SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Organizers of the WM Phoenix Open are offering a refund to fans with tickets who were denied entrance to the event on Saturday.
"We understand the frustration that this caused for our fans," The Thunderbirds said in a news release.
MORE INFORMATION: Tournament officials issue apology after closing gates on Saturday at the WM Phoenix Open
The decision to stop admitting fans came on Saturday after the crowd size became larger than expected along with other unforeseen circumstances. The crowds prompted officials to close the gates and stop alcohol sales on Feb. 10.
Because of the closures, people with paid tickets were turned away from the event.
12News received reports of tickets not being scanned at the event. Tournament director George Thimsen acknowledged possible reports but said it was being looked into.
According to Scottsdale police during the weeklong tournament, officers arrested 54 people, ejected more than 200 from the premises and found 73 people trespassing.
Thursday, tournament officials announced refunds are available for people turned away at Saturday events at order@wmphoenixopen.com
"Last week, we encountered among the most difficult conditions in the history of the event, as heavy rain on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday morning contributed to a significant deterioration in the conditions at TPC Scottsdale," the news release said. "This rainfall made a large percentage of the 190-acre golf course unusable by our fans and created significant operational challenges for the tournament."
Fans who were denied entrance are asked to email orders@wmphoenixopen.com to request a refund.
"A dedicated team will be available to respond to inquiries and answer any questions," the news release said.
MORE INFORMATION: WM Phoenix Open vows changes after 'rough week'
When 12News spoke to organizers earlier this week, they vowed to improve the event in the future.
Among the possible changes being discussed, adding more entrances and serving alcohol during certain hours. Thimsen admitted that images of bare bellies sliding in the mud, people urinating in the open and other videos that popped up during the tournament isn’t a good look.
He acknowledged some of the videos circulating on social media are from past tournaments, but said the event is still as popular as ever and still has the backing of fans, and golf professionals.
"There are a lot more positives from the event than the negatives, but we take full ownership of it," he said.
Organizers said they are "aware that changes need to be made and we will spend the upcoming months identifying those areas where change is necessary."
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