Pro Golfer Matt Fitzpatrick on Rising Gambling-Related Fan Abuse

Matt Fitzpatrick has added his voice to the growing concern over gambling-related fan abuse in professional golf, aligning with Jordan Spieth‘s recent call for action. Speaking ahead of this week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Fitzpatrick described how easily fans can influence bets through verbal abuse during critical moments in a player’s game.

“It’s definitely becoming a problem, and the issue is, particularly in golf, it would be very easy to influence a bet, whether it’s you’re shouting on someone’s backswing, shouting on a putting stroke,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s really easy. Obviously, that is really hard to monitor, but it is definitely an issue.”

Fitzpatrick, who has already won three tournaments this season, revealed he has personally faced abuse linked to gambling. “I’ve had my fair share. I would say every golfer that’s played a professional tournament has had a message of abuse from someone that is related to gambling. You could see it this week.”

The R&A has introduced a new code of conduct for this year’s Open Championship, encouraging fans to respect players, the venue, and each other. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, emphasized the unique atmosphere of the event, built on mutual respect for players, the course, and traditions.

“The atmosphere at The Open is unlike any other major sporting event and one of the things that makes it so unique is built on a shared respect for the players, the course, fellow fans, and the traditions of the Championship,” Darbon said.

Fan Abuse at The Players Championship

Fitzpatrick’s concerns were heightened during The Players Championship, where he and Cameron Young competed fiercely. US fans openly supported Young and actively rooted against Fitzpatrick. Though Young won the tournament, Fitzpatrick later secured victory at the RBC Heritage, defeating Scottie Scheffler in a playoff.

Fitzpatrick, a favorite for this year’s Open Championship, acknowledged the fine line between enjoying a lively atmosphere and crossing into personal attacks. “When you’re getting personally attacked, it’s just ridiculous,” he said. “I’m all for an atmosphere. Obviously, I don’t want it to cross a line.”

Despite having a bet on England’s World Cup victory, Fitzpatrick stressed that individual players should not be held accountable for broader issues. “It’s difficult because I’ve had 20 quid on England to win the World Cup, but at the same time, if it doesn’t come in, I’m not going to send a message to Harry Kane and be like, ‘Why did you play rubbish?’ There’s obviously individuals that have that problem,” he explained.

Fitzpatrick praised events like the WM Phoenix Open and Ryder Cup for their energetic environments, which he believes can be positive when balanced correctly. “Playing away from home, succeeding in those atmospheres, there’s not a much better feeling,” he said.