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Former world No.1 Dustin Johnson has incurred the wrath of Twitter users and golf fans after television cameras repeatedly caught him spitting during the RBC Heritage.

Johnson, who turns 36 today, was spotted gobbing on the greens at Habour Town Golf Links on several occasions across the four rounds.

This prompted many to point out that not only is it a bad habit, it is particularly poor to do so in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and particularly as transmission of the disease is believed to occur mainly through respiratory droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and through contact with contaminated surfaces.

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The tour has only just returned from a three-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus. However, the positive test of Nick Watney, revealed during the second round of the RBC Heritage, has prompted many to scrutinise the circuit’s safety protocols more closely – and Johnson’s persistent spitting has done little to help its case.

Here’s a selection of Twitter reactions to the former US Open champ’s expectorating…

It should be pointed out that Johnson was not the only player guilty of spitting. However, he does have previous and was called out for the behaviour following his victory in the 2016 BMW Championship.

Johnson ultimately finished in a tie for 17th at Harbour Town as Webb Simpson captured his seventh career victory on the PGA Tour.

Your thoughts…

What do you think of players spitting on the golf course? Do you have an issue with it? If so, how do you think the PGA Tour should punish offenders? Leave your thoughts in our Comments section below.


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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