Live streamer disrupts WM Phoenix Open

Who is Jack Doherty? Jack Doherty is a 22-year-old content creator and live streamer with millions of followers across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and other social media. He’s known for provocative, confrontational pranks and stunts designed to generate reactions and boost engagement on his streams. What Happened at the Phoenix Open? During the third round of the tournament, Doherty was broadcasting live from the event grounds at TPC Scottsdale. He offered a spectator $100 to shout an obscenity (“jackass”) at professional golfer Mackenzie Hughes as Hughes was preparing to hit his shot, specifically during his backswing. The spectator accepted and yelled at that moment, which normally is strictly prohibited because golf etiquette and the WM Phoenix Open Fan Code of Conduct require fans to not disrupt players during their shots Swift Response by Officials Tournament security and Scottsdale police responded immediately once the disruption occurred. They identified and escorted both Doherty and the spectator off the course for trespassing. A PGA Tour official informed Doherty that he would be banned from attending future PGA Tour events “for the foreseeable future.” Some reports describe this as effectively a lifetime ban from all tour events unless the decision is reviewed. The PGA Tour reiterated that disruptive fan behavior won’t be tolerated and that anyone violating the fan conduct rules is subject to immediate ejection. Doherty’s Reaction After the incident, Doherty posted his own response online defending his actions, calling it a “harmless prank” and dismissing critics as “soft.” His defiant stance drew significant backlash from the golf community and fans, who argued that his stunt was disrespectful to both the players and the sport. Player Reaction Mackenzie Hughes, the targeted golfer, later said that he “didn’t lose much sleep over it” and that his security and caddie handled the situation quickly, minimizing any impact on his play. Other players and commentators, including PGA Tour pro Michael Kim, publicly criticized Doherty’s behavior and his dismissive online responses to the backlash. Why It Matters This incident highlights a broader debate in sports today: How should leagues balance fan engagement and the rise of social media spectacle with respect for athletes and the integrity of competition? The Phoenix Open’s famously lively atmosphere already blurs lines compared with typical golf etiquette, but encouraging disruptions for internet views crossed a line that the PGA Tour made clear it would not tolerate. My Take I believe golf is a sport that brings all types of people together and, at a social level, is meant to be fun, relaxing, and enjoyable. That being said, this situation took place at a professional event where players were competing for their livelihoods and working for a paycheck. Because of that, the actions of both the fan and Jack Doherty were completely disrespectful and crossed a line. His response after the incident showed a clear lack of respect for the sport, its traditions, and the players themselves, which is why I believe a lifetime ban is a fair and appropriate punishment. Although his behavior put a negative image on streamers and YouTubers, it’s important not to judge an entire group based on the actions of one childish and immature individual. Golf has grown significantly over the last five years, becoming more popular, inclusive, and entertaining, and I would hate to see that progress slowed or reversed because of an incident like this.