Harrington: Ryder Cup 'will not go ahead without spectators'

While the 2020 Ryder Cup remains scheduled for the end of September, European captain Padraig Harrington admitted that the event will only be played if fans can watch it in person.

"We are preparing to go ahead (in September) and the only thing that's going to change it is governments and the virus," Harrington said on Matt Adams' "Fairways of Life" show.

He added: "There is a general consensus, which might not have been clear at the start but it's very clear now: It will not go ahead without spectators."

Harrington believes that current travel restrictions could make it difficult for those planning to attend the event at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

"There will have to be freedom of movement at that stage for spectators to go and watch, and even players," he continued. "That's everything to do with government and the virus, and very little do with the Ryder Cup committee, and probably absolutely nothing to do with me as captain."

The PGA Tour recently sent a memo to its members stating that play could return this summer "with or without fans." Additionally, the PGA Championship, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 6, is "fully prepared" to proceed without spectators at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.

The Ryder Cup was the only event that wasn't rescheduled when the PGA Tour revised the rest of its 2020 calendar. The exhibition event is scheduled to begin Sept. 25.