Justin Thomas’s open letter to the PGA Tour players has stirred the pot of opinions in the golf community. JT has advocated for increased interaction between players and fans. A hot topic that has sparked debates, but viewers are not too eager to pick Justin Thomas‘s call for increased transparency and fan interaction.

While some players and fans praise the idea of mic’d-up rounds and mid-round interviews as a fresh approach to engage younger audiences, others worry it could disrupt focus and alter the game’s traditional atmosphere. Moreover, the golfer’s statements, about golfers being mic’d up, from the past create a dramatic soup of contradictions. Let’s try finding the middle ground, if there is one.

Is it really about the fan engagement?

A lot unravels after putting this letter situation under the microscope. Enter the 2018 PGA Tour for a second.  Fans were split after Justin Thomas kicked out a spectator for verbally disturbing his swing. The incident unfolded at Honda Classic’s 16th hole when the fan dropped a few bad notes. “He said something like — he was like, ‘I hope you hit it in the water, hit it in the water,’ something like that,” Thomas explained at his post-round presser. At this point, the professional signaled for an immediate ejection, adding “So, he got to leave a couple holes early.” There has been a steady argument over how such reactions might create tension between players and fans, even if the comments are mild when compared to other fan behaviors across sports.

The absurdity of kicking a fan out for a minor disruption of one minute, and then asking for more fan interaction the next is like inviting people to a party while simultaneously telling everyone to keep it down. Fans believe there is more to Thomas’s advocacy regarding the situation than just heightening the sport’s entertainment value. Could this be the mounting pressure from LIV golf to embrace a more immersive, behind-the-scenes approach? Overall, the swaying comments of fans are quick to question his fan-whisperer abilities, but maybe, just maybe the PGA Tour needs a serious revamp.

Overcoming the PGA blues: A survival kit

While we are tuning into new-age golf tournaments like LIV Golf and TGL, PGA has to respect its legacy in doing the same. Here, fan engagement could be a perfect bridge! Not completely playing the devil’s advocate, post-matchplay, fan-based interviews can offer new insights from less-refined questions. A fresh spin! Next, following a basic code of conduct for a game of patience is a must. Throwing back to the fan incident of the 2018 PGA Tour, would that be tolerated during a Chess event? Or would fans question legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in similar spots? These could be rhetorical questions. Fan engagement must remain healthy, it is a gentleman’s game after all, no defending, no attack.

Speaking of respect and etiquette, fans are calling out to lower ticket prices or offer discounts to welcome more diverse audiences. Everyone can benefit from a little boosted viewership. This is a win-win-win! The list could go on but it wouldn’t be fair to miss out on the most agreed-on point- microphones. They add a layer of authenticity to golf. Encouraging players to use microphones can help us know our favorites better and understand their gameplay, making it a more immersive experience.

However, you might be thinking about Justin Thomas’ disagreement on the idea four years ago saying “I would not wear a mic, no, that’s not me,” during his pre-tournament press conference at the Charles Schwab Challenge. Talk about mixed feelings! But do you think PGA should take this opportunity to revamp its viewership model? Let us know below!