[Sportschosun Reporter Jang Jong-ho] Golf fans watching the U.S. Open were left stunned.
That was because a plane appeared over the stadium carrying a banner promoting abortion pills.
According to an exclusive report by the New York Post, a small plane circled above the venue during the third round of the U.S. Open at the famed Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York State, displaying a banner that promoted the ability to receive abortion pills by mail.
Witnesses said the plane flew over the golf course for about 90 minutes, showing the advertisement throughout that time.
The ad was reportedly funded by Mayday Health, a nonprofit based in Massachusetts. The group works to expand access to abortion pills and contraceptives across the United States.
Some spectators at the scene expressed strong discomfort.
One spectator said in an interview, "It felt offensive and divisive," adding, "Children pointed at the banner and asked their parents what it meant, but even the parents were at a loss for how to explain it."
The spectator also claimed, "There are many players and spectators with strong religious beliefs, and it seemed as if an outside group was deliberately trying to disrupt the atmosphere of the tournament."
There are also claims that the timing and location of the ad were no coincidence. The U.S. Open holds its final round every year on the Father's Day weekend.
Meanwhile, the United States Golf Association, which organized the tournament, and Mayday Health have reportedly not issued any official statement.
Jang Jong-ho bellho@sportschosun.com
