Matt Fitzpatrick Joins Jordan Spieth in Warning: Golf Gambling Abuse Reaches Crisis Point

Matt Fitzpatrick has echoed Jordan Spieth‘s recent warnings about the growing problem of gambling-related abuse in professional golf, calling it a serious issue that needs urgent attention. Speaking ahead of this week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the English golfer highlighted how easily fans can influence bets, even through verbal abuse during critical moments like a player’s backswing or putting stroke.

“It’s definitely becoming a problem, and the issue is, particularly in golf, it would be very easy to influence a bet, whether it’s you’re shouting on someone’s backswing, shouting on a putting stroke,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s really easy. Obviously, that is really hard to monitor, but it is definitely an issue.”

Fitzpatrick, who has already secured three victories this season, revealed he has personally experienced abuse linked to gambling. “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,” he admitted. “You could see it this week.”

The R&A has introduced a new code of conduct ahead of this year’s Open Championship, urging fans to respect players, the venue, and each other. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, emphasized the unique atmosphere of the event, built on shared respect for players, the course, and traditions.

“The atmosphere at The Open is unlike any other major sporting event and one of the things that makes it so unique is built on a shared respect for the players, the course, fellow fans, and the traditions of the Championship,” Darbon said.

Fan Abuse at The Players Championship

Fitzpatrick’s frustration stems from his recent experiences, including during The Players Championship, where he and Cameron Young battled down the stretch. US fans openly rooted against Fitzpatrick, creating a hostile environment. Though Young ultimately won, Fitzpatrick later claimed victory at the RBC Heritage, where he defeated Scottie Scheffler in a playoff.

Fitzpatrick, a favorite for this year’s Open Championship, also reflected on the tension between enjoying a lively atmosphere and crossing the line into personal attacks. “When you’re getting personally attacked, it’s just ridiculous,” he said. “I’m all for an atmosphere. Obviously, I don’t want it to cross a line.”

Despite his personal stake in England’s World Cup campaign—he has a bet on their victory—Fitzpatrick stressed that individual players should not be blamed for broader issues. “It’s difficult because I’ve had 20 quid on England to win the World Cup, but at the same time, if it doesn’t come in, I’m not going to send a message to Harry Kane and be like, ‘Why did you play rubbish?’ There’s obviously individuals that have that problem,” he explained.

Fitzpatrick praised events like the WM Phoenix Open and Ryder Cup for their vibrant atmospheres, which he believes can be positive when balanced correctly. “Playing away from home, succeeding in those atmospheres, there’s not a much better feeling,” he said.