Jordan Spieth Blames 39-State Betting Boom for Rowdy Golf Crowds, Urges Action
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 30
Jordan Spieth Blames 39-State Betting Boom for Rowdy Golf Crowds, Urges Action
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 30
Summary
Spieth said golf needs to tackle sports betting soon, arguing legalized wagering has become a major driver of abusive fan behavior at tournaments.
He pointed to Wyndham Clark's treatment at the U.S. Open and said golf is unusually vulnerable because spectators can directly affect a shot and potentially the outcome.
Spieth said fan vitriol is not new, but estimated most of it now stems from betting over the last five years as gambling has spread rapidly.
Sports betting has been legalized in 39 states since 2018, with 32 allowing online wagers, widening the pool of fans who can bet on players during events.
The comments add to scrutiny of golf crowds after jeers at Shinnecock Hills and earlier controversy over fan behavior on Long Island during the Ryder Cup.