Heckling In the Sky...With Banners

Toledo (Ohio) firm organized Woods’ banner
Rhonda Cook/Atlanta Journal Constitution

Here’s more on that banner that flew over Augusta National just as Tiger Woods was about to tee off, making his well-publicized return to competitive golf.

“Tiger: Did you mean bootyism?” read the banner, a reference to Woods’ comment Monday during his live press conference that he recommitted himself to Buddhism.

A Toledo, Ohio, ad agency that handled the arrangements of the flyover but would not disclose who commissioned the air ad. But there will apparently be more – at least a second one Thursday and more on Friday. A total of six messages, according to Jim Miller of Air America Ariel Ads.

“Keep your eyes open,” Miller told the AJC. “They get better and better.”

Miller also would not identify the air strip they planned to use nor would he discuss the cost.

But generally, “the cost is $1,200 an hour plus expenses,” said Miller.

The plane circled over the golf club even though the Federal Aviation Administration has issued an “advisory,” asking aircraft to stay at least two miles away from the golf club during play.

The FAA statement was an advisory only, which means the pilot did not violate any rules that would bring punishment.

“Pilots are recommended to avoid said area and are strongly encouraged to maintain increased vigilance when operating within the general vicinity of the … described area,” the advisory said.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jim Griffin said the law enforcement agency had no authority over the plane and he didn’t know if any laws were violated. Because “it’s up in the air and we don’t deal with federal law.”

At least two local airports declined to let the plane leave and land from its taxis, citing the FAA advisory – Daniel Field in Augusta and the air field in nearby Aiken, S.C.



The bootyism banner wasn't the only one flying above Augusta National Friday as you can see there was also a banner that read "Sex Addict? Yeah. Sure. Right. Me Too!" and one that read "We miss you Tiger! Deja Vu Showgirls." I've got to take my hat off to whoever commissioned these banners. Not because I think Tiger deserves it but because I thought The Masters would prove to be unpenetrable this weekend for hecklers. Obviously I forgot about the friendly skies. I should have remembered the Alamo (Bowl that is). There were several planes with Team Leach banners flying over the Alamodome. It just goes to show that when you want to make a statement - aim high.