Story byPhoto by Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesJames ShearmanTue, February 10, 2026 at 11:45 AM UTC·2 min readChris Gotterup’s victory at the WM Phoenix Open last weekend was overshadowed by an incident involving Hideki Matsuyama. Gotterup defeated Matsuyama in a playoff hole at TPC Scottsdale, but the events leading up to it were disappointing. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA fan shouted at Matsuyama as he was about to putt for the win on the 18th green, forcing him to step away and repeat his routine. Then, a security guard dropped a chair moments before he drove the ball into the water in the playoff. PGA Tour player Michael Kim has now criticized the misbehaving fans at the WM Phoenix Open last week. Michael Kim slams ‘idiots’ in WM Phoenix Open crowdMichael Kim also noticed some off-putting behavior from the energetic crowds at the WM Phoenix Open. While the majority of fans were respectful, Kim called out those who crossed the line and acknowledged Matsuyama’s misfortune. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“There are always the few idiots who make everyone else look bad,” he tweeted after the tournament.“I feel for Hideki having to deal with those losers who were yelling. I dealt with a couple, also.“The Thunderbirds and the staff have really tried to make things better (and have), but you can’t control everyone out of 100k people.”Despite his rant about the trouble-makers, Kim remains a big fan of the Phoenix Open event and the “atmosphere” associated with it.“I truly enjoy coming to this tournament,” he added. “There are very few tournaments that bring this level of energy.“The atmosphere plus the design of the golf course fit really well together.