Youtuber Jack Doherty backlash grows as PGA Tour hands permanent ban following WM Phoenix Open crowd incident livestream

YouTuber Jack Doherty is no longer welcome at any PGA Tour tournaments, and the decision has sparked heavy debate online. The 22-year-old streamer was permanently banned after an incident during the WM Phoenix Open on February 6, 2026. The ban came after a moment caught live on his stream, where a spectator shouted a slur at a golfer during a backswing. Security removed both people from the course, and officials later confirmed Doherty would not be allowed to attend future events.The clip spread fast across social media and quickly drew anger from golf fans and viewers. The act which people observed through the video showed disrespect towards both the players and the sport according to many observers. Doherty publicly responded to the increasing backlash by dismissing all criticism while telling people to "grow up." The situation escalated after he responded because his answer drew more attention to the existing story.

YouTuber Jack Doherty banned from PGA Tour tournaments after WM Phoenix Open incident and strong online backlash

The situation unfolded when Jack Doherty approached people in the crowd during the WM Phoenix Open and offered $100 to anyone willing to shout a slur while a golfer was mid-shot. One attendee accepted and yelled the phrase just before the swing. Nearby fans reacted immediately, and event security stepped in within moments.Both Doherty and the person who shouted were escorted out of the venue. Soon after, officials informed Doherty that he was permanently banned from attending all future PGA Tour events. The decision was first reported by tournament officials and later confirmed through multiple media outlets covering the event.After the clip went viral, Doherty shared a video on X responding to the criticism. In the video, he dismissed the anger and accused viewers of overreacting. He said, “Everybody is so soft and yeah, saying jack**s on a golfer’s backswing is like all of a sudden the worst thing you could possibly do. You guys act like I murdered someone, like grow up. You guys are the softest generation ever.”That response did not sit well with many viewers. Fans quickly shared their thoughts in the comments. One user, @McNasty, wrote, “How have you not realized yet that you’re quite literally the most hated creator on the internet? Just give up.” Another user, @ImStillMark, added, “The guy who starts problems then hides behind his bodyguards is calling other people soft.”Others focused on respect. @SaugyWaffles3 said, “Isn’t it ironic that he’s telling people to grow up,” while @resigned_06 commented, “It’s called respect and decency. You lack all of these things.”This incident is not the first time Jack Doherty has faced serious trouble. In November 2025, he was arrested in Miami Beach after a stunt that reportedly disrupted traffic while he was filming content. The Miami Beach Police Department charged him with three offenses which included possession of a controlled substance and marijuana possession and resisting arrest. The court records showed that Jack Doherty failed to attend the scheduled hearing which took place in January 2026. The reports confirmed that the substance used was cocaine instead of Adderall which had been initially thought. A new court date remains unannounced while his case stays open.