Watson backs Tour's plan to restart in June: 'I like the initiative'

While most of the sports world is still on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bubba Watson supports the PGA Tour's decision to plan a revised schedule that would see golf return on June 11.

"I think it's plenty of time looking forward," Watson told Todd Lewis of Golf Channel. "I think (commissioner) Jay Monahan and the staff at the PGA Tour did an amazing job. ... I like the initiative to go ahead and set the schedule."

The PGA Tour also announced that the first four events of the restarted 2019-20 campaign will be played without fans in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

However, it's unclear if players, caddies, and those involved with the events will be required to undergo mandatory testing for the virus prior to gaining access. When asked if he'd play without mandatory testing, Watson indicated it would be no big deal.

"Yeah, I can always stay way away from you. I hit it in the trees a lot and a lot of people hit the fairway," the two-time Masters champion joked. "I can stay away from you, I don't have to shake your hand. ... There's ways to always be protected to the best of our abilities."

Watson added he's looking forward to practicing again and providing entertainment for fans once play resumes. The PGA Tour season was halted on March 12 after Round 1 of The Players Championship.