Fans surround the 18th green at the Sony Open on Sunday.
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Golf enthusiasts maneuvering around the gallery ropes, walking the fairway and circling the 18th green during pro golf’s crucial Sunday finishes aren’t necessarily new to the sport, but it’s rare.
But what’s not to like? Fans bond and create an intimate atmosphere as the action unfolds, making these memorable moments all the more special. You see it often at the Open Championships, and the most famous example of recent years might be Tiger Woods’ 2018 Tour Championship win at East Lake in Atlanta. Most recently, it happened at the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island when Phil Mickelson held off Brooks Koepka.
But it also happened on a smaller scale during the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club on Sunday. Even if there was a problem.
‘The best 3 wood I think I’ve ever seen’: Hideki Matsuyama’s epic shot sets social media ablaze
Josh Berhow
“It’s crazy,” said on-course reporter Notah Begay, referring to fans converging on the 18th as Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley finished. Matsuyama, a back, put for the eagle as Henley faced a birdie putt. “I think it might be a small mistake considering we could be looking at a playoff here. Many customers may not know that they can no longer enter the bunker. They kind of broke in there and swarmed wherever they could find a seat and yes there are people walking in the bunkers now. We just have to be aware that there might still be some golf to play today.
That’s the key, isn’t it? If you are going to surround a green, you should at least follow your typical golf decorum and stay off the sand. After Matsuyama had two putts for a birdie and Henley missed his try, they returned to the 18th tee. Luckily, the crew had plenty of time to repair a few bunker imperfections before Matsuyama and Henley headed out for their first playoff hole. Matsuyama successfully avoided them anyway, as his 3 wood from the fairway found the green, led to an easy eagle and the Sony Open title.
