Crowd Dynamics at the 3M Open
The PGA Tour is navigating a new reality regarding crowd management as superstar Scottie Scheffler continues to draw record-breaking galleries. CBS Sports analyst and former professional golfer Johnson Wagner recently highlighted that the intense fan interest surrounding Scheffler is creating tangible difficulties for his playing partners, forcing them to adjust their focus and rhythm during high-stakes rounds.
During the recent 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities, where Scheffler finished runner-up to Jackson Koivun, the crowd size reached estimates of 10,000 to 15,000 people for early tee times. Wagner noted that the sheer volume of spectators, who are eager to witness the world number one in action, has led to a chaotic environment around the fairways and greens.
Impact on Player Performance
The primary issue, according to Wagner, is the movement of the gallery while other players are preparing for their shots. During the final round, Scheffler was paired with Brian Harman. Wagner reported that Harman was repeatedly forced to step away from his tee shots because spectators were surging down the fairway immediately after Scheffler hit his ball, or shifting positions while Harman was attempting to putt.
“Harman backed off multiple times… he had to back off of tee shots because of the crowd,” Wagner explained during his analysis on Scorecard. The analyst emphasized that the situation mirrors the intense atmosphere experienced by players who competed alongside Tiger Woods during the peak of his career. In those instances, the overwhelming presence of the gallery often forced competitors to navigate a constant, shifting wall of noise and movement.
Institutional Context
Scheffler, who has amassed 19 victories over the past few years—including four majors and an Olympic gold medal—has become the premier attraction in men’s golf. While his performance remains consistent, the logistical challenge of managing the massive crowds trailing his group is becoming a recurring theme. Unlike some players who might feed off or ignore such energy, his playing partners are finding it physically and mentally taxing to maintain their focus while the gallery remains fixated on the world number one.
While the PGA Tour typically enforces crowd control measures, the sheer volume of fans attending events where Scheffler appears often tests the limits of existing security and volunteer staffing. The situation at the 3M Open serves as a case study for the tour in balancing fan engagement with the requirement to provide a fair, undisturbed playing environment for all participants.