Matt Fitzpatrick has voiced concerns that gamblers may attempt to influence golf tournament outcomes by heckling players, particularly during crucial moments like backswings or putting strokes. The English golfer, a favorite at The Open, believes this is an emerging problem that could be difficult to monitor within the sport.
Fitzpatrick highlighted the potential for abuse directed at players, noting that many professional golfers receive messages from individuals who have lost bets. He suggested that searching a player's name online who might be underperforming or favored to do well could reveal a pattern of such abuse.
"It's really easy. Obviously that is hard to monitor, but it is definitely an issue," Fitzpatrick stated. He acknowledged receiving such messages himself and believes it is a sentiment shared by most professional golfers who have competed in tournaments.
The golfer drew a parallel to other sports, mentioning how footballers and tennis players also face abuse related to gambling outcomes. He contrasted responsible betting with the behavior of those who send abusive messages when their bets do not pay off.
Fitzpatrick's comments come at a time when golf organizers are reportedly trying to address unruly spectator behavior, referencing incidents at recent events like the Ryder Cup and the U.S. Open. He fears that the gambling industry could exacerbate these issues by encouraging disruptive actions from spectators aiming to affect player performance and, consequently, betting results.