SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Waste Management Phoenix Open -- the "Greatest Show on Grass" -- put on another spectacular one at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course in 2012.
Kyle Stanley shot a smooth final-round 65 to overtake struggling Spencer Levin and redeem himself after his final-hole collapse the week prior at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego.
But the real story, as it always is in the Arizona desert, was the party outside the ropes. Saturday's third round set the tournament-attendance record -- also a pro golf record -- when a whopping 173,210 people showed up. That's more than some PGA Tour events attract for all four days. The seven-day attendance total of 518,262 fans fell short of the record of 538,356 fans set in 2008.
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium golf course - 16th
Fans line the par-3 16th hole during the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course.
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TPC Scottsdale - Stadium golf course - Billy Mayfair
Billy Mayfair waves to the crowd upon entering the "stadium" at the 16th hole during the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium golf course - Nick O'Hern
Nick O'Hern looks good but missed the 16th green with this swing during the third round of the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium golf course - crowd
Players who interact with the crowd -- like Billy Mayfair here -- get fans roaring at the 16th hole during the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium golf course - caddie
Caddie races to see who reaches the green first are a big part of the show at the 16th hole during the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium golf course - 17th
The drivable 17th at the Waste Management Phoenix Open often plays a role in who wins the tournament.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium golf course - fans
Few fans stuck around near dusk to watch the finish of the second round at the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium golf course - 4th
Kevin Sutherland putts out on the fourth green at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course during the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
