Excessive jeering was on display this past weekend at Riviera Country Club during the Genesis OpenGETTY IMAGES
Fans who "cross the line between cheering and jeering -- shouting during backswings or while players are preparing to make a shot" have at times become a challenge for golfers and organizers on the PGA Tour, and the excessive behavior was "on display" this past weekend at Riviera Country Club for the Genesis Open, according to Mike James of the L.A. TIMES. After Saturday's round, golfer Justin Thomas said, "I guess they think it's funny. 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." PGA Tour VP/Rules & Competition Mark Russell said, "Any time you deal with the general public you're going to have a few yahoos who act like fools, yell things and do things. It's inevitable that .0001% is going to act like a jackass. We want the fans to enjoy themselves, but in no way can you disturb the players" (L.A. TIMES, 2/19). Thomas said, "I wish people didn't think it was so amusing" (GOLF.com, 2/18). GOLF.com's weekly roundtable discussed the topic, and Golf magazine contributor Josh Sens said, "I would say more and more spectators could probably use an etiquette lesson. If you're yelling in someone's backswing, you don't belong there." Golf magazine Senior Editor Joe Passov added, "Garden Party golf is long gone at the PGA Tour level, however much we (and Justin Thomas) might miss it." Golf.com Digital Development Editor Jeff Ritter said, "A new generation of players attracts a new group of fans, and as crowds get younger like the players they follow, this is what happens. ... [Thomas and the other golfers] are going to have to get used to some of this" (GOLF.com, 2/18).
