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It’s becoming more and more likely the U.S. Open will be played in August or September, according to two people who have direct knowledge of ongoing discussions about tournament preparations. They spoke to the Westchester Journal News on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
The two people noted the USGA’s desire to keep the championship at Winged Foot Golf Club unless state and local authorities deem the region unsafe.
An official announcement is expected in the next two weeks.
“We are working collaboratively with other golf organizations to determine how to proceed with the 2020 calendar of events,” USGA senior director of championship communications Beth Major said. “We’re all certainly looking forward to returning to golf, but only when it has been determined safe to do so. The top priority for each of us remains the safety and well-being with everyone involved with our championships and tournaments.”
The two unnamed people indicated the USGA prefers to stay at Winged Foot, which remains eager to host, but noted it has become increasingly doubtful the U.S. Open will be played on the original June 18-21 dates.
Other courses have reportedly been contacted about filling in on short notice should conditions in the New York area not improve. Oakmont Country Club and Pinehurst No. 2 are being discussed as alternatives, Golfweek has reported.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Westchester County Executive George Latimer would have input on the decision to postpone the event.
Winged Foot was shut down on Sunday evening when Cuomo’s executive order to close non-essential businesses went into effect. All construction in advance of the U.S. Open came to a halt a week ago. Only the protective bases that provide support for major infrastructure are in place.
“There are multiple variables that we need to consider, including the CDC and local guidelines,” USGA chief brand officer Craig Annis said Monday in response to the closure. “We are continuing to monitor the situation and making relevant contingency plans. … We simply did not want to put anyone at risk. 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.”
The coronavirus outbreak has already resulted in a postponement of the Masters, which had been scheduled for April 9-12 at Augusta National Golf Club, and the PGA Championship, which had been set for May 14-17 at the TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. The 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo were postponed to next year. The PGA Tour has canceled events through May 10.
The last time the U.S. Open was canceled was in 1945 due to World War II.
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