News
Bubba Watson snaps back at heckler during WGC-Match Play; Should the Tour do more to stop players receiving verbal abuse?
Bubba Watson isn’t enjoying the best of weeks at the WGC-Match Play in Austin, and on Thursday the two-time Masters champ was less than impressed with one golf fans attempt to heckle him.
The incident occurred on the par-4 third hole of Bubba Watson’s match against Billy Horschel. As the television audio picked up, per the Tweet embedded below, Watson’s caddie Ted Scott was the first to address the fan saying: “Hey buddy, just be quiet next time”, before Watson got more curt with the spectator.
Staring down the heckler, Watson says: “It’s funny how tough you were, then you looked away. … Everybody’s big behind the ropes and behind the computer.” Before the 40-year-old added “Look at him. He’s still trying to look cool.”
Bubba acting tough. LOL. Surprised he didn't cry a little. pic.twitter.com/b5clko7GgM
— DrinkSmokeGolf (@DrinkSmokeGolf) March 28, 2019
The incident comes off the back of a heckling controversy at the Players Championship earlier this month involving Ian Poulter. The Englishman was defiant at the time, posting this on social media in response to the abuse he received at TPC Sawgrass.
No bad comments or abuse from anyone can take away from the special time you get with your children.. It just makes you realize how special it really is to be a parent and in simple terms being a dad. I will never change. @THEPLAYERSChamp pic.twitter.com/1oiGaO39MU
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 19, 2019
Speaking after his opening match at this week’s WGC-Match Play, Poulter further elaborated on his thoughts concerning the abuse he received at the Players Championship, saying
“You obviously know there’s a problem if your playing partner doesn’t feel very comfortable or he apologized and said he’s embarrassed for the local support at TPC, and he apologized. So when it gets to that level that your playing partner has to apologize for fans, then obviously clearly there’s a few that stepped over the line.”
While Poulter also highlighted that the abuse he suffered was while his young family were in the crowd believing that “tt can be potentially damaging to them to hear that level of stuff,” and added that “it’s a shame it happens but unfortunately it does and hopefully we can stamp it out.”
GolfWRXers, does the Tour need to do more to stamp out hecklers on the course, or is a certain level of verbal jabbing now unavoidable and part and parcel of being a Tour pro?
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Tim
Apr 1, 2019 at 11:27 am
This is a growing trend in this country. People are becoming more and more rude. I think its started with people being rude behind the protection of their computer screens, but its now spread out to traffic on the highway and public sporting events like this.
I think the current political situation is driving it in a lot of ways. People have become inspired to be rude and petulant. That’s what has worked so well for the leader of the free world. This is going to make for a pretty crappy society to live in.
hellomcfly
Mar 31, 2019 at 10:28 pm
Now if they would only start throwing people out for yelling “Bababoooie” and “Get in the hole!”
Dave
Mar 31, 2019 at 8:49 am
The poor fan behavior puts a mark on the sport. This isn’t Da Raidas or pro wrastlin. They need a zero tolerance policy…
Johnny Penso
Mar 30, 2019 at 10:09 pm
No offense but taking away beer is a stupid suggestion. Why punish 50,000 people who are responsible with their drinking and behaviour in order to cure a handful of morons? Deal with the idiots, send a message, behaviour will change and the few malcontents will be dealt with. You’ll never eliminate them all but it’s not hard to get most.
Malcolm X
Mar 30, 2019 at 8:17 pm
It’s only an issue with the notorious jerks like Bubber, Serg, Poulter, and back in the day Norman
Allen Rawlins
Mar 30, 2019 at 9:33 am
The game of golf is about respect, integrity, character, and sportsmanship. These hecklers aren’t purist in these regards. Whether I like a player or not, when I have attended several tour events you always show respect to the person. I was at the BMW a few years ago in Carmel, IN and was at the green waiting for Tiger to hit up, and Ben Crane was on the green putting. As we all know he is slow!!!! He had a two foot putt left after his first attempt went by and he went through the same long pre shot routine. Many fans began yelling come on it’s a gimme, and others just started saying this guys a joke, and was loud enough for the players to hear. His wife and another tour wife was about five feet or so from me and she started crying wanting to know why people had to be so mean. With all that being said, zero tolerance policy should be enforced, and second they do have their girlfriends, wives, parents, and children sometimes following. This is a game of respect!!! Hecklers do not respect it.
George49
Mar 30, 2019 at 9:24 am
And one ponders why USA melts in the Ryder, toughen up butter cups. Heckle me all you want if I played pga tour for a living with endorsement deals. The tour is out of touch with the common golfer. It’s a declining sport yet the purses increase each year while
The spectator’s health insurance negates if any wage increase.
MikeyB
Mar 30, 2019 at 6:43 am
As soon as the PGA became accepting of the “Baba Booey!” “It’s in da’ hole!” and “Mashed Pa-tay-tahs!” idiots everything else was going to slowly creep into the mix. The falling down drunks, the booing beer can throwing fans at the Waste Management, etc.
Boorish behavior has become the norm at PGA events. If you had security placed near every tee, you can simply grab these morons and show them the parking lot. If it’s done ‘publicly’ then the PGA sends the message, you can have a few beverages and cheer for your guy, but don’t be a jerk about it.
CB
Mar 29, 2019 at 10:55 pm
What did the heckler say?
MalcolmX
Mar 30, 2019 at 8:19 pm
How did a jerk like you win 2 Masters … something like that
Jose Pinatas
Mar 31, 2019 at 1:57 pm
So the spectator was speaking the truth? How’s that heckling??
TK
Mar 29, 2019 at 5:19 pm
This is pro sports fellas..a paying patron can say whatever they want in between swings..go to an nfl, nhl, mlb game..chirping is off the charts..as long as you are respectful when they are actually in pre-swing – mid swing…the fields open when these guys are walking around..they talk to spectators all the time who’s to say or watch what is being said to them..Pro golfers are so sensitive like these pussy’s shouldn’t be treated any different from any other player in any other major sports league around the world.
Shallowface
Mar 29, 2019 at 3:05 pm
I’m afraid that the more attention it’s given, the more it’s going to happen. A zero tolerance policy needs to be enforced. I’d love to see alcohol sales completely eliminated at sporting events, but we all know that’s a revenue generator and will never happen.
cj
Mar 29, 2019 at 7:16 pm
Sadly, NO. College sports don’t have it and have not in quite a while. IMO sponsors putting up a huge purse make that back charging ludicrous $$$ for a beer. At a Cardinals game with AB right down the street a beer was $12. Go figure!
real recognize real
Mar 29, 2019 at 2:02 pm
both ways. Tour needs to put a effort to control this and players need to stop crying.
most of these players are from the sliver spoon vs the rest of sport pro’s are from the streets.
Craig Stanton
Mar 29, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Totally out of character and inconsistent with the game of golf, golf should be better and not lower to the base ape level of other sports.
b
Mar 29, 2019 at 1:05 pm
The Tour needs to react to the hecklers sooner, rather than later when it gets worse. When hecklers are noted on video the Tour needs to send authorities to that location and remove the hecklers. It should not be up to the tour players to point out the hecklers to security, but if that what it takes – so be it.
P Triple
Mar 29, 2019 at 11:50 am
How about the tour guys toughen up and stop being cry babies? I can understand preventing the crowd from talking during a player’s swing but the rest is a minor level of heckling compared with what other professional athletes endure. At the end of the day, “sticks & stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”.
Jeff
Mar 29, 2019 at 12:43 pm
How about rude loudmouths like you just stay in the bar or better yet take a class on etiquette.
DJ
Mar 29, 2019 at 12:58 pm
how about if you don’t have anything nice to say, stfu
DM
Mar 29, 2019 at 10:28 pm
+1
I volunteered at the Players and the crowd on Saturday was large, loud and as the alcohol sales escalated so did the rude and obnoxious behavior. its really too bad the alcohol sales take the enjoyment out for some. Ban it totally. There were thousands of young kids there to see their heroes and drunk obnoxious fans sure do not set good examples. Too bad the events aren’t like Augusta..They dont give a flip about PC.
Pepe Llmanos
Mar 30, 2019 at 6:25 pm
Hypocrisy.. I heard there gonna stone ya in America for that going forward..
Ray Gene Wood
Mar 29, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Maybe I come to your janitorial job and heckle you and see how you like that.
Pepe Llmanos
Mar 30, 2019 at 6:26 pm
More Hypocrisy… I stone you.
gdb99
Mar 29, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Except when a played breaks a rib. Isn’t that what happened to John Daley? Tried stopping his swing while being heckled?
S
Mar 29, 2019 at 11:21 am
The Tour should
Stop selling alcohol.
Stop associating with alcohol companies.
Stop advertising alcohol at events.
T
Mar 29, 2019 at 11:06 am
There just needs to be a zero tolerance policy for situations like that. The tour needs to take notes on how AGNGC handles their event.
dat
Mar 29, 2019 at 10:08 am
It is all alcohol related. I’ve seen people falling down drunk at these events, no better than an NFL game. Kick them out.
Allen Wilson
Mar 29, 2019 at 9:53 am
Quit selling beer at events and most of the over the top heckling will go away….but nobody wants to give up the revenue.
Yup
Mar 29, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Spot on here!!!! Its all about the $$$$$ to the event sponsors and PGA Tour!
forgedforever
Mar 29, 2019 at 9:25 am
The Tour needs to start tossing people, simple as that. Identify and toss. Word will get around. Never, ever, take the attitude that so-called “verbal jabbing” is the new norm or it will get further out of control.