Zach Johnson had just about enough at the WM Phoenix Open. Johnson said that the “tournament has been inappropriate and crossed the line” for the last two decades. If the People’s Open continues to go like this, this might be the last time we see the veteran at TPC Scottsdale. But Paige Spiranac feels the veteran should’ve pulled out if he didn’t like the atmosphere.
The social media influencer was not pleased, despite being a Johnson fan. Spiranac feels the crowd has been a factor in the growing popularity of the game. This time, she found the internet on her side as well.
Johnson should’ve known better, Paige Spiranac feels
Zach Johnson felt Thunderbirds, the charity that runs the People’s Open, needed to draw a line. Otherwise, he might have to think twice next year. “You’re hitting me at a very emotional point right now, so if I were to say if I’m gonna come back, I’d probably say no, But at the same time, I have no idea,” Johnson told The Republic.
Johnsons added, “This tournament has been inappropriate and crossed the line since I’ve been on tour and this is my 21st year.” Johnson was caught in a bust-up with a bunch of fans who allegedly taunted him regarding Ryder Cup captaincy. There is uncertainty on whether Johnson will stay as the captain when the patriotic showdown returns to Beth Page Black.
Spiranac, however, felt the unique atmosphere was not for everyone. And if Johnson knew this to be the case, he shouldn’t have come here instead of disparaging the tournament. “Big ZJ (Zach Johnson) fan but personally hate this take. Don’t play it then. It’s been a fantastic tournament for the growth of the game over the years.”
Interestingly, last year too, the organizers were mulling over some changes after fans threw beer cans on the course during Sam Snyder’s ace on the 16th. This year, Billy Horschel, too, was caught in an argument with fans. But the Internet still comes in support of Spiranac and the Phoenix crowd.
Fans brutally mock Johnson
Netizens pointed out that 21 years is a long time for Johnson to come out and say that he always had problems with the crowd. Players know what they are getting into, and they want to remind the veteran golfer.
Some fans pointed out that it’s absurd of Zach Johnson to complain now after two decades of the WM Phoenix Open. They feel the 12-time PGA Tour winner is being petty.
John Peterson, a former PGA Tour player, too, supported this. He claimed everyone knew what they were getting into and he personally loved being there amid the boisterous crowd.
One user straightaway claimed that Johnson couldn’t stomach a fair criticism. They believe fans are rightfully worried about the US’s Ryder Cup chances.
He needs to go away now. I am completely done with Zach after this. Bro, take the L. The US barely avoided losing the Cup on SATURDAY. People chirping at you bc you were the leader of the US team and Americans are upset about the result comes with the territory. Deal with it.
— Native Content (Dusty Tompkins) (@QC_Charlottean) February 12, 2024
Some of them called for Zach Johnson to retire. This fan cited his world ranking and driving distance to claim it’s about time for him to retire.
It seems the rowdy crowd has overshadowed everything, including Nick Taylor’s thrilling playoff victory and Charlie Hoffman’s earning a spot at the Genesis Open. Zach Johnson became the latest person to take the heat from angry fans.
