Nick Taylor took a 1-up lead at the flooded Phoenix Open on Sunday

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The party at TPC Scottsdale was so much fun Saturday, with so many booze-soaked rowdies that the Phoenix Open had to close the gates mid-day and limit alcohol sales because the course was so crowded.

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Yes, he played golf.

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Nick Taylor of Abbotsford had 12 holes remaining and was 13 under in the third round Saturday when play was suspended due to darkness in a flooded tournament.

“It was pretty epic,” said a smiling Sahit Tegala. “There was a group of guys with my name and face on their shirts. The officer told me that people were too drunk, but everyone was having a good time. We hope everyone is safe.

“Even though some people aren't the best drunks, it's a blast.”

Taylor continued his fast start after shooting a course-record 11-over 60 to close the first round Friday. The Canadian finished six holes Saturday with one birdie and five pars.

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After five birdies on the back nine of Saturday's second round, Tegala shot a 64 and took a one-shot lead into the third round. He birdied the first two holes of the third hole but made a birdie on No. 4 to pull within one stroke.

Taylor, 35, is coming off his fourth PGA Tour win. The area is home to a former University of Washington star. He won the Canadian Open last year in a playoff, which was also a raucous atmosphere, but nothing like TPC Scottsdale.

“Trying to stay warm, relax,” Taylor said. “It was a really good six holes, even though it was cold and windy.”

Doug Gimme and Andrew Novak were 11 under, Jordan Spieth and Cameron Young were 10 under.

Scotty Scheffler is five shots to 8, eyeing his third straight Phoenix Open victory. He is trying for his first three-peat on the PGA Tour in 13 years.

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Although the weather was dry on Saturday afternoon, it was a very hot tournament in the desert. A long weather delay on Thursday forced half the field to complete the first rounds on Friday, and a 90-minute frost delay on Friday pushed the times back even further.

That pushed most of the second round to Saturday and another delay – this one by just 21 minutes – due to unplayable conditions in the morning.

The leaders went into the third round at 4:10 p.m., giving them nearly two hours before the game was suspended.

The forecast for Sunday is drier and slightly warmer, although again, frost is likely to be delayed.

Corey Conners of Listowel is tied for 28th at 5 under.

Most of Saturday's biggest news was off the ropes. The popular no-holds-barred tournament turned away some ticket holders and had to limit alcohol sales because the course was so crowded.

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The tournament said on social media: “Due to a larger than usual crowd, the entrance gates to the WM Phoenix Open have been temporarily closed and shuttle service to the event has been suspended,” the tournament said. “The shuttle service to the parking lot will continue to operate. Please check our channels regularly for updates.”

Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Grass,” the Phoenix Open is unlike anything else in golf. Nearly 200,000 fans pack TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course with excitement, excitement and the occasional beer shower. The source of the storm is the teeing-off 16th hole, a multi-level par-3 where signs that read “Quiet, please” are frowned upon.

Players usually enjoy the atmosphere as everyone knows that this is a once-in-a-year phenomenon. But parties have their limits.

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Despite the inclement weather, Scottsdale was well attended. It rained and the temperature climbed into the 50s in the 40s before the sun peeked through the clouds in the morning.

Tegala bogeyed Nos. 11, 13, 14, 15 and 17 on the ninth of the second round on Saturday morning. The 26-year-old was a three-time American qualifier at Pepperdine. his first PGA Tour title at the Fortinet Championship last year.

“After the first few holes, we had some productive conditions,” Tegala said. “No wind, soft green, rare here.”

— AP Sports Writer John Marshall contributed to this report.

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