Long Islanders React to Golf Commentator’s Criticism

Some Long Islanders had strong reactions to a recent comment made by a Golf Channel analyst who referred to local golf fans as a “stain on the game.” The commentator suggested they should consider a one-way trip back to the mainland.

“Maybe he should never come back here,” expressed local resident Holly Burton, whose son loves golfing. “If you can’t handle the pressure, maybe it’s time to step aside.”

Eamonn Lynch, the analyst in question, made his unsparing comments after Windham Clark’s victory at the U.S. Open, criticizing the jeering from fans and declaring they don’t merit a major championship. He even called for the PGA to take away the 2033 championship from Bethpage Black.

“Long Island golf fans are a stain on the golf world,” he said. “That’s the environment we encounter every time we visit Long Island.”

However, locals like Burton pointed out that golfers should be prepared for the intensity of their crowd. “It’s just the competitive nature of New Yorkers,” she noted.

Some responses were quite colorful, with strong language used to describe Lynch’s remarks. Others emphasized that his views didn’t represent true golf fans in New York, particularly those from Westchester.

“Long Islanders are passionate, whether you like it or not,” stated Carlos Cruz, another golfer, adding that analysts often lack the right to critique Long Island so harshly.

The comments sparked further outrage after some fans were ejected from Shinnecock Hills for heckling Clark during the final round, yelling things like, “Don’t choke Windham” and “Get in the bunker.”

Many locals embraced their reputation for being vocal, insisting Lynch should respect the local culture. Connor Sullivan from Holbrook mentioned, “We take our golf very seriously and tend to be a more obnoxious crowd, but that’s just how it is here.” He believes this intensity makes Long Island courses some of the toughest globally.

Conversely, 23-year-old Daniel admitted he found some truth in Lynch’s words. “I hate to say it, but there’s definitely a point there,” he said while out shopping.

On the other hand, Terrence Reid, an avid golfer, argued that the issue of rude behavior is not confined to Long Island. “It’s really a broader problem,” he said. “With social media, younger fans want to capture everything, but they don’t always understand proper golf etiquette, which can be damaging.”