Palmer’s beer to fans’ race, traditions kept alive at the WM Phoenix Open’s 16th hole

Ryan Palmer kept the tradition alive on Saturday at the 16th hole of the TPC Scottsdale golf course. The hole at the WM Phoenix Open is iconic, with a 160-yard layout surrounded by 17,000 spectators cheering for their favourite.

There has been a tradition of throwing a ball wrapped with a $10 note into the audience so that they can buy beverages and drinks for themselves. It started in 2015.

Ryan Palmer continued the tradition this year. He shared a screenshot of a fan's story with a ball wrapped in money and "Beer on Ryan Palmer" written at the bottom. Palmer Tweeted:

"They're back!!! See you on the 16!!! On grass !! Money balls coming at you!!!!"

Interestingly, Ryan Palmer is not the only one who mixes with the crowd. Over the years, several golfers have found unique ways to connect with their fans.

The 2022 US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick threw Sheffield United shirts, and Bubba Watson gave his fans a goodie bag filled with Oakley and Ping merchandise.

Phil Mickelson, a LIV golfer, also engaged with the audience by tossing an American football into the crowd.

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"Glad you’re serving up for the fans!" -Fans react to Ryan Palmer's throwing money balls in the audience at the WM Phoenix Open

Fans were happy with Ryan Palmer giving money to his fans for drinks at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottdale. They took to the comment section to write:

"Glad you’re serving up for the fans! They looked subdued today & I’m sure they need a few more brews to get into the action! Glad to see you playing & having a solid 67 today!"

"This is super cool, but are beers only 10 bucks? Seems like it would be more?"

"Ryan Palmer you are officially now my favorite PGA player! Well done Ryan!!!"

"What a cool, little thing that he does that goes a long way n making ppls day."

The 2023 WM Phoenix Open will wrap up the final on Sunday, February 12. After the third round, defending champion Scottie Schaeffler topped the leaderboard with a round of 68 to finish at under 13.

Jon Rahm and Nick Taylor are just two shots behind him to take over, securing second place.

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2023 WM Phoenix Open Sunday tee-offs

Hole 1

• 10:55 a.m.: Billy Horschel, James Hahn, Tom Kim
• 11:06 a.m.: Jason Dufner, Rory McIlroy, Matt Kuchar
• 11:17 a.m.: Chesson Hadley, Max Homa, Hideki Matsuyama
• 11:28 a.m.: Scott Stallings, Adam Schenk, Seamus Power
• 11:39 a.m.: Sam Ryder, Keegan Bradley, Si Woo Kim
• 11:50 a.m.: Dylan Frittelli, Taylor Moore, Justin Thomas
• 12:01 p.m.: Tony Finau, Jhonattan Vegas, Wyndham Clark
• 12:12 p.m.: Xander Schauffele, Charley Hoffman, Sam Burns
• 12:23 p.m.: Sungjae Im, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day
• 12:34 p.m.: Jordan Spieth, Adam Hadwin, Tyrrell Hatton
• 12:45 p.m.: Scottie Scheffler, Nick Taylor, Jon Rahm

Hole 10

• 10:55 a.m.: Sahith Theegala, Webb Simpson, Adam Long
• 11:06 a.m.: Taylor Pendrith, Ryan Palmer, Justin Lower
• 11:17 a.m.: Aaron Rai, Zach Johnson, Viktor Hovland
• 11:28 a.m.: Hayden Buckley, Kevin Tway, Kelly Kraft
• 11:39 a.m.: Lucas Glover, Patrick Rodgers, K.H. Lee
• 11:50 a.m.: Kurt Kitayama, Trey Mullinax, Danny Lee
• 12:01 p.m.: Lucas Herbert, Nate Lashley, Joel Dahmen
• 12:12 p.m.: Beau Hossler, Corey Conners, Brian Harman
• 12:23 p.m.: Matt Fitzpatrick, Brandon Wu, Greyson Sigg
• 12:34 p.m.: Erik van Rooyen, Jim Herman, Keith Mitchell
• 12:45 p.m.: Gary Woodland, Stewart Cink, Cameron Young