PGA TOUR in Jeopardy of Losing European Players

The PGA TOUR has always been an inclusive sports organizations, with players coming from all around the world to play for the season.  This could be changing, however, as many European players are considering abandoning the PGA.

There have been many complaints about the raucous crowds on the PGA TOUR lately, especially directed toward European players.  And since the PGA TOUR is largely played on United States soil, some European players do not expect the heckling of them to get any better.

The excessive heckling by fans was first noted during the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National last year, with many players taking the position that the European Tour was more friendly.  The brother of European player Danny Willet even went as far to write an article that described the poor behavior of fans in the United States.

The heckling has continued into this season, as Sergio Garcia chronicled his experience at Honda Classic last week.  “Imagine if you’re trying to write an article and somebody’s shouting things that aren’t very nice in your ears?”  Garcia said.  “The Honda Classic is a great tournament.  I love the tournament, and I love the golf course…Unfortunately, this happens a lot of weeks now in the United States.  You have to deal with it the best way possible.”

Europeans are not the only ones to notice how poorly fans have been treating players either.  American Billy Horschel stated after playing at TPC Scottsdale that, “‘This isn’t Scottsdale, “This is ridiculous,” in reference to the behavior of the fans during the weekend.

While the PGA TOUR still has nothing to worry about in regards to losing golfers, if this heckling continues, European players may decide that it isn’t worth it to continue competing under these conditions and defect to the European Tour.

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