The Memorial has used RFID for the last four years to monitor entrances and exits and identify choke points GETTY IMAGES
PGA Tour Memorial Tournament Exec Dir Dan Sullivan has "outlined a number of plans and safety measures" for this year's installment taking place July 16-19, including the "high-tech use of an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip in tournament badges to help maintain a healthy spacing of its patrons," according to Dave Shedloski of GOLF DIGEST. The Memorial has used the technology for the last four years to "monitor entrances and exits and identify choke points at Muirfield Village Golf Club," a factor that "could be the most important aspect of the tournament game plan." The chip "cannot ascertain an individual’s identity, just the location of the badge." Sullivan said that there will be a "handful of marshals on the grounds with the ability to track the RFID chips and react quickly to a potential problem area." Shedloski noted the first tournament "tentatively preparing to welcome spectators is the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill., the week preceding the Memorial." But there is "no guarantee that the Deere will be open to fans" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 5/9).
PROS & CONS: GOLF.com's weekly roundtable discussed the feasibility of having spectators at Tour events. GOLF.com's Dylan Dethier wrote, "I don’t see how it will be done safely at a large scale." GOLF.com's Josh Sens: "Seems like the potential risks outweigh the benefits." GOLF.com's Sean Zak: "If I had to guess, the guidelines for spectator access will be even more stringent than the Memorial is planning. These events definitely want fans there, but they also don’t want egg on their face." GOLF.com's Nick Piastowski: "Rule No. 1 on the plan, in bold and underlined and set at 100 point, should be if it’s not clear, if it’s risky, it’s a no-go. Let’s get this thing clear and be done with it" (GOLF.com, 5/10).
