But that isn’t the case during the WM Phoenix Open, as 17,000 fans pack the bleachers on the hole, creating one of golf’s most unique atmospheres.
With the bleachers comes noise. And compared to how pros are used to hitting golf shots, noise turns a standard par-3 into something unlike anything else on Tour.
That’s why Rickie Fowler treats the 16th unlike any other hole on Tour.
In recent years, Fowler has turned up the noise on himself, encouraging the crowd to reach a fever pitch even in his backswing. It’s a strange strategy, but one he says actually works wonders for him.
“At that point, you can adjust to that level of noise and it’s constant,” Fowler told Spieth and GOLF Subpar co-hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz on this week’s episode. “Versus if you don’t get everyone loud, you can hear all the chatter and drinks being made and drunk people.”
Plus, Fowler says, it helps to keep his mind away from any wandering thoughts.
“You just get jealous,” he said. “You kind of you hear a drink being made and you kind of want one.”
For more from this week’s episode with Spieth and Fowler, recorded live from Subpar’s first outing, The Larry, make sure to listen to the full episode below.
Jack Hirsh is the Associate Equipment Editor at GOLF. A Pennsylvania native, Jack is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, earning degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. He was captain of his high school golf team and recently returned to the program to serve as head coach. Jack also still *tries* to remain competitive in local amateurs. Before joining GOLF, Jack spent two years working at a TV station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a Multimedia Journalist/reporter, but also producing, anchoring and even presenting the weather. He can be reached at jack.hirsh@golf.com.