Should players have the power to have spectators removed from the course?

[ChipStrokes]

4 hours ago, Hawkeye77 said:

And ….. no phones!!!

this is a much bigger deal than people think. 

 

if you can’t post the stupid crap you’re about to pull on the ‘gram, is it even worth doing?

[bobfoster]

Generally, I'm very old school (or, maybe just slightly old), and remember days when golf really was a different kind of sport. Fans were polite, and respectful. Didn't hear a lot of trash talking in the 60s and 70s (and certainly no one screamed "get in the hole" or "mashed potatoes" after every tee shot). Don't like the rudeness that is so common these days. 

 

That said, no, I do not believe players should have the right to just kick people off a course. Yes, the right to ask tournament management to do so, but they themselves? No. Players may want people booted who insult them personally, but it is up to the course people themselves to decide who is actually disrupting everyone else. 

 

And IMO, some of the crudeness of the current game comes from some of the players themselves. BD, Brooks (currently), Sergio and Bubba (several years ago) ... yeah they'll get heckled. Strangely, I've never heard of Cantlay, or Kevin Na, or Jim Furyk, or Stewart Cink or etc., etc., getting heckled. Golfers that act like gentlemen pretty have little to worry about. But those who get into Twitter pissing matches, get petty, insult the course or the fans? I don't want to say they have it coming, but, well no, strike that, they do have it coming.

 

It is (IMO) up to course management to decide whether heckling actually disturbs the golfers and the fans. Drunken idiots screaming, or those that can't shut up on a player's backswing? Out - for everyone's sake. A guy saying "way to go Brooksie!" (not even yelling it)? Well, a lot of the people standing around the guy were probably laughing, and BD might someday learn that if you wanna buy the ticket, you'd better be ready to have to take the ride.

[physasst]

I actually have a slightly different take. While I think it is incredibly lame to yell things at players, I think it is nonsense that the tour is reacting this way. Especially regarding "Brooksie". I think you're lame if you say that to Bryson, but I also think it is harmless. Bryson and these other pros CHOSE to become famous figures/athletes. Doesn't matter that they don't make what MLB or NBA stars make, many of them, Bryson included make millions per year. Part of that money is to put up with the BS of being a superstar. He chose to put himself in the public light, he chose to be a professional golfer. No one made him. That means, in any sport, including golf, putting up with heckling, etc. Don't like it Bryson....quit golf. Go do something else. I think too many of these young athletes are WAY too soft....Bryson included. Tiger had guys wearing shirts with his f'n mug shot on them.....Bryson and many of these players need to get a lot tougher. Totally disagree with the tours take here. 

[chesapeakejoe]

Bryson and Brooks would you have behaved this way In front of Mr. Palmer, Nicklaus, or Jones?  Doubtful.

Bobby Jones wrote a “Spectator Guide” in 1967 for the “patrons” attending the Masters at Augusta National.  In it is a part called “Conduct, Customs and Etiquette”.  About these things Jones says the following: “In golf, customs of etiquette and decorum are just as important as the rules governing play.” This is the message Jay Monaghan needs to convey to those attending all PGA events.

Anyone who has been to the Masters will tell you of the respect, and reverence shown to the course, the game and the players by the “patrons” in attendance. The unique atmosphere created by a crowd displaying such civil behavior is refreshing to say the least.  People do not heckle players or cheer when players fail to execute a shot or miss a putt.  Regarding these behaviors Jones says, “Most distressing to those who love the game of golf is the applauding or cheering of the misplays or misfortunes of a player”. 

While Jones politely instructs “patrons” on the appropriate behavior to employ while at the event, this polite instruction is backed up by the heavy handed consequence of losing one’s attendance privileges, and never being allowed to return.  When privileges are revoked, it is done quietly and without spectacle of any kind, eliminating attention seeking through misbehavior.  Augusta National also requires players to be on their best behavior as well.  Gentlemanly behavior is expected from all players, toward the press, the “patrons”, and one another at all times.  The kind of back and forth Brooks and Bryson displayed earlier this year would have been squelched swiftly and quietly by the powers that be at Augusta if it had taken place during the tournament.

Finally, if the PGA and Jay Monaghan want to focus the attention back on the game, employ Mr. Jones’ rules regarding etiquette and decorum, that Augusta National follows, along with the same consequences, and this sport will continue to be unique by virtue of the exceedingly civil behavior and good character expected of, and followed by most players and fans of the game.  If the PGA and Mr. Monaghan do not follow this course of action, the game will lose its virtuous reputation along with many of the fans who love the game not only for the drama and challenge of the sport, but the virtues that golf supports and teaches and are regularly displayed by its amateur and professional players.

 

[ChipNRun]

On 9/1/2021 at 5:33 AM, wcbjr said:

Maybe it'll get to the point where no alcohol is served on the course just to see if it makes a difference.

 

Don't count on it. One of the old-time baseball owners once said his stadium was just a glorified hot dog stand. Food + beverages = $$$

 

Losing income from alcohol sales would put a big dent in the host course's revenues.

[Schley]

Absolutely not!  They need more security to monitor the fans perhaps, but there should be a standard and if it is broken give them the heave hoe.

 

It wil be tough as most are volunteer marshals and don't want conflict.