SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Police say a large crowd of spectators that ran through the entrance gates at WM Phoenix Open early Friday morning did not make it onto the course.
ABC15 crews were outside of the gates when a large crowd of people appeared to rush through the gates.
The crowd entered the facility around 5:30 a.m., which is 90 minutes before the scheduled opening time of 7 a.m.
While the crowd ran into TPC Scottsdale, there were clearly no security checks being performed at the first gate. Despite conflicting stories about whether the crowd was actually allowed to enter early, officials say it was business as usual.
Security says decision was made by supervisor to open gates early because crowd outside was getting rowdy and line was nearly reaching street and had potential to block traffic. Fans did run through metal detectors & had to pass through 2 more checkpoints before 16th hole #abc15
— Jamie Warren (@JamieABC15) February 10, 2023
Scottsdale Police Department told ABC15 that there are other levels of security and other checkpoints beyond that gate, and no one is actually allowed to enter the course until 7 a.m.
Police suggested the initial gate that the crowd ran through is simply a corral to control the number of people lined up at internal security checkpoints.
While ABC15 did not see a similar situation with the crowds occur Thursday, police did not express concern over the early rush of guests Friday.
"I think what you saw was some of these fans when getting thru security thought they were in and could go - but all normal," a WM Phoenix Open spokesperson said.
Friday and Saturday are both sold-out events, but tickets are still available for Sunday.
