A shocking and controversial moment unfolded at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, leaving golf fans in disbelief. The ex-Masters champion, Hideki Matsuyama, experienced a devastating collapse, and it all started with an unruly crowd.
Chris Gotterup emerged victorious, claiming his fourth PGA Tour title and second of the year. However, the spotlight was on Matsuyama's unfortunate encounter with a disruptive crowd. His drive at the 18th hole, after a distracting incident, found the water, leading to a birdie for Gotterup at the first playoff hole.
The incident involved a heckler calling out during Matsuyama's downswing, accompanied by a loud thud. Reports suggest a security guard dropping a chair caused the disruption. Matsuyama, after backing away, eventually hit an errant drive, only to face more crowd antics moments later.
And here's where it gets controversial...
When Matsuyama had a putt for the win at the 72nd hole, a spectator yelled out as he began his stroke, causing him to back away. The crowd responded with a chorus of boos, highlighting the issue of disruptive behavior at this event. In fact, a streamer was handed a lifetime ban by the PGA Tour earlier in the tournament for encouraging such antics.
But the crowd also had its moments of glory, cheering loudly for Gotterup's monster birdie to clinch the win. The 26-year-old started the day four shots behind Matsuyama but charged with a remarkable seven-under-par round of 64.
Gotterup, when asked about his recent success, attributed it to having a good time on the course. He expressed his joy, especially with his girlfriend present to witness his win.
The pair, Matsuyama and Gotterup, were tied at -16 after Matsuyama's bogey at the 72nd hole. The Japanese superstar's struggles off the tee in the final round, ranking last in the field, ultimately cost him the win.
His drive at the 18th hole sent hearts racing as it headed left towards the water, but he managed to carry the hazard and end up in a bunker. The drama continued with a thin shot into the lip of the bunker, leaving him short of the green.
Matsuyama's ability to save par throughout the day kept him in the game, but this time, the distraction proved costly. His putt for the win, after the incident, slid to the right of the cup.
Matsuyama reflected on the weekend, acknowledging he didn't have his best game but fought hard. He admitted to wanting to avoid the playoff and praised Gotterup for his good putt.
The top five also included Scheffler, Akshay Bhatia, Si Woo Kim, and Michael Thorbjornsen. Thorbjornsen, an American in his second PGA Tour season, had a chance at a maiden win but bogeyed the 16th and 17th holes.
World No. 1 Scheffler threatened an incredible comeback with a bogey-free, seven-under-par final round of 64. His effort matched Gotterup's, but it was China's Zecheng Dou who took the low round of the day honors with a 63.
Scheffler's four birdies in the last six holes brought him to -15, starting the day five shots behind Matsuyama. His monster putt on the 14th hole, from off the green, received a standing ovation, but the four-time major champion had a mountain to climb.
In the end, it was his first-round 73, including a duffed chip that went viral, that prevented Scheffler from claiming his second trophy of the year.
Australia's Min Woo Lee fell out of contention with a final-round 73, starting the day four shots off the lead. Fellow Australian Cam Davis had a nightmare final round, closing with an 80 and finishing last among those who made the cut.
This controversial crowd incident has sparked debates among golf enthusiasts, leaving many questioning the behavior of spectators and its impact on the game. What do you think? Should there be stricter measures to ensure a fair and respectful environment for players? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
