The Legendary 16th Hole Sprint: Inside the Madness of the Phoenix Open

Thousands of spectators gathered eagerly on Saturday morning at the WM Phoenix Open, united by their shared passion for golf. The serene McDowell Mountain provided a picturesque backdrop as the sun gradually emerged, casting pink hues across the landscape. In the midst of this tranquil scene, the energy and anticipation of the crowd were palpable—it was the start of Phoenix Open Saturday. This day, known as the craziest in the golfing calendar, brought forth a beloved tradition that teetered on the line between absurdity and sheer enjoyment—the infamous half-mile sprint to the 16th hole.

Embracing the chilly air—feels like 45 degrees—a group of women adorned in sun dresses huddled together for warmth. These dedicated fans were permitted single-file bathroom breaks, devoid of any buddy system. Under normal circumstances, such conditions would be deemed unfavorable. However, every individual in the crowd possessed an unwavering desire to witness the spectacle firsthand. They had either been persuaded by their friends or were genuinely captivated by the allure of the event.

The tradition of the sprint to the 16th hole is one that defines the WM Phoenix Open. Straddling the line between audacity and pure amusement, the event organizers take every precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the participants. Police officers stand sentinel along the paved pathway, ready to intervene and prevent any potential collisions or injuries. Sergeant Wes Shaffer humorously reminded the eagerly waiting gentlemen in pole position to exercise caution, stating, “Take it easy now, that fence won’t move on its own.”

In contrast, a Thunderbird—a member of the local group responsible for organizing the event—offered an enthusiastic piece of advice to the runners: “High knees! I want to see some high knees, boys. Show me good form!” The Thunderbirds understand that they have an unparalleled advantage in hosting the Phoenix Open. To further enhance the experience, they distribute green tee shirts to lucky fans in the crowd and even provide complimentary coffee to those who braved the early hours to secure their place in line. It is this type of fervent fanhood that tournament officials from other PGA Tour events seek to emulate throughout their tour stops.

“They all want to know the secret sauce,” one Thunderbird remarked, alluding to the unique atmosphere that encompasses the event.

A prime example of the magnetism of this secret sauce can be seen in a group of 16 bachelor party attendees. Following a few seltzers on Friday night, the group reluctantly retired to their beds at 9 p.m., fully aware that they needed ample rest for the following day’s adventure. Their nostalgic desire to relive their youth was tempered by the reality of their current age, determining that engaging in typical bachelor party shenanigans was perhaps not the wisest choice. Yet, importantly, they chose to embody the spirit of the occasion as best they could.

Contrastingly, Orion Zakas and his companions—brimming with youthful exuberance—arrived at the venue around 2:15 a.m., having attended a vibrant Lee Brice concert the previous night. Surviving on copious amounts of beer and Uncrustables sandwiches, their enthusiasm appeared undeterred. Remarkably, despite nursing an AC Joint fracture, an athlete from Grand Canyon University confidently headed the line, adorned with a sling and a beaming smile. Moving further back through the crowd, one could spot numerous individuals decked out in imaginative costumes—a quartet of George Washingtons, a pair of astronauts, and even a masculine Snow White—ready to embrace the day’s festivities with open arms.

The objective of each participant is unequivocal: reach the 16th hole as swiftly as possible. For the uninitiated, the route may seem ambiguous—a circuitous path involving navigating tournament tents and skirting past a picturesque pond. Timing of the gate’s opening is a crucial factor, contingent upon the level of daylight that has emerged from behind the mountain peaks. Even on a less frenetic Friday morning, this sprint receives the same unwavering attention. One participant from the previous day’s run had succumbed to the effects of pre-race vodka, regrettably succumbing to its embrace upon reaching the grandstand.

News teams had been capturing the unfolding spectacle for hours leading up to the event. A few minutes before the starting signal, a red light illuminated, and a charismatic broadcaster exclaimed, “Welcome…to the running of the bros!” While not necessarily the grandest of compliments, the “bros” reveled in the title. This was their moment—the very reason they had come together.

As anticipation reached its zenith, tournament staff positioned themselves along the path, ready to remove any obstructions. High above, a PGA Tour producer controlled a drone, much to the delight of the rowdy crowd who spontaneously clamored, “Shoot it down! Shoot it down! Shoot it down!” The remaining matches of the tournament were poised to commence, with players honing their skills on the dew-covered practice range.

Local law enforcement officers reminded the crowd to remain patient as they carefully opened the gate. Colin Swatton, a PGA Tour Live broadcaster, stepped forward with a microphone in hand. The countdown began—five, four, three, two… At the same moment, Ryan Sandoval tapped play on his phone screen—a man known for talking a big game. The route ahead comprised a mere half-mile, encompassing a downhill stretch in the middle. Sandoval confidently predicted a finish time of three minutes and thirty seconds for this endeavor. To accompany his lightning-fast sprint, he ingeniously selected a song that accentuated the moment—The Black Eyed Peas’ “Let’s Get It Started.” With an ideal runtime of 3 minutes and 38 seconds, the lyrics perfectly synced with his determined stride.

Sandoval lunged into the first turn with astonishing speed, narrowly avoiding a collision with a tournament staff member who was dragging a waste bin. Surprisingly, he had built a three- to four-second lead over a member of the bachelor party, who was left in awe. From my vantage point above it all, I shouted to Sandoval, “You’re way ahead!” Through gasps of breath, he acknowledged, “I know!” Hastily securing his hat from being whisked away by the wind, he maintained his breakneck pace toward victory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Phoenix Open?

The Phoenix Open is a renowned golf tournament held annually, known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

What is the significance of the 16th hole at the Phoenix Open?

The 16th hole at the Phoenix Open has become legendary for its unique traditions, including the thrilling sprint by spectators to secure a spot in the stadium surrounding the hole.

How do participants prepare for the 16th hole sprint?

Participants often arrive early, enduring the chilly weather, in order to secure their place in line. Many maintain a spirited atmosphere by donning costumes and embracing the camaraderie of the event.

What safety measures are in place during the sprint?

To ensure the safety of the runners, police officers line the pathway, and event organizers take precautions to minimize any potential collisions or injuries.

Why is the Phoenix Open’s 16th hole sprint so popular?

The sprint to the 16th hole exemplifies the lively and exuberant atmosphere of the Phoenix Open, drawing fervent golf fans from all walks of life. The unique combination of a thrilling race, captivating costumes, and vibrant camaraderie makes it an unforgettable experience.