Eight months after the resumption of the PGA Tour, stopped by the Covid-19 pandemic, the American circuit will welcome even more fans. The Waste Management Phoenix Open, which begins Thursday in the capital of Arizona, is expected to receive 5,000 – masked – spectators per day, more than double the quota allowed at the Houston Open last November.
– –
An already impressive number in a country very close to crossing the threshold of 450,000 dead from Covid-19, but well below its usual standards: 700,000 fans over the week in 2018, including 16,000 per day on the only hole n ° 16. This year, 2,000 seats will be available in this stadium steeped in noise and hops.
– –
First for Rory Mcllroy
On the game side, Rory McIlroy will discover the Phoenix Open for the first time. And the return of the public does not seem to be foreign to it. “The hardest part with the absence of fans is that everything seems trivial, confided the Northern Irishman a few days ago. We’re just there, playing, like it’s a practice game. It would be great to have even a reaction, an applause. “
– –
Five of the world’s top 10 members will be in attendance, including No.2 Jon Rahm, No.3 Justin Thomas and defending champion Webb Simpson. Current star Will Zalatoris, four top-10 this season with temporary green rights, will also be playing at TPC Scottsdale.
– – .
