Wasted Open Wrap: The Ugly Side Of The Madness

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Play was almost impacted by the 16th hole "cauldron" Sunday when eventual Waste Management Open winner Hideki Matsuyama had to back off a shot just before taking the club away. Otherwise, the 16th hole seemed like its usual noisy-but-fun self and remains a great attaction to the tournament.

But it's the behind-the-scenes activity in Scottsdale that sounds like it's bordering on unsavory. From Brian Wacker's GolfDigest.com story reporting on the 16th hole scene not so readily discussed:

It takes not much longer to confirm through a police officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he’s not authorized to speak on such matters that last year one female had passed out from intoxication near a porta potty having defecated on herself. That was the least of her problems as she had a certain white, powdery substance around her nose that is illegal in all 50 states.

Speaking of the porta pottys, more than one officer also confirms the biggest complaint from fans is people having sex in them. Later, I overhear this very complaint from a woman to a friend after returning to her seat. The officers also confirm these will actually be the least of their problems among the liquefied masses of 204,904 at TPC Scottsdale this day, a record crowd for the event.

Golfweek.com's Dan Kilbridge posted random observations from the Wasted Management and included these two:

*Bag room attendants placing bets on what time they will see their first stretcher of the day.

And...

*One concerned spectator checking the pulse of another spectator who had passed out in his bleacher seat Saturday afternoon.

An unbylined Golf.com story noted that the tournament is at least offering free breathalyzer tests at the exits of TPC Scottsdale. Though it sounds like what happens inside the gates may becoming more dangerous to public safety.

Well, except this guy...