I totally disagree. The fan makes the sport. Look at basketball where you have to concentrate on ball handling, read the defense and score at the same time all that the same time while fan are screaming in the ears. NBA dont control fan. Fan controls the game and it grows the game. Its the new generation. Suits and formal were time of past. The golf is evolving and we need to change our mentality and thought process. Look at Waste Management, its the most attended event other then major. There is on one control, keep quiet during the player swing. Other then all is far in love and war.

I agree with Mr. Irwin that the crowd went too far. It all comes down to the Golden Rule, would you want some crowd treating you that way (I don't think so). Alcohol loosens peoples tongues and actions too far and the example of tennis' Monica Seles is appropriate, as spectators are even closer in golf. I won't even get into certain politicians cheating at golf, that's a topic for another day.

Look at the alternatives take the fans away what are you left with. 4 boring dudes playing exceptional golf. Fans are the barometer of how well your sports going, usa the land of the free but dont enjoy your golf please atmosphere adds so much more to an event if the fans are roaring. 99% are respectful and every professional golfer would never want to restrict a gallery from getting involved in a tournament. It lifts some players and distracts other except it like the rough on the fairway its just another element that can make a shot a bit tougher. Learn to play in the rough makes you a better golfer, so learn to play in a boisterous crowd and embrace it.

I would think that any person yelling anything at any player during their swing should be ejected from the venue. if you are so uncouth or inebriated that you can't control yourself you should not be able to influence any players ability to do their days work, or any other fan from enjoying their day at the tournament.

I am all for maintaining the dignity/decorum traditionally expected in golf. There is no place for the rowdy/inappropriate behavior that is becoming more & more prevalent these days. Enough already!!

I really appreciate this opportunity that "Golf Advisor" has given us to express our opinion about a game that is near and dear - so thanks G.A.! The fans are not bad people, but to assume that they are educated in the rules of golf and "etiquette" is faulty thinking. Golf is on TV every weekend - use this as a time and place to educate the fans and to grow the game in the right way. Instead of talking all the time about how far the ball was driven, or how much this player made last year, or the number of FED-EX points they have, or the constant droning on about Tiger Woods - maybe some basic info on the history of the game, how it developed, and how and why the etiquette of the game is second to none. Maybe this is the place to start, instead of beating up on the people who simply don't know any better??

God help us if golf fans and the game in general hopes to become like other sports. Respect to Jason Scott Deegan, but do we want a game where the players act like foolish children when they cross the goal line, protest the most minor foul call, and do anything but EARN their outlandish salaries?

Golf was designed to be played in an atmosphere of fairness and sportsmanship. Even this admirable concept is now threatened. If it takes discipline and policing, so be it. Let us not lose the greatest game to slovenly behavior. And, let's not forget the lessons of role model examples for our young people.

The constant yelling “ in the hole” is a huge irritation, especially when the hole is 400 yds. away.

It was over the top. Do those sad people think its that important that they become the center of attention and act like fools just to be seen on TV?
They should lose their rights to have the Ryder cup. The world will be watching and they will tarnish our country. Its only a matter of time before some fool will yell during someone's backdating.

Absolutely
Too much booze....A very boorish bunch.....golf is not soccer!