According to the US PGA, the decision was made in co-ordination with the state of California and the city and county of San Francisco.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has changed his mind several times on the prospect of crowds attending sporting events, expressing pessimism towards the idea in April, but reversing course in late May. However, after initially containing the virus in spring, California has seen a dramatic surge in positive COVID-19 cases since the state’s reopening phases. On June 20 alone, the state reported more than 4,300 new cases of the virus. In the US overall, only New York has more total reported cases than California.
“We are both inspired and honored to ‘play on,’” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh in a statement. “In doing so, we will spotlight not only the beauty of TPC Harding Park, but the fortitude of San Francisco and its remarkable people. We’d like to thank the state of California and the city and county of San Francisco for being terrific partners in helping us get to this place. While the local community cannot be with us physically on-site, we will certainly carry their spirit of resilience and unity with us as we stage our major championship, on their behalf, for all the world to see and enjoy.”
In its statement, the PGA of America said those who purchased tickets directly from the PGA will be contacted for refunds.
The PGA Tour has already completed two events without fans, with the Travelers Championship, which is being held at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut, due to begin this Thursday (June 25), also without spectators present.