Once a year, Scottsdale's finest convene with bonafide golf lovers and your average collegiate boozers for a day of drinking, partying, and, oh yeah, golf. For years the Waste(d) Management Phoenix Open has given Valley boozers a great reason to get outside and pretend to like golf -- for a day.
It's a perfect storm of otherwise disparate social groups. Which of course, means there are quite a few ground rules and lots and lots of cops. From the obvious golf etiquette faux pas to a few tips we've picked up from our own Phoenix Open forays, here are five sure fire ways to get booted from the biggest, baddest party on the PGA.
See also: - Photos from the Waste Management Phoenix Open 2012 - Nine Places to Party in Scottsdale During (and After) the Waste Management Phoenix Open - Former "Phoenix Open" Golf Tournament Now to Be Called "Waste Management Open;" Way to Keep it Classy, Scottsdale
5. Show up too drunk
While cops and organizers know that at least half the attendees don't care about golf, it does not mean they're willing to flush the integrity of the tournament down the drain. In short, 21 years old or not they will toss you out - or not even let you in - if you're already actin' a fool at 10 a.m.
4. Use your phone
For first timers, this might seem outrageous. You're probably like, "Ok whatever like they're really going to catch me! I went to high school. I'm a pro at sneaky texting." Wrong. So wrong. They've got eagle-eyed scouts posted up all over and they will not hesitate to either confiscate your cell or flat out give you the boot.
In past years there was a zero tolerance rule. Now, phones are allowed but can only be used in specified zones. Obey or feel the wrath of the PGA.
3. Fall asleep in the bleachers
It's three o'clock in the afternoon and you've been watching golf since 10 a.m. You're probably a little bit buzzed and it's sunny and warm. You're probably thinking, "What a great time to close my weary eyes for just a moment." You might this couldn't harm anyone but to the contrary, they can and will have you removed. Crack a Red Bull and power through.
2. Yell or make loud noises
Particularly at the 16th hole, where fans engage in all sorts of cheering, it could be easy to forget that distracting the players while they're actually playing is not allowed. Play it safe by following signs and not initiating any stadium-wide chants yourself. Don't worry, they'll be busting out a well-coordinated wave any minute.
1. Throw anything on the green
It's been over a decade since the Tiger Woods citrus incident when a spectator threw an orange on the green while he was putting. He swore he'd come back, but never has and that's why tossing anything -- edible or not -- on to the green has to be the number one way to get yourself excused from the Valley's biggest golf party.
