By D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Protestors Interrupt Play
During the final round of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, on Sunday, climate change protesters disrupted the event on the 18th green, causing a temporary halt in play. The demonstrators, associated with the climate activist group Extinction Rebellion, ran onto the green and scattered a powdery substance, delaying the match for several minutes.
Video footage from CBS revealed that six protesters wore shirts with the slogan "No golf on a dead planet." The police swiftly intervened, detaining the protesters and allowing the final group, which included leaders Tom Kim and Scottie Scheffler, to resume their game. The incident resulted in a tie, prompting a playoff where Scheffler emerged victorious. In a post match interview with CBS Sports, Scheffler commended the police for their prompt action, despite the initial confusion caused by the unexpected protest.
Legal Consequences and Activist Statements
The detained protesters face charges of first degree criminal mischief, first degree criminal trespass, and breach of peace. According to the Cromwell Police Department, each individual was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 1.
Extinction Rebellion, known for its dramatic protest tactics, issued a statement explaining their motivation behind the disruption. The group emphasized that their actions were not targeted at any individual or organization but were intended to highlight the urgent need for climate action. They argued that golf, which relies heavily on favorable weather conditions, should be particularly attuned to the impacts of climate change. The group has previously made headlines for various high profile protests, such as dumping green dye into Venice's Grand Canal and gluing themselves to a Picasso painting.
A PGA Tour spokesperson assured that the powder left by the protesters caused no damage to the 18th green, and praised the Cromwell Police Department for their effective response. The spokesperson also noted the stress and confusion experienced by the players during the initial moments of the protest, as they were unsure of the intentions and actions of the demonstrators.