Livestreamer Banned from PGA Tour Events After Phoenix Open Disruption

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The PGA Tour has indefinitely banned controversial livestreamer Jack Doherty from attending its events following a disruption at the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Friday, February 7, 2026. The 22-year-old Doherty, known for his confrontational public pranks and substantial online following, was removed from TPC Scottsdale after allegedly offering a spectator money to interfere with a player’s swing.

According to multiple reports and videos circulating online, Doherty offered a spectator $100 to shout during Mackenzie Hughes’ backswing as the Canadian prepared to hit a shot from a bunker. Security personnel swiftly intervened, escorting both Doherty and the spectator from the course. A PGA Tour official subsequently informed Doherty that he was being trespassed from the remainder of the tournament and banned indefinitely from all future PGA Tour events, warning him that returning would result in arrest.

While the PGA Tour has not publicly confirmed the specific duration of the ban, several outlets have reported it as a lifetime ban. Doherty, who boasts nearly 30 million subscribers across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Kick, has built a following by livestreaming high-energy stunts and reactions, often designed to provoke responses and generate viral content. His previous stunts, documented online, include incidents such as “I crashed into a cop car” and “I got banned from Disney.”

Hughes, the player whose shot was disrupted, downplayed the incident, stating that security responded quickly and that while unwelcome, such occurrences are not entirely uncommon at the Phoenix Open, an event renowned for its boisterous and often unruly atmosphere. The Waste Management Phoenix Open, consistently the best-attended tournament on the PGA Tour, is particularly known for the raucous environment surrounding the 16th hole, often described as resembling a football stadium more than a golf course.

The incident highlights a growing challenge for professional sports leagues as they navigate the intersection of open fan access and the proliferation of livestreaming and social media. The ability for spectators to instantly broadcast and monetize interactions from within events presents new complexities in maintaining the integrity of competition and ensuring a positive experience for all involved. Leagues are increasingly reviewing policies regarding livestreaming, harassment, and behavior specifically intended to generate viral content.

“The WM Phoenix Open is a bucket-list event with one of the most unique fan experiences in all of sport,” a PGA Tour spokesperson said in a statement. “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.”

The situation echoes similar incidents in other professional sports. The Guardian noted a recent trend in the WNBA, where sex toys were thrown onto the court during games, prompting discussions about fan behavior and security measures. These events underscore a broader cultural shift where the lines between enthusiastic support and disruptive interference are becoming increasingly blurred, fueled by social media trends and the pursuit of viral moments.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open’s general manager declined to provide further comment beyond the PGA Tour’s official statement. The Scottsdale Police Department confirmed they were reviewing a request for information regarding the incident but did not offer additional details as of Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Doherty’s ban comes after the PGA Tour recently suspended golfer Wesley Bryan for participating in a LIV Golf creator event, demonstrating the tour’s commitment to enforcing its rules and protecting its brand. The swift action taken against Doherty signals a clear message that disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, even at events known for their lively and unconventional atmosphere. The incident raises questions about the future of fan engagement and the challenges leagues face in balancing accessibility with maintaining control over the event experience.