PGA Tour Pro Says He’d Skip the 16th Hole at WMPO If He Were Just a Fan
The 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open fans celebrate the hole in one on the 16th hole by Francesco Molinari WM Phoenix Open 2015, TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, USA January 2015 Copyright: xMarkxNewcombex
The 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open fans celebrate the hole in one on the 16th hole by Francesco Molinari WM Phoenix Open 2015, TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, USA January 2015 Copyright: xMarkxNewcombex
The 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open, often called The Coliseum, is a 163-yard par-3 enclosed by a triple-deck stadium that holds around 20,000 spectators.
As a result, the hole functions more like an arena than a traditional golf setting.
Because of this layout, the atmosphere differs from most courses. Fans are allowed to react openly, which includes cheering, booing, and engaging with players throughout the round.
To start, that contrast between watching golf shots and experiencing the atmosphere was addressed by Jake Knapp during his Feb. 6 media session, via ASAP Sports, whether he would check out the 16th hole as a fan.
LA JOLLA, CA - FEBRUARY 01: Jake Knapp USA watches his tee shot on 16 during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open on February 1, 2026, at Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla, California. Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 01 PGA, Golf Herren Farmers Insurance Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602010374
LA JOLLA, CA - FEBRUARY 01: Jake Knapp USA watches his tee shot on 16 during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open on February 1, 2026, at Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla, California. Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 01 PGA, Golf Herren Farmers Insurance Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602010374
"Yeah, it’s probably something you want to experience at some point. Now that I’m on the other end I have no desire to be in the bleachers." said the 2024 Mexico Open Championship.
When the topic shifted to where a fan could best follow the action, Knapp suggested an option away from the 16th hole.
Instead, he pointed to the front nine, noting that lighter crowds there make it easier to watch shots as they are played.
That distinction is rooted in how the 16th hole developed into a setting defined by moments rather than routine play.
Tiger Woods and the 16th Hole in 1997
Tiger Woods set the first marker at the 16th hole in 1997, when his hole-in-one triggered a response that stood apart from typical tournament reactions.
At 21, and only weeks before securing his first Masters title, that moment altered how the hole was viewed.
From there, the 16th evolved. As the hole became fully enclosed, crowd involvement increased, which led to additional aces and a structure that positioned players directly in front of spectators.
Players now make their way to the tee through a tunnel, with crowd noise building before the shot is played. That interaction does not remain fixed.
Once the ball is struck, reactions follow immediately, and each result is met openly by the crowd.
Would you choose the chaos of the 16th hole or head elsewhere to actually watch the shots being played?
You can read more at Daily Club Golf!
Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu