It's official: PGA Championship staying put at TPC Harding Park, but with no fans

The PGA of America confirmed today that the show must go on — minus the fans. The 102nd PGA Championship remains scheduled for Aug. 6-9 at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. The decision to play golf’s first men’s major championship of 2020 without spectators was made in coordination with the state of California and the city and county of San Francisco.

“We are able to safely take this step toward reopening because of the ongoing sacrifices of our citizens, the continued committed work of our healthcare workers and the early action we took to battle COVID-19,” said San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed.

The San Francisco Chronicle first reported on June 17 that public health officials had approved plans to hold the event, but without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic. Daily attendance had been expected to approach 40,000.

“We are both inspired and honored to ‘play on.’ In doing so, we will spotlight not only the beauty of TPC Harding Park, but the fortitude of San Francisco and its remarkable people,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “While the local community cannot be with us physically on-site, we will certainly carry their spirit of resilience and unity with us as we stage our major championship, on their behalf, for all the world to see and enjoy.”

This year’s PGA will be the first on the West Coast since the event was held outside Seattle in 1998, and the first major in San Francisco since the 2012 U.S. Open at the Olympic Club. It also will serve as the first major of the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule in which the British Open was canceled and the U.S. Open delayed until September and the Masters until November. Prior to its postponement on March 17, the PGA Championship was originally scheduled for play May 14-17.

The PGA said that those who purchased tickets directly from the PGA of America will be contacted to facilitate refunds.