During the third round of the U.S. Open at Sinek Hills on Saturday, golf fans were taken aback as a plane flew overhead, trailing a banner advertising mail-in abortion pills.
This advertisement was sponsored by Mayday Health, a nonprofit from Massachusetts that focuses on raising awareness about the availability of abortion and birth control pills in the U.S.
One spectator expressed their dismay to the Post, saying, “It felt disgusting and divisive. I’m sure that’s what the group intended, but it’s really unfortunate.”
Another fan recounted how children were pointing at the banner and asking their parents, “What does it say?” The confusion among parents was palpable. It’s a tough situation, really.
“This seemed like deliberate interference by outside forces to disrupt the event, especially with so many religious golfers and fans present,” Huang remarked.
Eyewitnesses reported that the banner remained visible over the Southampton grounds for around 90 minutes.
The timing and location of the ad were likely deliberate, as the U.S. Open traditionally culminates on Father’s Day weekend.
Founded in 2022, Mayday Health emerged in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Authority, which overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, giving states autonomy over abortion laws.
The group’s advertising methods have stirred quite a bit of controversy nationwide. In 2022, they faced backlash for promoting self-managed abortions on billboards in Mississippi.
In March, Mayday came to an agreement with South Dakota after being accused of using misleading advertising, as reported by the state attorney general’s office.
The United States Golf Association and Mayday Health have yet to comment on the situation.
Meanwhile, Windham Clark clinched his second U.S. Open title on Sunday, finishing with a score of four-under 276, beating Sam Burns by a single stroke.
