Jon Rahm, the world No. 1 golfer, believes that gambling fans are affecting the outcome of golf tournaments, and that it will be extremely difficult for the PGA Tour to prevent.
In an interview with The Guardian, Rahm said that he has heard fans yelling things like
“I bet you’re going to miss this or I’ve got a lot of money on you” during tournaments.” Rahm said.
He said that this kind of behaviour can be distracting and even intimidating.
“It’s just always something that’s on your mind. It’s on us to stay focused or whatever, but it’s just annoying when it happens.” Rahm said.
Rahm is not the only golfer who has spoken out about the issue of gambling fans. In 2022, Max Homa said that he had been yelled at and heckled by fans who had bet on him.
“It’s a complicated subject. Indeed it is — but it’s one that isn’t going away any time soon.” Homa said.
The PGA Tour has said that it is aware of the issue and is taking steps to address it.
In 2022, the tour launched a new campaign called “Respect the Game,” which encourages fans to be respectful of players and other spectators.
However, Rahm is skeptical that the tour can do much to stop fans from gambling on tournaments and trying to influence the outcome.
“It’s extremely difficult to prevent. I think the PGA Tour is doing the best they can, but it’s just something that’s going to happen.” Rahm said.
The issue of gambling fans affecting golf outcomes is a complex one. On the one hand, fans have the right to bet on tournaments and cheer for their favourite players.
On the other hand, players have the right to compete in a fair and distraction-free environment.
It is up to the PGA Tour to find a way to balance these competing interests. The tour needs to do more to protect players from gambling fans, without infringing on the rights of fans to enjoy the game.
