Fan misbehavior shames the game
I quite agree with your comments (“Divot: A hard cell,” June 29, GGP). These groups of thugs (for lack of a better word) need to be thrown off of the course. They have no respect and their actions are bringing the game of golf into disrepute.
The organisers of these events should also be held accountable for allowing alcohol on the course during play. I suppose, like always, it comes down to money, but to be honest I find it rather embarrassing hearing and having to watch these lowlifes.
My wife and I visited the Masters a few years ago and being as we are both rules officials in the U.K. we were pleasantly surprised when we were told that mobile phones are not allowed. What a great idea.
Len Goff
Rayleigh, Essex, England
Decorum and respect are lacking
I did “shoot the boot” at my college fraternity house but I also grew up playing golf and never would think about mixing the two. I absolutely agree with your article (“Divot: A hard cell,” June 29, GGP) that we are in a time of selfies and viral videos in which decorum and respect are left behind. That’s a signal that something must be changed. Hopefully the powers that be feel the same.
Ben Stevens
Boynton Beach, Florida
Deterrence is the key
We are in agreement that fan behavior is out of control at many golf events (“Divot: A hard cell,” June 29, GGP). I agree that the answer to this problem comes from Augusta, but it isn’t a cellphone ban. Rather, it’s a zero-tolerance policy for boorish behavior. The reason that you don’t hear “golf bros” screaming “mashed potatoes” at the Masters is not the result of the cellphone ban. It’s because attendees know that they’ll be ejected for breaches of decorum. Tournament organizers for tour events and majors should publicize that boorish behavior will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly. I suspect a few very public ejections early in the proceedings would have a significant deterrent effect.
Ted Wesolowski
Bonita Springs, Florida
Excuses lower behavior bar
You are right on the money (“Divot: A hard cell,” June 29, GGP). When behavior like what was seen at this year’s U.S. Open is allowed, it will only get worse. Totally unacceptable! It seems that the bar is continually being lowered at golf events with excuses like “it is only at the Waste Management Phoenix Open” or “it is just New York fans.” What happened at the 2025 Ryder Cup was appalling. None of it is acceptable.
Thank you for making a point of this and your continuing commentary is needed.
Jack Minteer
Bozeman, Montana
Global Golf Post welcomes reader comment. Write to executive editor Mike Cullity and provide your full name, city, state and country of residence. If your comment is selected for publication, GGP will contact you to verify the authenticity of the email and confirm your identity. We would not publish your email address. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.