The PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship, a highly anticipated event in the golfing world, was recently subjected to an unexpected interruption. Six climate change protestors stormed the final hole, leaving their mark on the green with red and white powder. This disturbance delayed the final round by approximately five minutes, proving that even the world of sports is not immune to the global climate crisis.
The players impacted by this sudden and dramatic protest were Akshay Bhatia, Tom Kim, and Scottie Scheffler. Among the protestors, one was spotted wearing a T-shirt that read, “NO GOLF ON A DEAD PLANET”, a stark reminder of the environmental issues we collectively face.
In response to the interruption, police intervention was required to remove the protestors from the grounds. This allowed the tournament to continue and ultimately led to a sudden-death playoff between Scheffler and Kim. Following the protest, the green had to be cleaned and the hole location was relocated for the playoff, which Scheffler succeeded in winning.
The protestors not only used powder markings but also wielded smoke bombs, leaving residue on the putting surface during the Travelers Championship. Despite the intrusion, the Cromwell Police Department received commendation from the PGA Tour for their swift and effective response, preventing any damage to the 18th green that could have significantly affected the conclusion of the game.
The protest was claimed by Extinction Rebellion, a global activist group, known for its dramatic demonstrations. The group cited climate change as the direct cause of extreme weather conditions impacting golf events and other sporting activities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that the impacts of climate change are far-reaching, infiltrating all aspects of life, including sports. With this protest, the activists not only disrupted a major golfing event, but they also succeeded in drawing attention to the urgency of addressing the environmental crisis. The message on the protestor’s T-shirt, “NO GOLF ON A DEAD PLANET”, succinctly underscores the importance of prioritizing the health of our planet over recreational activities and sports events.
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