This is the week golf will feel it the most.
The eerie stillness that comes without spectators.
The eerie sound of silence around tee boxes and greens as the best players in the world do the otherworldly things they do with the golf ball.
Since the PGA Tour resumed in June after a pandemic hiatus of about three months, we’ve gotten a little used to not having fans at golf tournaments and other sporting events. It has become an unsatisfactory, but necessary, part of the world we live in.
But he will hit more golf than ever at this week’s US Open – more than he did in the previous 14 weeks the PGA Tour played without fans. Because this is New York and we are more vocal and vibrant in New York than other places where sports are practiced.
New York expresses itself in a different, more animated and opinionated way than Wisconsin or Michigan or Pennsylvania or even California.
Winged Foot, in non-COVID-19 circumstances, was buzzing this week with an estimated 45,000 spectators per day roaming the grounds and expressing their approval and disapproval.
Instead, when Tiger Woods is introduced at 8:07 on Thursday morning on the first tee as champion of the 2000, 2002 and 2008 US Open and all you hear is the sound of morning crickets, it will be more jarring than ever.
Wherever Phil Mickelson goes, flattery follows. In New York, it is more pronounced and enlarged. Despite being from San Diego, we in New York treat him like he’s one of our own, a local public golf guy who slept overnight in the Bethpage parking lot to score a weekend tee time on the Black Course.
“The way people treat me here is second to none, so I’m going to miss having people here this week,” Mickelson said.
“I miss the energy and just the positivity that fans bring and just that electricity,” Woods said. “It’s something I’ve been playing for over two decades. I was lucky enough to be part of it.
“This area has some of the best golf courses on the planet, but also what makes you come here and be a part of these events is the fans and the energy this whole area brings. They love sports. It’s a shame we won’t have that vibe here this week in particular. ”
Justin Thomas, world number 3, said last month’s PGA championship at Harding Park “felt nothing remotely close to a major” with no spectators.
“It’s a shame because Harding and there are only two fantastic major league venues here, especially here in New York with the very passionate fans they have here,” said Thomas. “Not being able to have an experience that takes away much of a championship, let alone a US Open. Especially going down the last nine and Sunday will have a big impact. I know I miss them and I wish they could be out here. ”
Some players, including reigning US Open champion Gary Woodland, struggled with the flat atmosphere in tournaments.
“Without fans in the past couple of months it has been sometimes difficult to get energy and get things moving,” Woodland said. “I’ve been struggling with the past couple of months. But this week I’m thrilled that as a reigning champion I have some excitement, I have some energy and I hope I can ride it.” ‘
Rory McIlroy was transparent during his return to golf saying that he had a hard time keeping his focus in spectatorless events, allowing his mind to wander during tournaments. His results since the restart reflected that with only one top 10 finish in the nine events he has played.
“I’m used to it now,” McIlroy said. “It took me a while to get used to not having fans. But nowadays it has become the norm. Look, it’s different. I would like us to play in front of the fans, especially here in New York. It’s a different welcome than you get in most other places in the country. ”
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