All about ticket sales. WM likes the "frat party" atmosphere so the Pros have to do there best on the 16th. Not much different than Ryder Cup crowds.

Clearly the sponsor likes the rowdiness as they seem to keep pushing the limit. I hate to see golf tournaments turned into a soccer match with drunken hooligans. It would be nice to see the game of golf, that was intended to be a gentlemans game, stay true to it's origin and maintain a little respect and decorum.

Unfortunately it is indicative of many things that are going on today. Paul is right on target with his comment. It seems that staying true to things that are rooted in tradition are no longer cool with younger generations. This behavior is thought to be a way of getting new people involved in the game and that may be fine as a one off hole in the entire golf season, but as with everything, the limits of what is over the line is always pushed. Going to be very hard to roll it back now!

I believe that when this was first hatched, the idea was to create a baseball game type atmosphere. I even remember when the caddies used to have a foot race to the green after everybody in their group hit their tee shots on 16. And that was okay but I just think that this was allowed to evolve way past the original intention. I agree that it's a business decision and spurs ticket sales, but I think that more of the top players will start to skip this event as time goes on. You have to have just a little respect for the players, at least when they are on the green.

It's certainly a different experience from a normal golf tournament, but I think this setting is more "normal" for other professional athletes. Some of the players seem to embrace it, and those that don't will simply skip the event. I wouldn't want to see this at every event, but the spectacle is enjoyable for this week. I don't think it will be long until the 15th green, and all of 17 and 18 are stadium style as well.
Say what you want about people's behavior, but the WMPO has certainly set itself apart from other events, and turned a benign hole into something both fans and players pay attention to.

If it happened at every tournament I think I would agree that it would need to be stopped. If it stays unique to this event and doesn't expand to other holes, I have no problem with it. It helps draw attention to the sport, not unlike the development of Top Golf facilities have been drawing in a new generation of golfers. Players are private contractors and don't have to come play if it bothers them that much. Yes, the boos are getting to be a problem. I dont think the players mind the loud cheers but the boos for a ball that just trickles off the edge of the green is a bit harsh. I know its people making side-bets with their buddies but a big "ahhh" would be better than a "booo". It will be interesting to watch it each year as it continues to evolve.

I would hate to have to play that hole under those conditions. I have rabbitearidis. They get there at 7 am and the consumption begins about three hours before the first player get to that tee. That tournament prides itself with their party atmosphere. Most players, if believe, have learned to accept it. Do not see them changing anything about that hole. It is unique. Not every tournament can be like the Masters which maintains the highest of standards.

If you have never gone to Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage, it also is a party atmosphere all the way down 16, 17, 18. Players have been known to have one going down 18 in the past during the event. Greg Norman loved that atmosphere. It is one big party after the masters. It is not as rambunctious as Scottsdale, but loud and lots a booze. You do have to focus. They even have three Pro/Ams prior to the tournament which is also another big party to get ready for the tournament. You might even catch a pro or two up at Hootie and Blowfish's Monday after the Masters in North Myrtle Beach which is another Pro/AM party with lots of celebrities. So the week after the Masters is a big party along the coast of S Carolina.

Regarding the Ryder Cup. I have worked the Ryder Cup as a Volunteer. 1991 at the Ocean Course and it was rowdy. These folks do support their teams and after a hot day along the ocean in the hot sun and after a number of cold drinks, common sense goes out the window.

Once a year it may be "fun" but it does get old and stale quite quickly. I wouldn't want to see it repeated at other venues.

I have attended the tournament on many occasions and have noticed both good and bad at 16. I think the players that play in the event understand what is coming and are the ones that can deal with that sort of atmosphere. Those that get in start out around 3 hours before they see a single golfer on the weekends and drinking is all they seem to do. I have noticed that security and the Thunderbirds are doing a pretty good job of monitoring the area and it has been a while since anything has gotten out of hand. The booing is not always my favorite but the event is the one time of year that is supposed to be a party with a golf tournament and not the other way around. Having attended three Ryder Cup matches I can tell you there is worse behaviors there than at 16.