Cruelty on the Golf Course Won't Fly

By Ariana Huemer

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Will Isenhour's fame as a golfer be superseded by his association with animal abuse?

Professional golfer Tripp Isenhour is known for his skill on the golfing green, but lately his name is associated with something far less distinguished: he is accused of using his famed golf swing to kill a hawk.

Isenhour was charged in March with animal cruelty in connection with a Dec. 2007 incident in which he reportedly hit a golf ball at a hawk, killing it. He was filming an instructional golfing video at a Florida golf course and got angry when the bird’s squawks interrupted filming, according to news reports.  

Public Outrage

Isenhour reportedly expressed nothing but remorse over the incident, saying he meant only to chase away the boisterous bird with the well-aimed golf balls. Nonetheless, the hawk—a federally protected species—died, and the public is outraged.

Florida Ninth Judicial District State's Attorney Lawson Lamar has responded appropriately, filing misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird against Isenhour. The headline-grabbing charges send a strong message that animal cruelty is not tolerated in a civilized society, especially when the cruelty is allegedly perpetrated by a celebrated sports figure.

Higher Standards for Sports Stars

"We hope...you will seize this opportunity to send a clear message to the public that the PGA Tour intends to hold its players to the highest standards," wrote HSUS President & CEO Wayne Pacelle in a letter to the PGA Tour. "By setting an example of compassion for the public, the PGA Tour has the chance to make a difference for our communities and instill an ethic of animal protection."

Indeed, society expects its professional athletes, who act as role models to millions, to exhibit high standards—both on the field and off. When a sports figure is accused of committing a crime, fans can become profoundly disappointed. The betrayal of trust inherent in acts of animal cruelty affects not just the animals, but the people, too.

What You Can Do

Thank Orange County District Attorney Lawson Lamar for filing animal cruelty charges in this case.

Lawson Lamar
Orange County State's Attorney
415 N Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
Fax: 407-836-2499

Ariana Huemer is a cruelty case manager for The Humane Society of the United States. 

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