Drama and controversy are nothing new to the golf industry! However, a spate of recent events has made both players and spectators nervous.
The sport is adjusting to a new reality that includes startling revelations off the course and surprising turns on the course.
Just a few days following John Daly’s well reported event, Lexi Thompson opened out about her difficulties on social media. And the most recent threat is far too close to home.
Lexi Thompson recently opened up about her terrifying experience with identity theft. The LPGA Tour player warned her followers on Instagram to be wary of con artists posing as her management, herself, or even her relatives.
“Hello to all of you! I just wanted to share another story to urge people not to fall for these pages that pose as me, my manager, my family, or anyone else! All of these are FAKE. She cautioned, “This is my ONE and ONLY page.
The 29-year-old issued more warnings after that. She also disclosed that con artists are transferring their methods to other networks, such as Telegram, where they set up phoney accounts to lead followers into believing they are speaking with her personally. She expressed her irritation and worry, saying, “I assume there are telegram to make you think you are talking to me.” “I really apologise for everything that has happened; I wish I could take action. Just report the pages, please!
But a few weeks prior, John Daly had also been embroiled in an astonishing controversy. He was scheduled to compete in the Michigan 517 Golf event. However, when the competition was abruptly called off, the supporters were left in shock. At first, there were whispers that Daly’s injury was the cause, but the PGA Tour pro quickly cleared things up.
Daly discovered the misleading information being disseminated by those connected to 517 Golf on social media. He also denied having an injury, saying that he was getting ready for events on the PGA Tour Champions. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and stated, “I am startled and disappointed that unscrupulous individuals have chosen to ruin my reputation and mislead my fantastic fans!”
Long John expressed disappointment and indignation in his remarks. With Lexi Thompson’s recent admission of identity theft, the sport is currently addressing this troubling behaviour. Actually, it wasn’t the first time that these two experts had cautioned fans against falling for con artists.
The deceitful encounter with Lexi Thompson
Weeks prior, Thompson alerted her 600K Instagram followers about the similar impersonation of a bogus account. Her constant appeals to her fans seem to indicate that there are an alarming amount of phoney accounts posing as her. “They’re con artists or tricking people into believing they’re in a relationship with me,” she repeated. Some have tried to get in touch with me directly. It’s truly getting out of control. Please report any others that you come across. Talk to them not at all!
When a purported copy of the Claret Jug was auctioned at a Heritage Auction in 2018, John Daly encountered a similar problem. The auctioneers asserted that it was Daly’s original trophy from 1995. He changed them, though, and labelled them on his X account as a “FALSE advertising.” It should be noted that he still has his original trophy.
These frauds now happen frequently and leave the fans with a bad feeling. Fans are now advised to use caution and vigilance while communicating with their favourite athletes online as the golf community navigates this new reality. Please share any stories you may have about these instances with us in the space provided below for comments.
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