This week’s Phoenix Open is expected to welcome a limited number of spectators to TPC Scottsdale with mandatory Covid-19 guidelines in place for those attending.
In what is traditionally known as one of the most vocal and congested golf events on the PGA Tour, organisers are enforcing strict rules for all the fans.
The notorious 16th hole will not be as packed as usual, no doubt resulting in a much-different atmosphere at the famous par three.
Only the top deck of the stands around the hole will be open for the number of spectators in attendance.
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‘We’re very encouraged and very thankful that our community came right in and bought all the general admission tickets,’ said tournament director Scott Jenkins.
‘Friday and Saturday were gone in about 12 hours. It’s been a long year for everyone, not just on the Waste Management Phoenix Open front. It’s been a long year for our country. I’m happy we’re about 25 days away. It’s taken a lot of different shapes and planning but we think we have a really good plan in place and we’re going to execute on it.’
As has become customary at many sporting events across the world, face cut-outs of golf fans will also be placed around the 16th hole to simulate a famous feel.
‘Normally our 16th hole is three stories, houses 16,000 people. This year it’s one story, still yet to determine how many people we’re going to have in there, but obviously much reduced. The other thing is typically in a normal year, you’re able to walk around the entire 16th hole. This year we’ve divided it into four different sections and you’ll be restricted to your section. That’s all Covid-19 protocol. Mandatory masks,’ Jenkins added.
Webb Simpson will be out to defend his title at the event this week after an impressive playoff victory over Tony Finau last year.
Rory McIlroy will make his first appearance at the Phoenix Open, while a whole host of Tour regulars will battle it out in Arizona.
