The PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open is "planning new spectator improvements" for '18, as construction for next year's event begins this week, according to Russ Wiles of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The "biggest change involves the 17th hole, where a feature called the Cove will debut." Tournament Dir of Communications Ryan Woodcock said that the spectator area "will have 26 to 30 sky boxes, two lounge/bar areas and a play area with ping pong and other games." The 17th hole "also has the Bay Club, which will add 16 luxury suites" for the '18 tournament, "bringing the total to 50." With more "fixed seating and the planned games area at 17, that could make the hole more like the 16th, a par 3 that's enclosed in a stadium setting of intense fan cheering and jeering." Woodcock said that the intent is to "create a more fun atmosphere at 17 and divert some fans from the crowded 16th." Adjacent to the Cove will be a "new section of general admission bleacher seating for 700 fans on the par-4 hole." The tournament is also "increasing the size of El Rancho, a Mexican restaurant near the 12th and 13th holes." Additionally, prior cell phone restrictions are "lifting so that fans can use phones every day of tournament week, including taking photos and video" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 10/3).
