SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rain and chilly temperatures didn't stop hundreds from waking up early or waiting overnight, some in matching costumes, for the iconic 'Race to 16' at The WM Phoenix Open.
As the gate opens at 7:15 a.m., the racers run about a half mile from the 18th hole at TPC Scottsdale to the 16th hole, known as the loudest hole in golf.
"It was more like a leisurely jog," Casey Chafin said.
Casey and McCall Chafin flew in from Pittsburgh, Penn. to experience The WM Open.
"We're big golf fans. We always watch golf, pretty much all season, together. And this is like a bucket list golf tournament. Everyone talks about the 16th hole," McCall Chafin said.
While watching the 2nd round of The WM Open from their front-row seats, The Chafins not only noticing the tough putting from the wet green, but also the fans enjoying the party more than the golf. The pair join in to both cheer and jeer on the players.
"It's not like the Masters where they're (the players) are all you know, prim and proper. It's like them egging on the crowd. Like it's fun to see that," Casey Chafin said.
Up higher in the stands are Bob and Mary Roman from New Jersey who came with their friends from Colorado.
"It was a bucket list thing," Bob Roman said.
"Every year he watches on the TV right before the Super Bowl and he always keeps saying, 'You know, I really want to go out there one time.'," Mary Roman said. "Because every other golf tournament you have to be really quiet."
That's just not what happens at the 16th hole. Where fans stand, cheer, call for balls to be thrown their way, or boo the players' shots.
It's an experience many travel in to have.
"I can't wait to go home and tell all of his friends - because my friends don't care," McCall said. "That we made it, we woke up at 3 a.m. We were on 16, we got to scream with everyone, there's people in wizard hats, someone already took their shirt off and it's only 45 degrees."
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