Things are not great out in Phoenix as far as this Coronavirus pandemic goes. America’s highest infection rate exists there and city officials are asking baseball to delay or move its spring training.
But up steps the PGA Tour next week and there will be spectators at the Phoenix Open. This is the event where they pack ’em in year-after-year, especially in that band-box constructed around the par three 16th hole, where it looks like they’ve got 25,000 alcohol-infused fans screaming with all their might.
There won’t be as much action at 16 this year but they’re planning on putting 5,000 on the hole.
Not sure how happy the city is with those plans but it’s a big risk at best.
But such is the PGA Tour and it is already trying to figure out what to do with The Players in March (11-14). Right now it sounds like plans are to have 20 percent capacity at the Stadium Course for the Tour’s Flagship event.
The Players will have open-air venues for hospitality areas. They are also trying to figure out how to social distance people in food and beverage settings as well.
The Players will have digital ticketing (contactless commerce) along with altered food and beverage protocols. They’ve ditched the Military Appreciation Concert but will honor members of the armed forces during the week.
It’s basically a fluid situation and so much will depend on where the country stands pandemic-wise by mid-March.
Kamaiu Johnson Gets Exemption From Honda Classic:
Two days ago, Kamaiu Johnson had the huge disappoint of having to withdraw from the Farmers field after a positive COVID-19 test. He has been a standout on the Advocates Pro Golf Association tour, winning that circuit’s Tour Championship last season. What made things worse for Johnson was that his mother also tested positive back home outside Orlando. She was rushed to the hospital with breathing issues but her condition has improved.
While Johnson is stuck quarantined in a hotel room, he got some good news Thursday when officials at the Honda Classic announced that he was given an exemption into the March event at PGA National.
Johnson was replaced in the Farmers field by Willie Mack III, who was given an exemption into the Genesis. Mack shot a two-over par 74 Thursday on the South Course at Torrey Pines.
