Golf fans attending the third round of the U.S. Open in Shinnecock Hills on Saturday were stunned when a plane flew over the course and dropped off an ad promoting getting abortion pills by mail.
The ad was paid for by Mayday Health, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to highlighting the availability of abortion medications and birth control pills across the country.
“It was awful and divisive. I’m sure this is exactly what this group intended, which is a real shame,” one fan told The Post of the stunt.
“These kids kept pointing to the sign and asking their parents, ‘What does this say?’ It was clear that they had no idea how to respond. I mean, what are you even saying?
“Especially when there are so many golfers and spectators strong in their faith, this seemed like a deliberate distraction by outside agitators to undermine the tournament,” the fan added.
Witnesses said the banner flew over the Southampton property for about 90 minutes.
The choice of venue was likely not a coincidence, as the US Open concludes on Father’s Day weekend every year.
Mayday Health was founded in 2022 after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson women’s health decision, which overturned its 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade and allowed each state to set its own abortion policy.
Mayday’s advertising gimmicks sparked controversy across America. In 2022, Mississippi engaged With the group on its billboards promoting ways in which women can terminate their pregnancies.
In March, the group reached a settlement with South Dakota in which it agreed to “remove any banners containing deceptive and illegal advertising.” According to the State Attorney’s Office.
The United States Golf Association and Mayday Health did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Wyndham Clark earned his second U.S. Open victory on Sunday, shooting an under-par 276 to beat Sam Burns by one shot.