Gambling contributing to abuse of golfers - Fitzpatrick

Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, has stated that sports betting is becoming a problem among golf fans and is contributing to personal abuse directed at players. He recalled how the European team was heckled by hostile US fans at Bethpage Black during last September's Ryder Cup. Fitzpatrick himself faced pantomime boos from partisan crowds when he lost to Cameron Young at the PGA Tour's flagship Players Championship in March.

"I would say every golfer that's played a professional tournament has had a message of abuse from someone that is related to gambling," said Fitzpatrick. "If you type a player's name who maybe isn't playing well, or someone favored to play well, into Twitter [X], you'll just see their name followed by abuse after abuse. For me, it's definitely becoming a problem and the issue is, particularly in golf, it would be very easy to influence a bet, whether it's shouting on someone's backswing or on a putting stroke. It's really easy, but hard to monitor, and it is definitely an issue."

At this week's 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, fans are being asked to adhere to a new code of conduct introduced by the R&A. Local favorite Tommy Fleetwood stressed that striking the right balance is key to delivering the best possible atmosphere. "The crowds are a huge part of golf, and it's difficult to ask everyone to behave in a manner you want while wanting the atmosphere to be as big and good as possible," he said. "I've always felt atmospheres have been great. I've had support 99% of the time, but I've also had it against me. Sometimes those have been my most enjoyable atmospheres when the crowd is a little bit against you and gives you that extra bit."