Jordan Spieth believes that sports fans should revert to traditional forms of support at events. Before the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Illinois, Spieth addressed concerns about increasingly rowdy golf crowds, referencing Wyndham Clark’s experience at the U.S. Open. Spieth speculated that gambling might play a significant role in this trend.
“I do think that betting in golf is something that’s going to have to be tackled here soon,” Spieth commented.
Spieth explained that golf betting invites unique challenges. Fans in a legalized betting state might aggressively support or oppose players based on their wagers. This situation can potentially impact the game directly, a dynamic not found in other sports.
The discussion arose from incidents in which fans displayed unruly behavior at recent events. Spieth noted that this isn’t an entirely new trend, but emphasized the escalation of such conduct due to betting. He acknowledged that much of this phenomenon has developed over the past five years.
Spieth previously had a relationship with FanDuel as an ambassador. Nonetheless, he remains concerned about the implications of sports betting on fan behavior. He cited Wyndham Clark’s experience, where fans exhibited hostility just 60 miles from Bethpage Black, a location noted for similar controversies.
Since the legalization of sports betting in 2018, 39 states have embraced the practice. Among those, 32 states permit online wagering, including Illinois.