USGA: No spectators permitted at U.S. Open

The 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot will be held without spectators, the USGA confirmed Wednesday in conjunction with the state of New York.

"Following months of consultation and scenario planning with local and state health officials, we have jointly decided that hosting the U.S. Open without spectators will provide the best opportunity to conduct the championship safely for all involved," USGA CEO Mike Davis said.

"We will miss the excitement of the fans and what their presence brings to the championship," he added. "We look forward to welcoming them again to future U.S. Opens."

The tournament was initially slated for June 18-21, but it was postponed until September due to coronavirus concerns. New York was a hot spot early in the pandemic, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in May he supported the state's sports teams coming back with restrictions on fans.

"We have come a long way in the fight against COVID-19, and I am so proud of New Yorkers, who rose to the occasion and bent the curve," Cuomo said. "I am pleased to welcome the USGA for the U.S. Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club this September, and while the tournament will look different this year with no fans and enhanced safety protocols, this event is a welcome sight for sports fans across the country and will help restore a sense of normalcy as we build back better than before."

Additional safety precautions will be taken at Winged Foot. Everyone will be tested upon arrival, and no one can enter the facilities until a negative test is produced, according to Golf Digest's Brian Wacker. The amount of rules officials and credentialed media will also be cut down significantly, Wacker adds.

This year's event will be the 120th edition of the U.S. Open, and the sixth time it's been hosted at Winged Foot.

Gary Woodland captured the prestigious title last year at Pebble Beach.