Fans are part of what makes any sport great, especially golf. There’s nothing like hearing the crowd scream in unison when a big putt goes in but this year, the crowds are earning a bad reputation.
There was already some displeasure voiced this year at the Waste Management Phoenix Open when the huge crowds at the 16th hole caused some players to complain about the jeers they were receiving. Rickie Fowler was especially vocal about his issues with the crowd. Now, more players are voicing some issues that they’re having.
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This past weekend at the Riviera Country Club for the Genesis Open, fans were again unruly and Justin Thomas didn’t waste the opportunity to speak up against the crowds. “I guess they think it’s funny,” Justin Thomas said after Saturday’s round. “But when people are now starting to time it wrong and get in people’s swings, it is completely unacceptable. We’re out here playing for a lot of money, a lot of points, and a lot of things can happen. You would just hate to have something happen because of that.”
Justin Thomas putts on the first green during the final round of the…
Justin Thomas putts on the first green during the final round of the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club on February 18, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. Get premium, high Resolution News Photos at Getty Images
The problem for Thomas might have been that he was playing with one of the most enigmatic players on the PGA TOUR, Tiger Woods. Woods always draws a huge crowd because of his reputation, and along with that comes a lot of jeers because of his off the course past. Pair that with the up and coming Thomas and you have a recipe for big, loud fan bases.
While plenty of players do like to point to the downsides of dealing with the crowds, a lot of players also like to point to the motivation it gives them. In speaking to the media this week, Rory McIlroy stated that he loves playing in front of big crowds because it’s an unbelievable feeling. But I imagine that feeling quickly goes away when a player yells “get in the hole” in the middle of your back swing.
Spectators look on as Phil Mickelson putts on the 18th green during…
Spectators look on as Phil Mickelson Putts on the 18th green during the final round of the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club on February 18, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images
Overall, there seems to be a lot more discontent with fans by PGA players this year. While it’s hard to stop the fans from being so loud and disruptive, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some new regulations instituted to at least attempt limiting crowd volume.
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