During the second round of the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on Friday, streamer Jack Doherty sparked a controversy by paying a spectator $100 to shout during professional golfer Mackenzie Hughes’ backswing. This action violated PGA Tour rules that strictly prohibit distractions during play. As a result, Doherty received a lifetime ban from PGA Tour events, igniting a debate among golf fans and players about sportsmanship and respect for the game. The situation escalated after Doherty dismissed criticism by calling golf fans “soft,” drawing strong reactions from the golfing community, including tour winner Michael Kim.
Michael Kim Challenges Streamer’s Disrespectful Comments
Following Doherty’s social media remark labeling golf fans as “soft,” Michael Kim, ranked 43rd in the world and competing at the Phoenix Open, publicly confronted the streamer for his disrespectful attitude. Kim emphasized the importance of respecting players doing their jobs and criticized Doherty for behaving like a “crybaby” after facing repercussions for his actions.
Lol “soft”hey Jack, just have a little bit of respect for guys trying to do their jobs. You’re the one that sounds soft for talking like a crybaby after getting kicked out of a golf tournament.— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) February 7, 2026
Kim’s reply highlights the broader frustration within the professional golf community toward individuals who undermine the integrity of tournaments by deliberately distracting players. His response underscores a call for accountability and respect towards athletes competing at the highest level.
Mackenzie Hughes Addresses Distraction Incident and Its Impact
Mackenzie Hughes spoke about the episode, explaining that the shout occurred during his pre-swing “waggle,” which minimized any real disruption to his performance. Hughes described the situation as a minor annoyance rather than a personal attack, noting that he quickly regained focus with the help of his caddie and tournament security staff who promptly removed the disruptive fan.
Talked to Mackenzie Hughes about the Kick streamer Jack Doherty paying a fan $100 to yell in his backswing at the WM Phoenix Open. @TheAthletic Mackenzie said the incident happened during his pre-swing “waggle,” thankfully, which helped prevent it from having any real effect on…— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) February 7, 2026
Hughes further explained to The Athletic:
“It happens at this tournament sometimes. Yeah, I saw the video. Honestly, I didn’t lose much sleep over it. My caddie and the security staff were all pretty prompt to kick whoever it was out… I feel like I wasn’t really much of the story.”
He added,
I just happened to be the guy that was there… I’m not really much of a social media guy, so I had no idea who it was.
Despite the disruption, Hughes’ composed response helped de-escalate the situation, but the incident still raised questions about the atmosphere at certain golf events and the limits of fan behavior.
Broader Implications for PGA Tour and Fan Conduct
The lifetime ban imposed on Jack Doherty by the PGA Tour signals a strict stance against disruptive antics that compromise the professionalism and concentration required in competitive golf. This episode has sparked discussions about enforcing decorum at tournaments to protect players from intentional interruptions. The confrontation between Kim and Doherty illustrates the tension between maintaining respect for the sport and the challenges posed by some social media personalities trying to leverage controversy for attention.
Moving forward, the PGA Tour is likely to reinforce disciplinary measures to ensure a respectful environment for players, while fans and participants alike gauge the boundaries of acceptable conduct during major events. The incident could serve as a precedent, clarifying that undermining the game’s integrity will face serious consequences, which is crucial to preserving the spirit of professional golf.
Lol “soft”
hey Jack, just have a little bit of respect for guys trying to do their jobs. You’re the one that sounds soft for talking like a crybaby after getting kicked out of a golf tournament.
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) February 7, 2026
Talked to Mackenzie Hughes about the Kick streamer Jack Doherty paying a fan $100 to yell in his backswing at the WM Phoenix Open. @TheAthletic
Mackenzie said the incident happened during his pre-swing "waggle," thankfully, which helped prevent it from having any real effect on…
— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) February 7, 2026
