Professional golfer Keegan Bradley has observed a shift in the type of spectators attending golf tournaments, suggesting that the sport is attracting a broader audience beyond traditional golf enthusiasts. Bradley's comments come in the wake of the U.S. Open, where golfer Wyndham Clark faced disruptive behavior from some fans.
Speaking ahead of the Travelers Championship, where he was set to defend his title, Bradley described the phenomenon as "a different group of people coming to these tournaments." He elaborated that golf is expanding its reach, drawing in general sports fans who may express their enthusiasm in ways more akin to how fans support teams like the New York Knicks or Giants.
Bradley's remarks were a direct response to the treatment Clark endured during the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Reports indicated that several spectators were removed from the event for yelling taunts, such as "don't choke Wyndham" and "get in the bunker," at Clark as he vied for the lead. Bradley expressed surprise at the behavior, noting that Clark is an American player competing in the U.S. Open, although he acknowledged that Scottie Scheffler, also in contention for a Grand Slam on his birthday, is a highly popular figure.
Scheffler, who played alongside Clark in the final group, commented on the intensity of the situation, remarking that "being in the arena is not for everybody." Clark ultimately secured his second U.S. Open title, holding off Sam Burns despite his initial six-shot lead shrinking to one on Sunday.
Clark himself addressed the crowd's reaction during the trophy ceremony, acknowledging that "New York didn’t really like me." He attributed some of the negative reception to "self-inflicted" actions from an incident last year at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. Following a missed cut, Clark reportedly damaged the locker room, an event for which he has since apologized multiple times. He has since been reinstated to the club after rectifying the damage, making a charitable contribution, completing anger management, and offering public apologies.