This is not the first time no fans were allowed on the course during play, but the prolonged action without the drone of people during a round will be eerie. Well, it is like when I play every one of my rounds; I have no fans following me and things seem to work out just fine. 😉

I wrote the article below before the PGA TOUR announced the cancellation of the players and tournaments through the Valero Texas Open. I think it I will leave the article as is because it still has a bit of value. I hope you take my writing at face value and enjoy where I was going.

It will be interesting to see how the professionals handle the quiet stillness of just playing golf without any distractions. I think that some players will excel because they can concentrate on their game more and others will miss the constant buzz or hum of the throngs of fans. It will be interesting to see what next weeks golf news brings.

At this time, there will be no fans at upcoming TOUR events through the Valero Texas Open, April 2-5. Additionally, The Masters is thinking about keeping fans out as well. It is still too early to tell for the first golf major of 2020, but time will reveal that is best avenue ahead at Augusta.

The 30-day travel ban from Europe to the US will impact the field at all the tournaments…..especially The Masters. I am not sure how the players not in the US right now will swing their travel plans, but I will be interested to see what unfolds. Regardless, The Masters field will not be what we have come to expect.

Travel to other tournaments might be a challenge as well. I am not sure how golfers will feel traveling from place to play in public areas, but each player will have to make their own decision. As of now, the current 2020 professional golf schedule is a go.

Lastly, I feel for the venues. Hosting a professional golf tournament makes big money for many charities around their area. Without the masses buying food, drink and souvenirs, a great deal of money will be lost. This is very unfortunate for the charities and local businesses. I am sure the economic impact will be felt for months, perhaps years to come.

The professional golf season is a go for now. Albeit without fans, the players will still entertain most fans via television. There are so many unanswered questions right now and I am not confident of how long the PGA Tour governors will stick to their decision, only time will tell.

Other news about golf:

Yesterday, the LPGA informed its players that in an effort to minimize risks with the global outbreak of COVID-19 and following the California Government’s directive regarding events, the next three events on the LPGA Tour schedule are postponed: the Volvik Founders Cup in Phoenix, Ariz., which was scheduled to take place March 19-22; the Kia Classic in Carlsbad, Calif., which was scheduled to take place March 26-29; and the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, Calif., which was scheduled for April 2-5. The plan is to reschedule these events for later dates in the 2020 season.

LPGA.COM

Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.

NCAA Championships

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!