LOS ANGELES – In a city already plagued by skyrocketing crime, homelessness, and lax law enforcement under years of progressive leadership, a group of so-called "golf influencers" is now turning downtown Los Angeles into their personal driving range, firing golf balls at high speeds into oncoming traffic, residential windows, and commercial buildings, all for Instagram likes.
The Instagram account @everywhereweplaygolf, boasting more than 45,000 followers, features videos of young men teeing off from rooftops, sidewalks, parking structures, and even the LA River, sending balls rocketing toward freeways like the 5 and into neighborhoods.
A viral Reddit compilation on r/LosAngeles, which has garnered thousands of upvotes, exposed the dangerous stunts, with the original poster noting failed attempts to get a response from the LAPD or Meta.
"These clowns are actively posting this thread on their accounts with the caption 'they can’t stop us,'" the Reddit user wrote, identifying one ringleader as local golf coach and content creator Dave Fink.
A golf ball traveling at speeds up to 140 mph can shatter windshields, damage vehicles, or cause serious injury, or worse, to pedestrians, drivers, or residents. Commenters on social media warned of potential manslaughter charges if someone gets hurt, comparing the acts to dropping rocks from overpasses.
"This isn't a prank. It's a crime," one X user posted in response to the viral video shared by Trending Politics co-owner Collin Rugg. Others pointed to the broader breakdown of law and order in Democrat-run Los Angeles, where street takeovers and open drug markets often go unchecked. "If street takeovers are allowed, what chance is there for these guys to be arrested?" another asked.
The New York Post reported on the backlash Monday, noting the group's "high-risk version of 'street golf'" has left locals terrified of a catastrophic accident. The Post reached out to the account and the LAPD but received no immediate response.
Critics argue this incident highlights deeper issues in California: a social media culture that rewards reckless behavior for clout, combined with weak enforcement priorities from officials more focused on defunding police and progressive policies than keeping streets safe. Residents attempting to report the group say their calls went unanswered, prompting sarcasm about needing "bigger budgets" for LAPD and tech giants.
As of Tuesday, no arrests have been reported, and the account continues posting. In a city where criminals often face little consequence, many Angelenos are left wondering how many more dangerous trends will be tolerated before someone pays the ultimate price.
