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An executive order by Gov. Andrew Cuomo resulted in the indefinite closure of Winged Foot Golf Club and further complicated a decision facing the USGA regarding the future of the U.S. Open.
The organization expects to announce next month whether the championship will be contested June 18-21, postponed or canceled.
New York remains the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak, which took root in New Rochelle, some three miles from the gates of Winged Foot. The private 36-hole facility ceased operations Sunday evening.
“There are multiple variables that we need to consider, including the CDC and local guidelines,” USGA chief brand officer Craig Annis said Monday. “We are continuing to monitor the situation and making relevant contingency plans.
“We expect to make a decision sometime in the middle of April.”
The USGA staffers who had been working at Winged Foot are now sheltering in place at various locations in Westchester.
Preparations began to slow earlier this month and were halted altogether a week ago. Only the protective bases that provide support for major infrastructure are in place. No grandstands or hospitality structures have been erected.
“We simply did not want to put anyone at risk,” Annis said via email. “While construction onsite at Winged Foot has stopped for now, we are continuing to hold the dates for the U.S. Open in June and will monitor all available guidance and regulations from the CDC, WHO and other federal, state and local authorities to do what is in the best interests of the community.”
Finding a new date for the U.S. Open might be difficult with the Masters and PGA Championship already postponing. There will be a July 30-August 2 date available if the Olympics announced it is postponing the Games in Tokyo. It’s possible the U.S. Open would have to be scaled down if the situation improves enough in the coming weeks to play in June.
Winged Foot is allowed to have essential personnel on the grounds while the closure is in effect, allowing the grounds crew to maintain the West Course, which recently underwent an extensive restoration that highlights the original A.W. Tillinghast details.
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