PGA Tour bans YouTuber Jack Doherty after Phoenix Open incident

The 22-year-old streamer was permanently banned from all PGA Tour events following a controversial incident at the WM Phoenix Open.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The PGA Tour has permanently banned 22-year-old YouTuber Jack Doherty from attending any of its tournaments after an incident at the WM Phoenix Open on February 6, 2026. Doherty was livestreaming from the event when he disrupted a player's backswing, leading to widespread backlash and the tour's decision to ban him.

Why it matters

The ban on Doherty highlights the growing tension between professional sports leagues and social media influencers, as well as the fine line between fan engagement and disruptive behavior at live events. The incident also reignites debates around fan etiquette and the appropriate boundaries for spectator conduct at high-profile sporting competitions.

The details

During his livestream of the WM Phoenix Open, Doherty was heard yelling "jackass" as a player was about to take a shot, causing the player to miss their swing. This led to an immediate backlash from viewers and the PGA Tour, which quickly announced a permanent ban for Doherty from all future tour events.

  • The incident occurred on February 6, 2026 during the WM Phoenix Open.
  • The PGA Tour announced Doherty's permanent ban shortly after the incident.

The players

Jack Doherty

A 22-year-old YouTuber who was permanently banned from the PGA Tour after disrupting play at the WM Phoenix Open.

PGA Tour

The professional golf organization that oversees several high-profile tournaments, including the WM Phoenix Open where the incident occurred.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jack Doherty

What’s next

The PGA Tour has stated it will not reconsider Doherty's ban, and he will be prohibited from attending any future tour events.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for social media influencers and fans to be mindful of their behavior at live sporting events, as professional leagues are increasingly cracking down on disruptive conduct that can impact the experience for players and other spectators.