Fingers crossed, the COVID-19 pandemic will have eased significantly before fall 2021, and the rescheduled Ryder Cup September 24-26 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin will be able to accommodate more than 40 spectators each day. This is what the operators of Destination Kohler, which owns Straits Golf Course and three other top-notch facilities, are now planning.

The Ryder Cup plans to welcome more than 40 spectators every day

Whistling Straits - © Destination Kohler

"The initial plan is what we currently have, ie 40 to 000 spectators per day on the site"Destination Kohler golf operations manager Michael O'Reilly said in a virtual conference with reporters on Thursday. “Right now, that's what we are planning. Of course, the PGA of America and the Kohler Company, we will adhere to state and local guidelines and recommendations. "

The Ryder Cup, a normally biennial event that pits American PGA Tour players against top European players, was scheduled for September 2020 but has been postponed to September 24-26 this year due to the pandemic.

“Unlike other major sporting events that are played in existing stadiums, we had to make a decision now regarding the construction of the facilities that will host the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits”PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said last July during the postponement of the 2020 event. “It became evident that from today our medical experts and public authorities in Wisconsin could not give us the certainty that it would be possible to organize a responsible event with thousands of spectators in September. "

The PGA Tour missed nearly two months of action in 2020 due to the pandemic before resuming play in May. The PGA of America, which hosts the Ryder Cup, were able to play their PGA Championship in August after the restart, but the Ryder Cup had already been delayed by then.

The PGA Tour has continued since that restart in 2020, with several players testing positive for COVID-19. O'Reilly said the PGA of America and Destination Kohler will continue to monitor the situation and learn whatever is available to keep fans and players safe.

"There are a lot of golf tournaments to be played by the end of September, including the PGA Championship, which will be held in May in Kiawah", O'Reilly said. “We have the opportunity… to learn a lot along the way, and as things change and evolve, we can adapt the organization at any time. For now, what we hope for is a smooth run and hospitality in the best conditions. "

The Whistling Straits Straits Course, built by Pete Dye on the shore of Lake Michigan north of Sheboygan opened in 1988, ranked # 7 on Golfweek's list of best modern courses for all American achievements built in 1960 and after. It is also number 1 in Wisconsin by Golfweek's ranking of the best publicly accessible golf courses and number 5 in the United States among all resort golf courses. Finally, he was also the host of three PGA tournaments (2004, 2010 and 2015) as well as the Senior Open of the United States in 2007.

"It is an incredible golf course which offers spectacular views perfect for television broadcasts, and it is also an exceptional golf course in reality", O'Reilly said. “I think for the Ryder Cup, for the spectators, it will be really, really good. We've made a few small changes here and there to ease the flow of fans, to make the spectator experience as good as possible. There are a lot of cliffs and hills, a lot of positions where spectators can stand up and watch several holes of golf at the same time. We are well positioned to ensure that the experience is the best it can be. "

To know more : https://www.rydercup.com/

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