Matt Fitzpatrick has joined Jordan Spieth in sounding the alarm about gambling's grip on professional golf. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Fitzpatrick called gambling "definitely becoming a problem" for the sport. His remarks echo Spieth's comments from two weeks prior, when the three-time major winner urged the PGA Tour to address the issue head-on.
The convergence of these statements from two prominent tour professionals signals growing concern within golf's elite ranks about how betting is affecting the game. Spieth was direct in his call for action, saying the matter needs to be "tackled here soon" by tour leadership. Fitzpatrick's agreement adds weight to the narrative that this isn't an isolated worry but rather a systemic challenge the tour must confront.
Golf has historically maintained stricter gambling rules than many sports, but the landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of online betting, sports betting apps, and the general normalization of wagering across professional athletics. Unlike poker players or bettors operating in regulated environments, golfers face reputational and competitive risks when tied to gambling.
The PGA Tour has long prohibited players from betting on tour events and other professional golf competitions. However, enforcement and the temptations surrounding the sport remain contentious issues. Professional golfers earn substantial purses, travel constantly, and often have downtime between tournaments. That environment can create openings for problematic gambling behavior.
Both Spieth and Fitzpatrick represent the tour's next generation of leadership voices. Their public statements carry real weight with younger players and tour decision-makers. By naming the problem explicitly rather than dancing around it, they're pushing the conversation from whispered concern to boardroom agenda.
The PGA Tour hasn't issued a direct response to these recent comments, but the dual endorsement from major players suggests the issue will demand attention