DUBLIN – There will be no galleries at the 45th Memorial Tournament later this month.
Due to the rapidly changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, we, alongside the @PGATOUR and @Nationwide have made the decision to host the 2020 #theMemorial Tournament without fans on site.
For full details, please visit: https://t.co/TR4v6f3nTF pic.twitter.com/yS6KYCHsg6— the Memorial (@MemorialGolf) July 6, 2020
Officials with the PGA Tour and the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide announced Monday that “despite a robust health and safety plan and State of Ohio approval for limited patron attendance, the world-renowned event founded and hosted by Jack Nicklaus will instead be held without fans on site and with no pro-am, due to the rapidly changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a statement released by the tournament.
The Memorial was scheduled to be the first tournament with spectators since golf return from the COVID-19 pandemic-caused shutdown.
Governor Mike DeWine approved a plan for there to be 20% capacity at Muirfield Village but applauded the change of plan.
“The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide and the PGA TOUR have made the right decision in not allowing spectators to attend this year,” he said. “I know it was a difficult decision to make, but the organizers of the Memorial Tournament have put the health and safety of players and fans first.”
The news comes as many of the world’s best players arrive at Muirfield Village Golf Club for the Workday Charity Open this week, followed by the Memorial July 14-19.