A controversial livestreamer has been barred from attending PGA Tour events indefinitely after being trespassed from the Waste Management Phoenix Open, according to a person familiar with the matter, though the tour has declined to publicly confirm any specific disciplinary action.
Security and law enforcement removed Jack Doherty from the tournament grounds on Friday after he appeared to pay a spectator to shout during a player’s pre-shot routine, according to videos circulating online and accounts of the incident. Scottsdale police said officers responded around 4.30pm on Friday to assist PGA Tour staff and tournament security as Doherty was trespassed from the event.
Police said the trespass decision was made by PGA Tour officials and that officers were present to support security if Doherty refused to leave the property. Police did not issue a citation, written trespass notice or make an arrest. The PGA Tour stated: “The WM Phoenix Open is a bucket-list event with one of the most unique fan experiences in all of sport. The PGA Tour and the Thunderbirds are committed to protecting the integrity of the competition and providing an exceptional experience for all fans. Disruptive fan behavior will not be tolerated and anyone violating the Fan Code of Conduct is subject to immediate ejection.”
Doherty, a 22-year-old streamer known for filming confrontational public pranks, has amassed a large online following through high-energy stunt and reaction livestreams. He was removed from the tournament grounds after appearing to encourage a spectator to shout as Mackenzie Hughes attempted to play out of a bunker. Hughes later suggested the interruption had little impact, saying security responded quickly and that while such moments are unwelcome, crowd behaviour at the Phoenix Open has occasionally tested the boundaries of golf’s traditional etiquette.
Some outlets and social media posts later claimed Doherty had been issued a lifetime ban from PGA Tour events, but the tour has not publicly confirmed the scope or duration of any restriction. Footage circulating online appeared to show a tournament official informing Doherty that he would not be permitted to attend future PGA Tour events.
The episode underscores a broader challenge facing professional sports leagues as venues balance open fan access with an era in which spectators can instantly broadcast and monetise interactions from inside events. While fan filming has long been common, some leagues have begun reviewing policies around livestreaming, harassment and behaviour designed specifically to generate viral content.
