During the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, Mackenzie Hughes and Hideki Matsuyama both faced disruptive fan behavior that affected their performances. The incidents unfolded amidst high tension as both golfers aimed for strong finishes in the tournament held in Phoenix.
Hideki Matsuyama was competing for the title and entered a playoff against Chris Gotterup when a fan shouted just before Matsuyama could take a crucial putt, causing him to step back momentarily. This interruption drew widespread attention and sparked debate about fan conduct at the event.
Matsuyama’s Playoff Interrupted by Loud Fan
Matsuyama had posted rounds of 68, 64, 68, and 68 during the tournament, positioning himself as a top contender. In the playoff hole, a fan’s early shout of “Get in the hole!” disrupted Matsuyama’s focus, as captured in a video shared by Nuclr Golf on social media.
“🗣️ “Get in the hole!” 😡 Hideki Matsuyama faced an early shout from a fan on his putt to try and win The Waste Management Phoenix Open, prompting him to back off. What should the penalty be for this?”
Despite the interruption, Matsuyama managed a par, but ultimately lost as Chris Gotterup secured victory with a birdie. Speaking after the event, Matsuyama expressed his frustration but acknowledged the effort he put into the weekend.
“Was grinding all weekend,” he said. “Didn’t have my best stuff, but hung in there. I wanted to avoid the playoff as much as I could, but I just hit a bad tee shot there in regulation at 18 and Chris made a good putt there in the playoff. So hats off to him.”
Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler finished tied for third place, rounding out a competitive leaderboard.
Streamer Jack Doherty Expelled for Provoking Fans
The tournament also saw controversy involving streamer Jake Doherty, who became notable during the third round for encouraging a fan to shout an offensive phrase as Mackenzie Hughes prepared for a shot. Doherty had offered the fan $100 to yell “Jacka**” during Hughes’ backswing, disrupting play and drawing immediate criticism.
Shortly after the incident, security removed Doherty from the grounds, and he was subsequently banned from future PGA Tour events. He responded to the action with a video statement posted on social media, questioning the sensitivity of present-day audiences.
“I don’t think you all could have possibly been soft these days,” Doherty said. “What has this world come to? Everybody is so soft, and you’re saying yelling ‘jacka**’ on a golfer’s backswing is the worst thing you can do. You guys act like I murd*r*d someone. Like, grow up—you guys are the softest generation ever.”
Mackenzie Hughes’ Steady Performance Amid Distractions
Mackenzie Hughes managed a consistent performance throughout the event despite the disturbances from Doherty’s stunt. He recorded rounds of 68, 69, 69, and 71, finishing at 7-under and tied for 28th place. His steadiness contrasted with the chaotic fan incidents that made headlines.
Effects of Fan Behavior on Tournament Atmosphere
These fan disruptions highlight ongoing challenges for PGA Tour players dealing with increasingly disruptive crowds, especially during high-pressure moments. Matsuyama’s interrupted playoff and Hughes’ troubles with audience antics underscore how fan conduct can sway the flow and focus of critical tournament stages.
The incidents have sparked discussions about potential rule changes or penalties related to fan interference during play, as the tour seeks to protect the integrity of competition while maintaining a vibrant atmosphere for spectators.
🗣️ “Get in the hole!” 😡
Hideki Matsuyama faced an early shout from a fan on his putt to try and win The Waste Management Phoenix Open, prompting him to back off.
What should the penalty be for this?
pic.twitter.com/9XQ2ip0KkM— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) February 9, 2026
All you guys are soft asf😂 pic.twitter.com/yuhjC0y8dW
— Jack Doherty (@dohertyjackk) February 7, 2026
