Climate Protesters Disrupt PGA Tour Event
Incident Overview
At the Travelers Championship on Sunday, a group of six climate protesters disrupted the final round by storming the 18th green. The protesters delayed the game for about five minutes by waving smoke bombs and spraying powder, leaving white and red residue on the green. They wore T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “NO GOLF ON A DEAD PLANET.”
Players' Reactions
The incident startled the players, with Akshay Bhatia expressing his fear and gratitude for the police's swift action. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 player, commended the officers for their quick response and noted the stress the situation caused. Despite the interruption, Scheffler maintained his focus and secured his sixth victory of the year by winning a sudden-death playoff against Tom Kim. Kim mentioned that the protest momentarily diverted his attention from the game, providing a brief respite from the pressure.
Extinction Rebellion’s Involvement
Extinction Rebellion, an activist group known for high-profile disruptions, claimed responsibility for the protest. They linked the protest to climate change, citing an electrical storm near the course that injured two people. The group emphasized the urgent need for climate action, especially given golf's dependence on favorable weather conditions.
Official Responses
The PGA Tour issued a statement thanking the Cromwell Police Department for their prompt intervention and confirmed that the 18th green suffered no lasting damage. The police quickly tackled and removed the protesters, allowing the game to proceed.
Public and Player Reactions
Spectators reacted by heckling the protesters and cheering the police. The incident left noticeable marks on the green, which were promptly cleaned by workers before the playoff. Tom Kim expressed gratitude towards the PGA Tour and security for handling the situation effectively and ensuring the safety of the players.
Conclusion
The protest at the Travelers Championship highlighted the tension between climate activism and public events. While the disruption was quickly managed, it underscored the protesters' message about the urgent need for climate action and the impact of climate change on everyday activities.
