Matt Fitzpatrick believes sports betting is having a growing impact on how some fans behave at golf tournaments. Ahead of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the former U.S. Open champion said many professional golfers now receive abusive messages from people who lose bets on tournaments.
His comments come after several recent incidents involving poor fan behavior at major golf events. Players have faced heckling on the course and abuse on social media, leading golf officials to take a closer look at how spectators interact with players. Fitzpatrick said the problem is no longer limited to one tournament or one sport.
The Englishman knows what it feels like to be on the receiving end. He was part of the European Ryder Cup team that faced hostile crowds at Bethpage Black last year, and he was also booed by sections of the crowd during THE PLAYERS Championship earlier this season. Those experiences gave extra weight to his views before The Open Championship.
Fitzpatrick Says Abuse Has Become A Problem
Speaking before the championship, Fitzpatrick said gambling-related abuse has become a regular part of life for many professional athletes.
“Yeah, it’s a great question because you just look at all the messages people get — footballers, tennis players, you name it, everyone’s getting messages of, oh, you missed that penalty; you cost me this. Oh, you didn’t make a birdie; cost me this,” he said. “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. For me, it’s definitely becoming a problem… it is definitely an issue.”
Matt Fitzpatrick thinks gambling is “definitely an issue” that’s affecting how fans behave at golf tournaments:
“Yeah, it’s a great question because you just look at all the messages people get — footballers, tennis players, you name it, everyone’s getting messages of, oh, you… https://t.co/8dQoBeLCDH pic.twitter.com/atav8VF3Xm
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) July 13, 2026
Fitzpatrick added that a quick search on social media often shows players being targeted with negative comments after a poor round or disappointing finish. While he understands that fans enjoy following sports closely, he believes some people take things too far when money is involved.
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Fitzpatrick admitted he has occasionally placed a small bet with friends during major football tournaments like the World Cup or the UEFA European Championship. However, he said losing a bet has never made him think about attacking an athlete online. He believes the issue comes from a small group of people who cannot separate the result of a wager from the person competing.
The R&A Responds Ahead of The Open
Fitzpatrick also warned that golf presents a unique challenge because spectators stand so close to the players. He said someone shouting during a backswing or while a player is putting could easily affect the outcome of a shot, making the sport especially vulnerable to disruptive behavior.
His comments follow similar concerns raised after Wyndham Clark faced abuse from spectators during last month’s U.S. Open. Some players suggested that betting may have encouraged a small number of fans to interfere with play.
With more than 300,000 spectators expected at Royal Birkdale this week, the R&A has introduced a new fan code of conduct called “The Open Commitment.” The initiative asks spectators to respect the players, respect the course, respect one another, stay aware of their surroundings, and enjoy the event responsibly.
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The governing body has also warned that anyone who repeatedly breaks the code or behaves in a disruptive manner can be removed from the course without a refund. Organizers hope the new measures will protect players while preserving the respectful atmosphere that has long been associated with The Open Championship.
Main Photo Credit: © Andrew Clark/ZUMA Press Wire
