. The organizers are mulling over policy change after this year.

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The Great American Nightmare: Was Jay Monahan’s PGA Tour Caught Wrong-Footed at the WM Phoenix Open?

“[W]e’re going to look at our just general admission ticket exposure and how many are out in the marketplace. We’re going to look at our complete security plan and just how we operate,” said the Thunderbirds manager at this year’s Phoenix Open. Reportedly, the organizers will increase the ticket price for the strands and take some other measures to curtail the madness and mayhem.