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Golf

US Open forced behind closed doors at Winged Foot

The USGA have confirmed that his year's US Open will be played without spectators. The 120th edit...



US Open forced behind closed d...
Golf

US Open forced behind closed doors at Winged Foot

The USGA have confirmed that his year's US Open will be played without spectators.

The 120th edition of the golf major will take place from the 17th of September at the Winged Foot course in New York State.

Organisers had been hopeful of allowing crowds to attend but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means that is not possible.

"Following months of consultation and scenario planning with local and state health officials, we have jointly decided that hosting the U.S. Open without spectators will provide the best opportunity to conduct the championship safely for all involved,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA.

"We will miss the excitement of the fans and what their presence brings to the championship. We look forward to welcoming them again to future U.S. Opens."

"Would it have been easier to simply cancel or even move the 2020 championship rather than play it in what has been the epicenter of the virus in our country? Possibly." according to the USGA’s senior managing director of Championships John Bodenhamer.

"But all of us at the USGA know how much the U.S. Open matters, and we weren’t willing to give up on playing it at Winged Foot Golf Club so easily.

"We are very proud to give our competitors and champions a platform to chase their dreams. Their perseverance motivates us, in a year when such tenacity means so much."

"We have come a long way in the fight against COVID-19, and I am so proud of New Yorkers, who rose to the occasion and bent the curve,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

"I am pleased to welcome the USGA for the U.S. Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club this September, and while the tournament will look different this year with no fans and enhanced safety protocols, this event is a welcome sight for sports fans across the country and will help restore a sense of normalcy as we build back better than before.”

"We are thankful to all of the local and state officials as well as the members and staff at Winged Foot Golf Club who worked so hard to try to help us accomplish our goal of hosting fans this year," said Davis.

"We appreciate all of their efforts and while we are disappointed, we know it was the right decision to make for the community and for the players.

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Coronavirus Covid-19 USGA US Open Winged Foot