There will be no fans at this year’s U.S. Women’s Open in Houston, the USGA has announced. The 75th edition of the tournament was moved from its original June dates to Dec. 10-13 at Champions Golf Club due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the PGA Tour’s Vivant Houston Open at Memorial Park plans to allow 2,000 fans on-site next month, Phil Mickelson said on Wednesday that the presence of spectators and increased risk might deter him from competing, given that the event is held the week before the Masters.
The U.S. Women’s Open is the penultimate event on the LPGA’s schedule, held the week before the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida. The LPGA has yet to allow fans on property since the tour restarted in July. The USGA also conducted the U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Open without spectators.
“Following extensive consultation with health officials, we have decided that hosting the U.S. Women’s Open without spectators will provide the best opportunity to conduct the championship safely for all involved,” said John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s senior managing director of Championships. “While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to welcome fans and their unmatched energy at Champions Golf Club, we know this is the right decision for the community and players.”
The field size will remain at 156 players, but due to restricted daylight hours, this year’s championship will be conducted over two courses – the Jackrabbit Course and Cypress Creek Course at Champions Golf Club.
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