LIV Golf player criticises PGA Tour crowd: "People here are a lot more respectful"

Danny Lee believes there is a clear difference between attendees of LIV Golf's 'Watering Hole' and its equivalent on the PGA Tour. 

Every year thousands of golf fans flock to TPC Scottsdale for the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. 

The biggest attraction, of course, is the iconic par-three 16th which is transformed into a full arena with a 20,000 capacity. 

Often called 'The Coliseum', spectators cheer, chant and heckle the players in the field. Some do so whilst drinking. Heavily. 

Even though it is wildly entertaining, critics believe it is not how the game should be played. 

In recent years, criticism of tournament organisers has mounted, fuelled by a steady stream of social media posts showing intoxicated spectators and unruly fan behaviour. 

Former US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson snapped at members of the gallery in 2024 who were shouting at players whilst they were trying to hit.

It was the same year a woman was reported to have fallen from the 16th grandstand.

And just last week, a YouTube streamer was handed a lifetime PGA Tour ban after paying a spectator $100 to yell during a player's backswing. 

The aforementioned Lee, from Korea, thinks spectators at LIV's equivalent are far more respectful. 

"People here are a lot more respectful," Lee told LIV Golf's editorial director Mike McCallister. 

"They understand the game of golf, even though there's a lot of people having fun, having a good time out there. Nothing like Waste Management."

Lee played in the WM Phoenix Open on 11 occasions. He missed the cut seven times, including his last start before his switch to LIV in 2023. 

He added: "Last time I played there, it was horrible. They were just trying to put all the players off. 

"Trying to yell out their names and stupid stuff during the swing.

"It's a million times better over here with all the Australians. Different level of crowds. They know how to enjoy it properly. We love them."

Since its inauguration, the Watering Hole has seen two aces. Brooks Koepka's brother, Chase, got the first in 2023. 

Former LIV Golf recruit Patrick Reed sparked wild scenes last year when he carded a hole-in-one. 

Not everyone agrees

Multiple PGA Tour winner Viktor Hovland, who finished in a share of 10th last week at the people's open, told reporters that the atmosphere at the 16th wasn't as rowdy as he was anticipating.

"I mean, compared to a couple years I feel like it's a lot more tame this year," he said. 

"I don't really think it's too crazy at all. 16 is just fun. 

"I think to get booed every now and again or cheered for if you make a putt is completely fine. It's fun. It's reasonable. 

"There is not beer all over the green. No one has made a hole-in-one yet, so not going to jinx that.

"I think it's been fine. It's nice to have. Every tournament is a little bit different. 

"This is definitely a unique tournament and that's not overboard, so I like it."