When you come to think of it that is the secret of most of the great holes all over the world. They all have some kind of a twist. C.B. MACDONALD
Andy Johnson https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-fried-egg-podcast/e/68110094
While we agree there must be a less unseemly word than “opportunity”, the virus may shine a light on the benefits of golf and highlight it as a safe alternative to other pastimes. And in first world fashion, we also agree that the demise of germ-toting bunker rakes—I knew it!—will maybe reset what a bunker should look like.
Anyway, give it a listen…
In about a fairly small window, several major golf organizations announced tournament cancellations, postponements and rumors of possible reschedulings this fall surfaced.
While moves to reschedule could be seen as premature given the deteriorating pandemic conditions and horrifying worst-case projections, golf tournaments need time to prepare for new dates and, more bluntly, we all need something to look forward to.
Starting in order of importance with the PGA of America officially postponing May’s PGA Championship at Harding Park. (See above embed for full statement.)
Brian Wacker reports for GolfDigest.com on that and the possible re-positioning of the PGA to August before the PGA Tour playoff events, which would all get bumped back a week assuming by then there is any plausible reason for professional golf tournaments.
All of these best-case new dates also are working around the Olympic Games, which are still on schedule according to the IOC.
The PGA Tour took decisive action on a number of events on all tours and offered this as part of their statement:
As we receive more clarity in the coming weeks, the TOUR will be working with our tournament organizations and title sponsors, in collaboration with golf’s governing bodies, to build a PGA TOUR schedule for 2020 that ensures the health and safety for all associated with our sport and a meaningful conclusion to the season. We will provide further updates when those plans come into focus.
Today’s cancellation of PGA TOUR events through May 10 applies to all six Tours, although PGA TOUR Champions has rescheduled The Regions Tradition. Originally slated for May 7-10, the event will now be played September 24-27. PGA TOUR Champions previously announced on March 16 that the Mastercard Japan Championship (June 12-14) will not be contested due to the current travel advisories in place from the CDC, the WHO and the U.S. Department of State.
The full list of tournaments cancelled or postponed on all PGA Tours.
The PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan, issued this statement to players via YouTube, mentions several “business decisions” made as well as offering a “cross-developmental” team to give players a “menu of options” for helping in their communities:
Meanwhile the USGA has cancelled its two four-ball events and local qualifying for the U.S. Open and all qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open in late May. Both national championships remain scheduled.
This appears to be the first time the local qualifying stage has not been used since 1959 when the initial round was started.
The full USGA statement:
On those dispiriting notes, one glimmer of hope first noted by Twitterers and reported on by ESPN.com’s Bob Harig: hotel rooms have suddenly become hard to find in Augusta, Georgia this October.
The week in question coincides on the current calendars with the European Tour’s Italian Open (uh, not happening) and the Shriner’s Hospital For Children Classic in Las Vegas as part of the 2020-21 PGA Tour schedule.
So how far the leaders of the Masters have proceeded in trying to figure out when to play the tournament in 2020 is unclear. And obviously, how the pandemic plays out will also have a big impact on whether the tournament is rescheduled.
But LPGA Tour player Marina Alex went to Twitter on Tuesday to complain about a room reservation she had in Augusta being canceled for what she said was no reason. And she figured it's due to a rescheduling of the Masters for that time in October.
This fall’s Ryder Cup is a go, say the official Twitter accounts of the event.
However, The Telegraph’s James Corrigan says a delay is likely coming until 2021.
And finally—for today anyway—Randall Mell reports for GolfChannel.com on a creative approach by LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan to consider combining some cancelled events and sponsorships in open calendar spots later this year.
Some will find the rescheduling efforts distasteful given the state of world affairs. My first reaction to initial speculation on a re-imagined late summer/fall schedule was also, “too soon”.
But given the difficulties of putting on major events, the advance planning in these cases appears to be with best case scenarios in mind. If nothing else, the news provides us all a little something to look forward to.
Well done Lou Stagner and daughter!
Hopefully the charity sale is not blocked by the Lords of Augusta…
My daughter and I built this replica of Augusta National #12 out of Lego.
— Lou Stagner (Golf Stat Pro) (@LouStagner) March 17, 2020
We are planning to sell it to raise money for charity.
Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/nawBF79W2d
While it’s never to late to argue whether Ben Hogan’s Hale America National Open Golf Tournament win should count as a U.S. Open title—and boy do we have time right now!—it is probably premature to wonder if 2020 will host a similar tournament.
Making a strong case that no majors will (or should) be played in 2020, Golf.com’s Luke Kerr Dineen takes us back to the Hale America Open and the state of world affairs in 1942. The situation has parallels with the present, minus a war, but plus a contagious virus.
After setting up the times then and now, Kerr-Dineen’s pitch:
Rather than adopting a wait-and-see approach, leaving each of the four remaining majors in an independent state of limbo, let’s learn from the the Greatest Generation, which overcame even greater obstacles. Let’s have the PGA Tour, Augusta National, PGA of America, USGA and R&A join together in a show of strength and unity by jointly calling off all the majors for this year — playing one without the others doesn’t feel fair or right — with a plan to reboot them in 2021.
Instead of rushing through, at best, two majors, let’s come together for a single, unifying event — a one-time championship that would be recognized as a major, as the Hale America Open was. The tournament could be conducted in the fall, giving the governing bodies as much time as possible to pull it together, and played at an iconic venue that’s rooted in the game’s history. Augusta National, perhaps, or St. Andrews.
What the charitable cause would be and all of the particulars are not important right now.
Actually, nothing much about golf is important beyond providing an outlet to play where safe and when convenient.
While it’s lamentable to give up on 2020 from a major perspective, at some point we’ll have to be realistic about the prospects of major championships this year. Barring a rapid-fire schedule reorganization and other elements falling in line, a one-stop major may be all we can hope for. Perhaps with a little creativity it could bring the world together and showcase the women’s game, too. Shoot, it might even let the golf world start counting Hogan’s win in 1942.
____
If you’re looking for some diversionary reading, two of the all time greats have written about the Hale America. Here is His Ownself’s essay from Fairways and Greens, and a Charles Price piece from 1992 posted on Facebook.
The Hale America produced a classic photo of Hogan and Bobby Jones after the eventual winner shot 62.
And the Wikipedia page.
Not that anyone is in the buying mood, but just in case, the European Tour stepped back a bit more for the foreseeable future with this this message from Chief Keith Pelley.
So far, seven tournaments on our 2020 International Schedule have been postponed or cancelled. Due to the current ongoing uncertainty, we are suspending ticket and hospitality sales for all 2020 European Tour promoted events until further notice.
This is a temporary measure but one we feel is proportionate in the current circumstances. If there are any changes to the status of any of our tournaments, we will communicate this to you in due course.
According to Martin Dempster’s report for the Scotsman, the other events…
Other events promoted by the European Tour include the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in September and the Betfred British Masters, which is due to be hosted by Lee Westwood at Close House, near Newcastle, in July.
Joel Beall with the GolfDigest.com exclusive on Augusta National notifying members that the club is closing by Friday March 20th in the interest of its staff.
"Beginning today, we are taking the necessary steps to curtail our operations so, by the end of this week, the Club will be closed until further notice. We intend to maintain our properties with limited personnel on site, and we will support our many other functions by working remotely where possible. But this is about much more than business continuity. This is about our employees, and the foundation of this decision is built-in upon keeping everyone safe while preserving the financial stability of those we care about most.”
While Beall notes the news arrives less than 24 hours after the CDC urged a nationwide halt to gatherings of more than 50 or more people, the precedent set by Augusta National would seem likely to lead other golf and country clubs to follow suit even if playing golf—without a cart or 19th hole gathering—is seemingly a safer place to be.
On the public course side, the city of Austin has included its golf courses in a closure of city facilities according to the KXAN report.
Almost all golf news, outside of tournament cancellations, does not feel particularly newsworthy during a still-unfolding global pandemic.
So while we all sort out what really matters and try to maintain perspective, light news will be needed to pass the time while we try not to think too much about human suffering taking place.
So to kick off this new phase of our quarantined life, a hat tip to Golf.com’s James Colgan for spotting the latest trick shot from Leo Boniface. Enjoy that reaction, and DO NOT try this at your local simulator. Even at a safe six-foot social distance!
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Leo The Kid Golfer (@leo.bonifacegolf) on
There are so many moving parts right now and in the grand scheme of world news, when or if major championships are to be played seems fairly trivial. That said, Sunday evening’s bulletin from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests organizers controlling events consisting of 50 or more to cancel or postpone.
The news would seems likely to end hopes of contesting mid-May’s 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in its scheduled window, along with too many tournaments to count between now and then.
The 2020 Masters is already postponed. Dreams of a scheduled May playing before Augusta National Golf Club traditionally closes, now seem increasingly unlikely.
Jack Nicklaus said yesterday that he does not see the Masters being played this year.
From the CDC bulletin:
Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.
Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.
This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.
Follow the PGA Championship official Twitter account for the latest updates on tournament status, presumably in the next few days.
Meanwhile, it’s not clear how this recommendation will impact the U.S. Open local qualifyings set for early May. Fields are larger than 50 players, but are also spread out over a course. Of greater concern may be the quarantine area in Westchester County near 2020 U.S. Open host Winged Foot.
This from Luke Kerr-Dineen about sums up the stunning state of golf’s major championship schedule:
Golf's 2020 major season update...
— LKD (@LukeKerrDineen) March 16, 2020
🟢Masters: Postponed Indefinitely
🌉PGA: CDC recommends cancellation
🇺🇲US Open: Venue currently surrounded by a one-mile containment zone
🇬🇧British Open: US-UK travel ban in effect, country within 'epicenter' of the virus
***PGA of America’s update:
Walked and carried my bag for 18 today in Myrtle Beach. Great day with 3 buds. NO CELL PHONES! Good crowd at the course. It was nice to leave The Troubles at the gate. gonna do it all again tomorrow. @MyrtleBeachGolf
— Charlie Rymer (@CharlieRymerPGA) March 14, 2020
BTW…plenty of TP in comfort stations! 😜
GolfDigest.com’s Mike Stachura offers a lengthy but sensible breakdown of what golfers can do and what should be avoided during COVD-19 “social distancing”.
The golf cart needs to be avoided. Sun is good. And uh, maybe no 19th hole time for now.
Though Dr. Troisi does think golf is a relatively safe activity in the current situation, she does advocate some changes in behavior from how people currently enjoy the game. Riding in a cart with a friend, for instance, puts you within the six-foot range, which is reason to consider walking or taking your own cart. We normally support taking caddies, but that dynamic poses new risk under the current circumstances.
As for the flagstick, despite our scientific evidence that leaving the flagstick in hurts your chances of putts being holed, it’s probably best to leave the flagsticks untouched for the entire day. That said, some important things to remember:
• Though the virus has been shown to stay contagious for two to three days on an inanimate object, those are largely in laboratory settings. “We haven’t done those experiments outside and in sunlight, so the odds are it would be a much shorter time,” Troisi said.
Michael Bamberger at Golf.com…
We crave order, we human beings. We’re drawn to golf because our game does orderly so well. The U.S. Open concludes on Father’s Day, the Masters on the second Sunday in April. Your Saturday-morning round starts on the first and ends on 18 and has forever. The intra-round chaos, for them and for us, presents all manner of physical and emotional challenge. But then it ends. Is it any wonder the game settles in us so deeply?
Instead of wondering why people hoard toilet paper or what the fate of the world might look, let’s do what Joe Kernen did on Monday’s Squawk Box.
Let us pretend it’s two weeks ago.
For the sake of this exercise, we will act like the coronavirus spread slows, meaning today’s “postponed” Masters can go forward in 2020.
We will also pretend that the PGA of America is open to the idea of a date switch. If they’d like to ever dine on the veranda again, they will be. There would be the issue of CBS and ESPN making this work, as well as the possibility of a non-hurricane infused overseed of Augusta National for an October playing.
Even with limited virus testing, we know California has more cases than Georgia, therefore making the May PGA Championship at Harding Park likely more difficult to go through with versus a Masters in May with or without spectators, as Rory McIlroy suggested.
Oh, and pretend Augusta homeowners who rent out Masters week are willing to do so in May or October. So for the sake of argument, that everyone feels comfortable going ahead and making a date swap. (There are a handful of other Masters issues to consider, as Bob Harig presented here for ESPN.com.)
Would you prefer to see the Masters played in May, October or not at all?
We’ve all tried to refute the charge: golf is not as elitist as you think.
No, really, it’s full of good people and a beautiful sport. With, sure, moments we’d like to forget.
So as questions remain about America’s infrastructure to handle the COVD-19 outbreak, the world of sports— minus the PGA Tour until 9:54 pm ET,—took painful, and perhaps even excessive steps to stop the spread. We can only hope to someday declare today’s actions an earnest but shrewd overreaction. Absent information to the contrary, however, every major needed to take action to prevent the spread.
So amidst everything taking place and health matters that should be the primary focus, it still must not be forgotten that the PGA Tour, in “full speed ahead” mode all week at its wonderful but overinflated home event, became the last major American sports league to pull the plug.
This, after waiting until 12:15 am earlier in the same day, to issue a statement about the status of Players Championship opening round, and only then to offer first round refunds if so desired.
There were no pleas for vulnerable seniors to stay home.
No pleas to those under-the-weather to stay away.
No, “we-got-this”, to volunteers who consume consummate news outlets and might be uncomfortable exposing themselves to large crowds.
Business-as-usual.
Market-by-market.
From Task Force to Business Unit-approved.
Yet as first round play got underway, major events continued to be cancelled, financial markets kept sending the same grim messages, and America began boarding up the windows.
Yet in marching ahead with the Players and upcoming schedule, Commissioner Monahan again teed up the vast acreage card during a midday press conference. The very same assertion that property size would keep people safe and shot down in Monday’s surreal CNBC appearance, then uttered Tuesday to reporters, and somehow schlepped out again in an answer that soured within hours.
Q. Similar to that but in layman's terms, can you explain what the difference is between the PGA TOUR which is continuing with events and, for example, the NBA, and I think I'm right in saying the MLS and other sporting bodies which have just shut down completely. Why do you feel golf is different?
JAY MONAHAN: Well, I think if you look at our venues, obviously we're an outdoor sport, we're not in a stadium, and here this week at TPC Sawgrass our players are making their way over 400 acres. And so we feel like we have, because of the nature of that and the fact that you've got 144 players here and over the course of a round our players generally do socially distance themselves, we felt like by taking this step to address the problem with our fans, we're in a position where we can continue to operate the events as of right now. And you look at there are other circumstances that led to the decisions that those leagues made that are unique to those leagues that we're not currently faced with. And that's something that we thought about and talked about, but ultimately when you break it down and you think about what's going to happen here over the course of the next three days and then going forward, we're comfortable having our players continue to play at this time.
In the meantime, players coming off the course or scheduled to go out, questioned the wisdom of going forward as other sports leagues ended major events. CT Pan pulled out of the tournament in the most significant show of wisdom. From overseas, Lee Westwood was sounding alarms as his colleagues were busy contesting the first round.
Oh, and players were subjected to random drug testing, in quite possibly the ultimate display of tone deafness as noted in this piece by Ryan Lavner.
As the round neared completion (one group did not finish), the PGA Tour stood firm with a 6:45 pm. operations update reaffirming the midday plans: players and volunteers only, with media outside the ropes. Next week’s Valspar event was on schedule. This, even though the LPGA Tour had postponed its next three events and the NCAA basketball tournament cancelled.
But the PGA Tour was set to play round two and beyond. Until someone read the room. Finally.
Truly unbelievable. What changed from the 6:45 operations update until now? https://t.co/APwknZNBP7
— Jay Coffin ⚰️ (@JayCoffinGC) March 13, 2020
We will never know what light bulb went off or what information the Business Unit obtained. Maybe someone pointed out to the PGA Tour how they would be the only major sports league besides a spectator-free NASCAR pushing forward while the rest of sport shut down to help contain the potentially civilization-altering virus.
Pausing here to let you reflect: the PGA Tour was going to forge ahead with The Players while others retreated in hopes of promoting quarantining and making the pandemic less awful.
But at 9:54 pm players were texted. The Players was cancelled, as were the next three events in Tampa, Austin and San Antonio. They had “no choice,” one player told Rex Hoggard.
It took a “no choice” situation to finally shut things down. No choice, as in, we-waited-to-long-to-be-proactive and we will look foolish now playing golf while the world addresses a pandemic.
The inability to sooner recognize the absurdity of proceeding, should serve as a wakeup call when the golf can get back to addressing First World problems. In the coming weeks and months, with tournament golf halted and the future so uncertain, there will be no better time for the sport to assess who represents the game best and which organization is most intuitive. And a rough few days in Ponte Vedra exposed an unenlightened PGA Tour not quite in harmony with the world at large.
So much took place on March 12, 2020 that it’s easy to overlook some of the financially and logistically painful actions taken with both short and long term consequences.
The LPGA Tour, as with many other sports leagues, decisively postponed the next three stops on their circuit—Founders, Kia and ANA—and issued this statement:
"This is a difficult situation and as we navigate these uncertain times, we appreciate the support of all those involved with the LPGA. I am fully committed to rescheduling these important events on our 2020 schedule, especially our first major, the ANA Inspiration," LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with all of those around the world affected by this virus. And on a personal level, it pains me to see the impact of this health crisis on our athletes, our sponsors and our fans. That said, I know keeping our LPGA family safe, and all those who follow us safe, has to be my top priority.
"We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation with our global health partners and are planning for different scenarios for future LPGA events should they be necessary."
But it was this Tweet later by Whan that both raised eyebrows about what kind of things sponsors have suggested could be an issue, but also highlighted his big picture outlook in sharp contrast to the PGA Tour’s confused approach to an (admittedly) unprecedented situation.
If only the world had more bosses like this…
To all sponsors who endorse @LPGA athletes. PLEASE consider disregarding # of events they play or how many times they are televised in ‘20! I know they want to play, but we are keeping them (and others) safe. Please don’t penalize them for my decisions!! Respectfully, Mike
— Michael Whan (@LPGACommish) March 13, 2020
Short and sweet question on a bizarre day: galleries are staying home, but the PGA Tour is currently planning to finish the Players without crowds. Your thoughts?
As a series of incredible pandemic-driven events played out, the PGA Tour held their ground.
Take your pick of clues that it was time to rethink spectators at The Players Championship, if not an all-out cancellation.
There was a Presidential address to the nation announced in the early evening and given at 9 p.m. ET. Landmark restrictions were announced by President Donald Trump.
The NCAA and NHL eliminating spectators from tournament games, the Seattle area teams are also eliminating games.
The NBA was rumored to be meeting to take drastic measures (later in the evening there was a season suspension and game cancellation after a player, who mocked the virus earlier in the week, tested positive for the coronavirus.)
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson tested positive for the virus in Australia, where, mercifully they could at least be tested.
The virus can linger in the air for up to three hours, according to preliminary study findings.
St. John’s County, home of the Players, had its first positive CODV-19 case announced Wednesday afternoon.
Oh, and the World Health Organization declared a pandemic earlier in the day. Among other signs.
The world of sports has been forced to lead the way in quarantining and slowing the spread of COVD-19, no matter how expensive and painful the move may be at a busy time of year for championships.
The PGA Tour, whose Players Championship is heavily attended by seniors as fans or volunteers and who are more susceptible to the virus, had nothing to say. Zilch.
Finally, this statement arrived at 12:15 a.m. ET and less than 8 hours before the first tee time:
The PGA TOUR is aware of rapidly changing developments regarding COVID-19. With the information currently available, THE PLAYERS Championship will continue as scheduled, although we will absolutely continue to review recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and local health administrations. This is obviously a very fluid situation that requires constant review, communication and transparency, and we are dedicated to all three aspects. The PGA TOUR will provide an additional update by 12 p.m. ET on Thursday.
In the meantime, players in the field have been notified to be prepared to play round 1, as scheduled.
Fans who no longer wish to attend THE PLAYERS Championship may request a refund or exchange; details on how to do so will be announced shortly. Please visit PGATOUR.COM/THEPLAYERSfor more information.
Since Monday’s painful and unnecessary appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Commissioner Jay Monahan and his team have clung to the notion that vast outdoor acreage will be the PGA Tour’s primary defense against a virus with so many unknowns. And there was Monahan’s emphatic statement about converting a “Task Force” to a “Business Unit”, as if that was a discernible course of action with any real meaning to fans or players.
His full answer:
I would tell you that it started out as a task force. It's now essentially a business unit, where we have two leaders, Tom Hospel, our medical director, and Alison Keller, our chief administrative officer, who have organized a large team to fully understand the coronavirus and its implications on all facets of our business. I think it goes without saying that the health, safety, well being of our players, our fans, our tournaments, everybody that's involved in our ecosystem is of utmost importance.
So for us, we are relying heavily, as other leagues and sports and entertainment venues are, relying heavily on the World Health Organization, the CDC, but primarily given the fact that we're playing 175 tournaments over six tours, this really is about a market-to-market exercise and truly understanding what local public health officials, local government officials, what's happening on the ground through our tournament directors in every single market where we play.
That answer spoke to a level of disconnect from reality, particularly for a Commissioner who was so welcomed because he seemed much more grounded than his sometimes aloof predecessor. Now, with everything that happened Wednesday, his statement has aged even less gracefully given the actions of the World Health Organization and other sports leagues.
Tour executives spent Wednesday entertaining “partners” from around the country and hosting them for the annual Wednesday night party, while some senior staff were reportedly lecturing player agents on the push to make people associate the color gold with The Players. Important stuff.
And the only sign anyone in Ponte Vedra realized they might regret having an on-site concert Wednesday? It came with the deletion of a Tweet showing The Chainsmokers playing to fans packed in like sardines at the 17th hole.
Since this is The Players and owned by the the players, the event is more than entitled to carry on with the PGA Tour’s finest taking whatever risks they choose. But hundreds of television personnel, tournament workers and volunteers will now be subjected to spectators, despite increasing signs that large public gatherings are a bad idea.
However, the PGA Tour’s reckless indifference to public safety should come as no surprise.
Six were injured on Saturday of last year’s Tour Championship when the PGA Tour refused to move tee times up despite just a 30 player field and a 1 pm planned start. There was an 80% chance of storms at the time and a 90% chance for Saturday predicted Monday of that week.
Just as with the coronavirus, signs of impending trouble apparently do not penetrate the Ponte Vedra bubble. When dissent is so strongly discouraged and executives must pass conformity examinations before getting hired, a culture of fear is bound to develop. That a decision on Thursday’s opening round was not even made until after midnight is one thing, but to only offer refunds and not take more aggressive action, could end up looking like willful neglect.
When too many executives are focused on maximizing revenues, minimizing inconvenience and juggling jargon to get a promotion, you get moments of profound incompetence. The 2020 Players Championship, no matter how it plays out or who it plays in front of, has burst the bubble. We can only hope that the innocent folks in this do not leave north Florida with a virus all because the non-profit PGA Tour put profit ahead of common sense.
Geoff Shackelford is a Senior Writer for Golfweek magazine, a weekly contributor to Golf Channel's Morning
Copyright © 2022, Geoff Shackelford. All rights reserved.
