![]() The initial plan for 2021 was to move them to the South, like they are for the annual PGA Tour stop. In 2008, it had all the hospitality venues. I have no idea what it’s going to look like now.” But outside the ropes is still yet to be determined and probably is not going to be finalized for a while. “The big issue,” Marney said, “is we kind of know inside the ropes what we’re working toward and what kind of playing surface that can be anticipated. That tournament has been moved to July 27-August 1, which, Marney says, offers “similar conditions but not exactly the same.” The plan was to test the new toys on June conditions - different from the Farmers Insurance Open in late January in that fairways go from overseeded ryegrass to kikuyu - by hosting the California State Amateur Championship this week. Less visible was what happened underground, installing a modern irrigation system with 2,500 sprinkler heads that can be controlled individually by computer. The course underwent a facelift last year designed by “Open Doctor” Rees Jones that added a cross bunker on 9, lengthened 10 and 15, moved the tee box and narrowed the fairway at 17. “We know the ballpark of what they want.” “We have ideas of what they want,” Marney said. The USGA will meet with Marney’s team next spring to finalize details about playing conditions - green speeds, moisture levels, rough height, fairway width. The tournament ends, bleachers are removed, the course reopens to 18-handicappers. ![]() Twilight play is limited in the run-up to the tournament, carts are restricted to paths six weeks out, the course closes two weeks out - that’s it. Grass turned brown.īy comparison, the impact on the South Course is minimal. Temporary gravel and asphalt roads were built. When the Open was there in 2008, massive corporate hospitality was located on the 10 th fairway and elsewhere across the North Course.Ĭart paths were torn up. The ninth hole is converted into a short game practice area. A multitiered driving range is erected across the adjacent fairways of the first and 18 th holes. Open is the North Course, less punishing and more popular among residents, is essentially sacrificed for six months to accommodate the circus coming to town. Open begins, there’s a chance even more fans could be accommodated.Ī USGA official did not return a call seeking comment.The great concession for hosting a U.S. Gavin Newsom planning to allow the state to be fully reopened June 15, two days before the U.S. The most recent estimate is that crowds approaching 10,000 a day will be allowed in. Emails were sent to USGA members, who were offered the opportunity to purchase two tickets for one day of the event. Last week, additional tickets were made available. When it was determined that wouldn’t be the case, refunds were issued and fans were reticketed. USGA originally sold tickets to the event in September, when it was anticipated the country would be through the pandemic enough to accommodate a larger crowd. Last month, a USGA official estimated that 4,000 to 4,500 fans - as well as 3,000 workers - would be allowed on the grounds each day. USGA has emphasized that anyone attending the event will be required to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus or a recent negative test. We don’t know where that number is, but we’re excited to have fans.” ![]() “It’s finding that sweet spot of accessibility and safety, and that’s where we’ll land. At some point, even if we’re able to have thousands and thousands of fans, there will be a set number that we think we’ll be able to accommodate safely, which will be important to us. “We’re not a stadium, so we don’t have designated seats. “As the state starts to open up, we’re going to do our best to accommodate even more fans. Golf Association, said during a recent visit to Torrey Pines. “It’s going to be a moving target,” Craig Annis, chief branding officer for the U.S. How many? That’s a good - and fluid - question. Open will allow spectators, though it will be a fraction of the record 295,000 who attended the 2008 event. The restrictions have been relaxed over the past four months. (Kirk Kenney / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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