THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR
THE ATLANTIC ZONE OF THE CPGA
Many Thanks to our:
Opinion - with Boyd Lockhart The unruly fan
In
the past, I have been critical of the lack of respect shown for the game by a
number of fans attending PGA events. Recently, certain players have been singled
out and heckled, sometimes prompting the player to respond. Once this happens,
that player becomes a favorite target. Should this conduct be allowed to
continue there will be trouble down the road. Having said this, we have to
remember that the vast majority of golf fans behave themselves. They understand
the game, respect the integrity of the sport and thoroughly enjoy their
experience attending tournaments. But, with the great number of fans in
attendance, we must realize that not all will be blessed with good manners. And
with the great excitement, generated by these top professional competitors,
combined with mood altering refreshments, available at every turn, it should not
be a surprising that unruly conduct will happen from time to time.
The tournament organizers and the players must take the lead and prevent
disorderly behavior from getting out of hand. When a fan or fans begin to taunt
or mock a player, the player must refrain from becoming confrontational.
Security at these events is very evident, so immediately following a verbal
attack on a player, the offending fan or fans should be discreetly escorted
away.
Educating the golfing masses in the courtesies of the sport would, perhaps, be
asking too much, but improving security and demanding that the media be more
discreet in its reporting, would certainly be a help.
- Boyd Lockhart is a Life
Member
of the Canadian PGA
In
the past, I have been critical of the lack of respect shown for the game by a
number of fans attending PGA events. Recently, certain players have been singled
out and heckled, sometimes prompting the player to respond. Once this happens,
that player becomes a favorite target. Should this conduct be allowed to
continue there will be trouble down the road. Having said this, we have to
remember that the vast majority of golf fans behave themselves. They understand
the game, respect the integrity of the sport and thoroughly enjoy their
experience attending tournaments. But, with the great number of fans in
attendance, we must realize that not all will be blessed with good manners. And
with the great excitement, generated by these top professional competitors,
combined with mood altering refreshments, available at every turn, it should not
be a surprising that unruly conduct will happen from time to time.