The 2024 Travelers Championship was the stage for unexpected events, as a group of activists from the environmental organization Just Stop Oil barged onto the 18th green, causing significant disruption and a delay in play.
The final round of the championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, was momentarily thrown into chaos as the protestors stormed the green, reportedly vandalizing it and leading to the arrest of five individuals.
The Travelers Championship 2024 concluded with high drama, not only due to the competitive spirit on the green but also because of the unexpected interruption caused by environmental activists. The championship, hosted at TPC River Highlands, saw top golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim battling it out for the title.
In an intense finale, both players were poised for critical putts on the 18th green when the protestors made their unexpected entrance, causing a stoppage in play.
Despite the disruption, the Travelers Championship proceeded, with Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim managing to refocus after the incident. The play resumed after the green was cleared, leading to a thrilling finish where Tom Kim’s birdie putt forced a playoff.
Ultimately, Scheffler claimed his sixth victory of the season, but the dramatic intervention by Just Stop Oil left an indelible mark on the event.
The Incident: Just Stop Oil Disrupts Play at Travelers Championship
On Sunday, as the final group lined up their putts, a group of protestors from Just Stop Oil broke under the ropes of the 18th hole. They stormed the green, spraying colored smoke and dumping a powdery substance on the turf. The sudden appearance of the activists caught everyone off guard, including the players, officials, and spectators.
The protestors, wearing white t-shirts with the slogan “No golf on a dead planet,” were quickly tackled by police and escorted off the premises. The swift action by law enforcement ensured that the disruption was contained, but not before causing a nearly five-minute delay in play.
The activists’ actions left stains of white and red powder on the green, which officials hurriedly cleaned up to resume the game.
The incident sparked a wave of reactions from fans and personalities in the golfing world. Golf writer Dan Rapaport expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “Just Stop Oil (or whoever just ran onto the 18th green at Travelers) are my least favorite people on the planet.” His sentiment was echoed by many fans who were both shocked and angered by the protestors’ actions.
David Dusek, a well-known golf analyst, shared footage of the incident on Twitter, capturing the moment police apprehended the activists while the crowd chanted “USA, USA, USA.” This patriotic response underscored the crowd’s disapproval of the disruption and support for the swift actions of the authorities.
Just Stop Oil, a British environmental activist group, aims to draw attention to the urgent need to end fossil fuel licensing and production to combat climate change. The group’s tactics include civil resistance, direct action, traffic obstruction, and vandalism. While their mission is to highlight the devastating impact of climate change, their methods often provoke strong reactions.
This incident at the Travelers Championship is not the first time Just Stop Oil has made headlines for their disruptive protests. The group previously disrupted The Open at Hoylake, drawing attention to their cause in a similar fashion. Their goal is to pressure governments and industries to take more decisive action against fossil fuel dependency and to address the climate crisis with the urgency it demands.
The Travelers Championship 2024 was already a highly anticipated event due to the fierce competition between top golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim. The interruption by Just Stop Oil added an unexpected twist to the tournament, making it one of the most memorable finishes in recent history.
Despite the chaos, both Scheffler and Kim showcased remarkable composure, highlighting their professionalism and focus under pressure.
The incident also brought environmental issues to the forefront, sparking discussions among fans and players alike about the intersection of sports and activism. While many condemned the disruption, others acknowledged the importance of the underlying message, albeit criticizing the method of delivery.
Following the incident at the Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour released a statement commending the quick action of the Cromwell Police Department.
“Protesters at the Travelers Championship during Sunday’s final round were immediately arrested by members of law enforcement. The powder on the green was removed, resulting in no damage to the 18th green. Our thanks to the Cromwell Police Department for their quick and decisive action,” the statement read.
The 2024 Travelers Championship will be remembered not only for the thrilling competition between Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim but also for the dramatic interruption by Just Stop Oil activists. The incident underscored the tension between maintaining the sanctity of sports events and addressing pressing global issues.
As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, such disruptions may become more common, prompting deeper reflection on how best to integrate activism and advocacy into the world of professional sports.
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