There were just smatterings of applause from volunteers, playing partners and caddiesGETTY IMAGES
The most noticeable part about the PGA Tour's return Thursday at the Charles Schwab Challenge "was the silence" at the fan-less event, as the "collective hush was eerily deafening," according to Brad Townsend of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. There were just “smatterings of applause -- from tournament volunteers and sometimes playing partners and caddies” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/12). GOLFWEEK’s Steve DiMeglio noted the loudest sounds during Thursday’s first round “came from birds instead of spectators, who are not allowed for the first four PGA Tour events.” Also audible were the “soft tones of congratulations from player to player after good shots and good putts.” First-round co-leader Justin Rose said, “It’s a bit of a strange situation for sure. It kind of feels like a competitive practice round.” Phil Mickelson: “It’s certainly awkward not having everybody out here, but I’m certainly proud of the steps the PGA Tour has taken to have everybody be safe, feel safe in this environment and to hopefully entertain and have some people watching on TV even though they’re not here” (GOLFWEEK.com, 6/11). Bryson DeChambeau said that the fan-less experience "reminded him of a United States Open qualifier" where players are "followed by family members or no one at all." DeChambeau: “It was interesting but nice to not have to worry about anybody saying something weird” (N.Y. TIMES, 6/12).
SMILE FOR THE CAMERAS: In Ft. Worth, Drew Davison notes it was a “bizarre scene to witness the top three players in the world -- Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka -- paired together and only a dozen cameras and media members following them.” A “handful of fans stood outside the fence lines and on makeshift grandstands on neighboring homes to catch a glimpse of the action.” However, those moments “were few and far between,” as this is “clearly a made-for-TV event” (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 6/12). GOLF DIGEST’s Kevin Robbins noted a “bunch of revelers occupied a deck outside a stucco house with a tile roof on the street” near the 15th hole, and they could be heard “now and again out on the course.” Additionally, fans at another house “perched above the tee at the par-3 16th ... chanted the names of players as they approached.” Robbins: “They were loud and reassuring to hear” (GOLFDIGEST.com, 6/11).
UNDER CLOSE WATCH: In Toronto, Damien Cox notes PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and his players “knew all eyes would be upon them at the Colonial and watching for any mistakes they might make,” and some were made. Caddies handled flagsticks “the same as always,” while players “reached into the cup to retrieve their own golf balls and exchanged clubs freely with their caddies.” People also “did seem to be standing awfully close at times in the Texas sun.” McIlroy said, “I’d say for the viewing public just to give the players and caddies a little bit of leeway if they see something on TV that isn’t quite right. We’re having to figure it out as we go along, as well” (TORONTO STAR, 6/12). GOLF CHANNEL’s Rex Hoggard noted players and caddies “will need some time to adjust to the new COVID-19 golf etiquette” if Thursday’s play at the Charles Schwab Challenge is any indication (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 6/11). The MORNING NEWS’ Townsend noted career-long habits “are difficult to break” and sterilizing golf “won’t happen overnight, as athletes in other sports will learn when their leagues attempt returns in the coming weeks and months” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/12).
GOOD TO BE BACK: In N.Y., Mark Cannizzaro notes it "didn’t really matter who was playing or who was leading" after Thursday's round, as just the fact that the PGA Tour was holding a "real, live sporting event with a result in the balance ... was a welcome sight" (N.Y. POST, 6/12).
