Only In 2020: Push Cart Manufacturers Cautiously Optimistic About Ending Shortage

Picture a shady character opening up a trunk to reveal the loot. “I’ve got Sun Mountain, I’ve got Tour Trek, and I know a guy with some Stewart X9’s at cost.”

Yes, there is a lively second-hand market for push carts. Hello 2020!

Jonathan Wall at Golf.com reports on the end in sight for manufacturers who’ve been unable to meet the push cart demand that has led to sell-outs, silly second-hand prices and supply shortages:

Dynamic Brands, along with Hansen’s ProActive Sports Groups, the distributor of Clicgear and Rovic brands for USA and Mexico, have been in the same boat as nearly every other manufacturer in the golf equipment industry. Business has been good — really good. But a double-edged sword exists.

At the end of August, Golf Datatech, an independent market research firm, reported a record-breaking month for U.S. golf equipment sales in July, as total sales (on and off the course) soared to $388.6 million. It was the highest total since the company started tracking data in 1997.

Clicgear was already forecasting an increase in sales with the release of its Model 4.0 push-cart — its first new model in several years. What the company didn’t expect was how the pandemic would shape their business. With more golfers requesting push carts than ever before, Clicgear blew through its current supply of Model 4.0’s, along with the rest of its stock. They’ve been playing catch-up ever since with a deep backlog of orders.

Acushnet Job Fair: Golf's (Social) Distance Popularity Prompts Hiring Frenzy!

South Coast Today’s Kiernan Dunlop reports on Acushnet’s need to make around 200 hires to handle the surge in golf thanks to distance. That’s…social distance, not actual distance increases. Go figure!

Dunlop writes:

The open houses will continue into October and the company plans to hire over 200 people when all is said and done, according to Laurie Herbert, director of talent acquisition.

Golf has been a positive activity for people to partake in during the coronavirus pandemic, Chief People Officer for Titleist Brendan Reidy said, since it’s outdoors and allows for social distancing.

“We continued to see incredible demand for our products as we came out of the heart of the initial part of the pandemic,” Reidy said, “It has really effectively forced us to look at how we respond to that demand.”

During a time where unemployment and layoffs are rampant, mass hirings by companies seem to be a rarity.

“We’re privileged to be in a position where our business has turned around where we can continue to make these investments,” Reidy said, “To see that Acushnet [Company] is doing well and has come through 2020 in a positive way has really left a positive mark on people.”

Just think Wally, all that money spent on patents and Global Golf Post propaganda pieces to lobby against distance when it was another form of distance that spurring demand.

Either way, love the investment in American jobs and in the company. What a refreshing contrast to so many golf organizations and businesses slashing and burning their way into the future.

First World COVID-19 Dilemma: Should TV Help Find Lost Balls?

Twice during the Sky Sports/Golf Channel telecast of the Aberdeen Standard Scottish Open (at least that I saw) Lee Westwood was aided by television sharing the approximate coordinates of a lost ball. Both were found.

This prompted a tweet from European Legends Tour player David Shacklady that generated a wide variety of replies:

Nothing against Lee Westwood but for the 2nd time today sky TV and Ken Brown using replay to help find his ball yet even though they showed Lucas Herbert's drive go in the grass I never saw any TV replay to help him and he never found it.
How can this be fair?@SkySportsGolf pic.twitter.com/oNfdiKrh0b

— David Shacklady (@ShackersGolf) October 3, 2020

I didn’t think much of the assistance because television is part of the competition in so many different ways. Plus, only those devoid of a heart want to see an avoidable lost ball. (Though many commenters expressed delight in pros experiencing what we mere mortals go through.)

Since the fan-free return, Brooks Koepka predicted lost balls earlier this year and we did see two consequential ones created by Winged Foot’s rough. But this situation was different:

A) This is the most linksy course professional golf has visited since the restart, with lost balls more easily found due to the variety of grasses and other odd landmarks. (One of Westwood’s lost balls came down near some yellow wildflowers and a tree stump, which the Sky team relayed to the on-course reporter).

B) There was a view that one player, a likable veteran, received assistance because he’s a likable veteran, while another leader did not earn similar treatment. While happenstance is mostly likely the culprit, the inequitable treatment had a fair share demanding that television stay out of the proceedings in the name of fairness.

I don’t believe this is a Rules issue as much as it’s a philosophic question of what role should television play? With betting projected to become a prime revenue source and the fan based connected to the proceedings via capital, these weird little first world dilemmas take on a different edge with outside money on the line. We already know how upset viewers get when they perceive a slight when tallying up shots shown, so imagine if one player is seemingly helped more than another?

This topic may be moot when spectators return and any television assistance will return to its former role as the equivalent of fans identifying where a ball went. But for a while attendance will be light, cameras will still roll and I suspect, there will be a randomness to lost balls identified with the help of television.

"Industry Leaders On How Golf Might Take Advantage of Covid-Fueled Bump"

The National Golf Foundation reached to executives and a strong variety of leading figures in golf, with hopes of hearing how they view golf’s “opportunity” created by the pandemic.

While it’s mostly a lot of vapid corporatespeak (engage!) and light on specific ideas, I did enjoy this from Kemper Golf’s Steve Skinner.

These scream like the operational priorities to me, too:

-We must welcome juniors, families and new golfers with open arms. This includes creative ideas like free, 15-minute introductory lessons, junior rates and family tee times. We should also continue to create and renovate alternative courses (short course, par-3s and putting courses) and consider alternative types of formats (scrambles and team play, such as PGA Jr. League).

-We must consider seniors, who still represent the game’s most loyal players but fall into a higher risk category. Be sensitive to their needs and consider their behavior in operational protocols.

-Create an efficient food and beverage system for delivery and grab & go options. Expand to-go selections and consider app-based delivery services to guests on the course. Creating more outdoor dining spaces is also key to supporting a limited F&B system during this time.

Mooooo! Irish Open's Only Spectators Resist Social Distancing, Masks

Great stuff from the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open today—if you look past he lack of distancing and facial covering apparently just off the 14th hole at Galgorm Resort and Spa. Aaron Rai leads heading into the final round.

But the scenes just off the course got most of the broadcasters and social media attention Saturday, and why not:

Farming can wait when there's live golf on! 🤣 #DDFIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/KZo5CnTGvq

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2020

Watch golf. Farm later 😂#DDFIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/FnDz1kjarP

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 26, 2020

Update: pic.twitter.com/Oz4V7PrFMJ

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 26, 2020

"Mark Calcavecchia recounts COVID-19 ordeal as he returns to play"

ESPN.com’s Bob Harig talked to 13-time PGA Tour winner Mark Calcaveccia about his COVID-19 bout and efforts to get back to normal.

"It's the worst I ever felt," he said. "Every bone in my body hurt."

Calcavecchia can't pinpoint where he picked up the virus. And he said the fact that neither his wife, Brenda, nor any of the people he played with on a weeklong golf vacation in Nebraska (including two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen and tour pro Scott Dunlap), contracted COVID-19 is "a minor miracle."

He goes on to describe a harrowing cross-country journey with worsening conditions each day until heading to the hospital for testing and treatment.

Yale Golf Course Is (Finally) Back September 28th

The closure of an American gem ends September 28th when Yale Golf Course reemerges from an extended pandemic closure and ensuing deterioration.

Anthony Pioppi first reported the news of our nation’s top college course finally reopening for play long after almost all golf facilities have enjoyed upticks in play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to reader Tim for sending this compilation of photos and news items related to Yale in 2020. You’ll see some of the conditioning issues as well as efforts to get the CB Macdonald and Seth Raynor masterwork back in playing shape.

Uh, Ok Files: Old Course Hotel Claims American Golfers Less Likely To Hit One Sideways Than Scots

Thanks to reader Brian for this Caroline Wilson story where the Herald writer tells us American golfers are less likely to hit balls into the Old Course hotel than Scots.

This “news” comes as the hotel has filed for netting to protect the Jigger Inn’s outdoor revelers from incoming golf balls after all these years.

The five-star hotel, which is owned by Herb Kohler, a bathroom hardware magnate from the US, has historically had a problem with wayward balls hitting its walls and it seems Scottish golfers may be mostly to blame.

According to hotel bosses it is the American golfers who are able to add enough curl in their stroke to prevent it hitting the walls of the hotel, which borders the famous 17th ‘Road hole’. Scots golfers, are said to be more likely to hit the building.

A hotel source said: “They have to hit it over the green sheds which is part of the hotel. It is famous and notoriously difficult.”

And we know those Scots all just hit it a few feet off the ground!

The story does seem to be talking about a pair of different tasks here: hitting over the faux railway sheds from the Road hole tee, versus slicing one into the actual hotel.

This all came up because The Jigger Inn is far down the hole and more in play for a shanked second. Nonetheless, to protect outdoor diners while the indoor portion is off limits, they’ve asked Fife planners for permission to safeguard folks from the wayward Scottish golfers…

Plans for a 14 metre long and 4.7 metre high safety net have been submitted to Fife Council, with applicants the Old Course Limited formally requesting a temporary relaxation of planning permission to put the barrier up until at least November.

Normally specific planning consent would be required to put up a fence or wall exceeding two metres in height.

"Golf sees huge upswing with women and young adults"

Yahoo Finance’s Melody Hahm shares all sorts of amazing data on the upsurge in golf participation, lessons and sales.

It seems, again, that extra time and the safety of outdoor exercise in a beautiful setting is driving the boom and not any of golf’s PSA-fueled initiatives or the PGA Tour Commissioner’s claim of playing a part. Maybe that data is coming.

In the meantime, Hahm writes:

According to research from the National Golf Foundation, there have been notable increases in participation among juniors and beginners, along with returners, as golf has positioned itself as a healthy way to pass time during this crisis.

“The number of junior golfers (ages 6-17) could increase by as much as 20% this year, a potential COVID-related bump of a half million golfers by year’s end. During a time when many other activities were on hold, including youth sports in many instances, we’ve also seen increases in the number of beginning and returning golfers of about 20% during the first half of 2020,” NGF editorial director Erik Matuszewski told Yahoo Finance.

And this…

Nationally, rounds of golf were up 19.7% year-over-year in the month of July, marking the biggest increase ever for a high-volume summer month since NGF started monthly tracking in 2000. This reflects an increase of approximately 10 million more rounds than in July 2019. In August, rounds were up 3% nationwide over the same period in 2019, after climbing from a 16% year-to-date deficit on April 30.

Today In Golf COVID; Tour Reports No Positive Tests, Calc Reveals His Battle, Kisner Apologizes

If you were unaware of Saturday’s (mostly) social media goings on, a quick recap…

The PGA Tour reported no positive tests this week at the Safeway. That wonderful news tempered a bit by Mark Calcavecchia revealing on September 6th he tested positive and Tweeting Saturday that he is struggling with COVID-19.

Update from Covid-19 Ville. This shit is very real! And it sucks. I’ve never had so many symptoms hit me all at the same time. I keep moving around the house trying to escape it. Please be safe and wear ur mask. I thought I was but with this evil shit you never know 🤬🤬🤬🤬

— Mark Calcavecchia (@MarkCalc) September 12, 2020

The former Open Champion is the second known full-time Champions Tour player to have tested positive for COVID-19 and he deserves plenty of kudos for his disclosure despite still suffering from serious side effects.

Hang in there Calc and wife/caddie Brenda.

This news was juxtaposed by three-time winner and PGA Tour Policy Board member Kevin Kisner responding to a Tweet in crass fashion. The suggesting former Kentucky basketball star’s family brought the virus on themselves, only to delete and apologize. But only after significant backlash and some unfortunate “likes” from fellow pro golfers.

The screenshot of the original since-deleted Tweet and Kisner’s insensitive reply is embedded above.

The apology Tweet did sound like Kisner and was not appreciated by Chapman.

Earlier this morning, I made a reckless comment. I diminished the real experience of pain and loss suffered by many during the pandemic. I am not without empathy, but I certainly exercised poor judgement. I apologize to @RexChapman and anyone else that was hurt by my comment.

— Kevin Kisner (@K_Kisner) September 12, 2020

Not accepted. Done with people like you. We all are.

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) September 12, 2020

The PGA Tour issued a flaccid, unsigned condemnation despite Kisner’s prominent role in the Tour’s pandemic response as a Policy Board member. He’s also one of nine votes on a variety of matters including executive compensation.

From Bob Harig’s ESPN.com report on the social media dust-up.

"We found Kevin's comment this morning to be both disappointing and out of character," the statement said. "His remarks do not reflect the nature of our sport or organization, both of which strive to offer compassion and unity. We were pleased to see Kevin take ownership of the situation and have since spoken to him directly.''

Last week Kisner suggested a return of fans was needed because revenues were not the same.

2.4: 2020 Tour Championship Ratings Down But In Line With Return Events

Monday’s final round of the Tour Championship on NBC drew a 2.4 rating, essentially the same as the previous week’s BMW (2.23). However, that event finished later in the day and on a Sunday. It also featured arguably the most spectacular late dramatics since Tiger’s 2019 Masters win.

But the Tour Championship is also supposed to be the culmination of the PLAYOFFS(C) and now features an easier-to-follow, if flawed, format. Drawing a number consistent with other “Return to Golf” events might be disappointing to the event backers.

Also, TV folks say Labor Day Monday is generally tougher for ratings in normal times. Yet with fewer people traveling, not as many kids returning to school and absolutely no significant sports competition that day, this year’s edition seemed primed for a large audience.

The rating could be seen as a positive given that a fan-free East Lake was even more mojo-free than normal and the event lacked certain ratings draws.

Ratings positives courtesy of NBC and Golf Channel:

Monday Final Round on NBC:

• Linear viewership (not TAD) for the final group’s back nine commercial-free stretch (3-6 p.m. ET, 4.007 million) down 9% vs. ‘19 (4.381 million).

Across four days:

• Tour Championship live coverage across Golf Channel and NBC (2.000 million), +37% vs. 2019

• Event average (Friday through Monday) on Golf Channel and NBC sees 2020 become second most-watched Tour Championship (behind ‘18) over past 20 years (2000-‘20). 

  • Most-watched with persons 25-54 since ‘12.

The Friday-to-Monday setup this year did allow Golf Channel to boast about Saturday’s second round cable ratings, even if the comparison wasn’t a perfect one given last year’s traditional Thursday-Sunday, non-pandemic situation.

The bigger question: if this is the second most-watched Tour Championship for the Golf Channel portion in twenty years, maybe the format and course still needs to be reviewed? Say, actual play-offs in the form of a 36-hole cut (with a sudden death playoff to advance) and another after 54 that injects just a bit more drama?

I realize such an idea means shaming players who have to go home early and, in normal times, giving fans fewer golfers to watch on site. But if this event wants to carry the playoff moniker, something (still) has to be done or else it will just rate like any old tournament.

Pinehurst Gets Five U.S. Opens As USGA "Accelerates" Strategy To Stage At "Iconic Venues"

Since we’ve had some idea what was coming—state funded incentives to bring more tournaments and USGA facilities to North Carolina—the main headline for golf fans involves the acceleration of a U.S. Open rota, as noted in the press release below. The positives are obvious: more regular returns to great venues, the downside being the excitement and intrigue that comes from occasional visits to a Merion, Los Angeles Country Club or Bethpage.

For Immediate Release…with interruptions.

USGA Announces Plans for Golf House Pinehurst, Test Center and 
Five U.S. Open Championships at Pinehurst

Agreement establishes a golf innovation hub in North Carolina and the
organization’s first U.S. Open anchor site  

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (Sept. 9, 2020) – In an effort to expand its impact in golf and extend its mission to champion and advance the game, the USGA will establish “Golf House Pinehurst” in North Carolina, to include a new equipment-testing facility, innovation hub, museum/visitor center and offices by 2023, and host five U.S. Open Championships in the golf-rich state by 2047.

Is the innovation hub is where they come up with a tournament ball allowing Pinehurst No. 2 to be relevant again for one of those U.S. Opens well into the future?

The announcement adds four U.S. Open Championships to be contested on the famed Pinehurst No. 2 course – in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047 – to the already scheduled 2024 event. The decision accelerates the USGA’s strategy to stage its premier golf championship at America’s most iconic venues with greater frequency. By doing so, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club will serve as the USGA’s first anchor site for the U.S. Open.

Anchor site: that’s American for rota.

“There is no better place for the USGA to plant new roots than the Home of American Golf,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “Thanks to the vision of North Carolina, Moore County and Pinehurst leaders, we are taking a bold step forward and forging a long-term commitment that will elevate our championships, foster greater innovation in golf, and ultimately help grow the game.”

The innovation word again. Rulemakers are innovators? Turfgrass research and the Green Section, absolutely. Otherwise…

“The USGA’s North Carolina history in golf is legendary, from Arnold Palmer to Webb Simpson, and we welcome this new chapter in golf history with the USGA’s new hub in Pinehurst,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

From Arnold to Webb.

“We welcome the USGA’s selection of our state for this significant new component of its operations and new jobs, and look forward to growing with the game across North Carolina.”

Ding, ding, ding! We have our first grow the game.

“The USGA’s plans for this significant new presence in Pinehurst elevates the Village’s reputation in the golf world and enhances North Carolina’s prestige as a destination for both businesses and tourists,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland. “Today’s news will add new energy to the leisure and hospitality services and significantly contribute to the long-term recovery of that important segment of our economy.”

I’m sure the bookings have overwhelmed the operators standing by.

The plan, conceived over the last several years, came to fruition through a comprehensive economic development effort that involved representatives from the North Carolina General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, the Department of Commerce, Moore County, the Village of Pinehurst and economic development experts. 

The total $25 million investment over the next several years includes the construction of two buildings to be located near the clubhouse on the historic Pinehurst Resort property, housing 50 full-time USGA staff members. 

The campus will feature the USGA’s Equipment Standards Test Center – a laboratory dedicated to testing golf balls and clubs for conformance to the Rules of Golf. It will replace the current facility on the USGA’s Liberty Corner campus and enable significant new investment in advanced technology required to perform this global governance function.

They won’t get outsmarted by the manufacturers thanks to this new lab?

Pinehurst will also serve as the USGA’s base for its work to advance the game of golf through innovation, research and science, in collaboration with some of the state’s leading universities. 

A USGA Golf Museum experience will also be added, giving visitors a chance to delve into the association’s premier collection of golf artifacts and connect them more deeply with the game’s rich history. 

Here, here, the best part of this announcement given the Village of Pinehurst’s charm, heritage and the likelihood visitors there should enjoy the museum’s offerings.

Independent studies estimate that the total economic impact of the USGA’s long-term presence will exceed $2 billion to the state of North Carolina. More than 1 million visitors travel to Pinehurst annually. 

The USGA, the Village of Pinehurst and Pinehurst Resort all celebrate their 125th anniversaries this year.  

“The USGA and Pinehurst Resort have a deep and storied history of partnering to foster the game of golf and crown its greatest champions,” said Bob Dedman, Jr., speaking on behalf of the Dedman family, which owns Pinehurst Resort. “We are honored to be selected as the U.S. Open’s first anchor site, an unprecedented distinction and testament to Pinehurst No. 2’s legacy and future as a championship test for the world’s greatest golfers.” 

Since it was a tad dusty and a “distant” spectating experience last time around, hopefully a water truck is purchase number one. And money for those pricey new back tees needed on No. 2 to offset all the innovation created next to the course.

“While so much of the game’s history is rooted in timeless traditions, both the USGA and Pinehurst have embraced innovation in golf course architecture, agronomy, equipment design, player development and the Rules of the game,” added Dedman.

“We’re excited to work with the USGA as they create leading edge equipment and training facilities to advance the game, as well as a new visitor center to link the past to the present and future.”

It’ll be interesting to see what constitutes “leading edge equipment and training facilities to advance the game.” As noted here, it sure sounds like the USGA is becoming a grow-the-golf-business organization. What could go wrong?

In addition to four newly scheduled U.S. Opens, the USGA will bring its other premier championships to the state at an increased rate, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women’s Amateur, U.S. Junior and U.S. Girls’ Junior. 

Increased championship frequency will allow the USGA and Pinehurst to make future investments that will enhance the association’s ability to create a first-class player, corporate partner, fan, volunteer and media championship experience.

Water truck! Binoculars to see the golf!

The streamlining of operating costs due to the permanent presence will also allow the USGA to increase its annual investment in the game. 

North Carolina has hosted 33 USGA championships since 1955, including last year’s U.S. Amateur Championship at Pinehurst Resort. The 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship will be conducted at the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open will be played at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in nearby Southern Pines before the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst No. 2 for its fourth playing in 2024. 

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2022. Formal design plans are not complete; however, the new buildings will be no more than two stories tall and reflect the aesthetic of the village and Pinehurst Resort.  

USGA staffers based in Pinehurst will include members of the championship operations, Research and Test Center and Green Section teams. The number represents approximately 15 percent of the USGA’s current workforce and will include some of the game’s foremost scientific and golf management experts. 

At least, the ones who didn’t take the buyouts last year.

The administrative building in Pinehurst will feature educational exhibits and memorabilia from the USGA Golf Museum and Library in Liberty Corner, which serves as the primary repository of golf history and learning in the world.

The majority of USGA staff will continue to be based at the association’s main campus in New Jersey.

On a serious note: all of this talk of innovation, growing the game, building a future comes during a pandemic when play is up largely for two reasons that have little to do with innovation, tournament golf, technology and other grow the game nonsense: time and outdoor physical distancing.

So spend away and innovate away, but remember, golf is thriving because folks have more time to take up something safe and outdoors.

Next Week's Champions Event In Sioux Falls Welcoming Fans Back With Plenty Of Precautions

Golfweek.com’s Adam Schupak reports on the Sanford International (September 11-13) becoming the first COVID-19 era event to welcome back the paying public.

Played at Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s Minnehaha Country Club the event is sponsored by the PGA Tour’s official COVID-19 testing partner and while typically well-attended, will be playing it extra things carefully knowing they are the first.

Schupak spoke to tournament director Hollis Cavner and writes:

All spectators are encouraged to take their own temperature before heading to the tournament. Upon arrival, FDA approved non-contact wrist thermometers will be utilized at each parking lot prior to spectators getting on a shuttle bus. Temperature checks will also take place at the main entrance for those that arrive without taking a shuttle. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will be turned away and asked to seek medical attention.

Fans will be given free masks, if needed, as well as gloves, if requested. The golf course has been roped so fans won’t be able to get as close to the players as usual. Stationary hand sanitizer units will be placed at entrances to public bleachers, hospitality structures, and the clubhouse. Portolets and restroom trailers will each be equipped with sanitizer pumps and handwashing stations as well. For the safety of the players and gallery members alike, autographs will be prohibited.

“We’re on 250 acres. Spacing people on 250 acres is like 12 people inside a Super Wal-Mart,” Cavner said. “We’re the guinea pig for bringing people back to golf with live crowds, so we’ve gone overboard to make sure we don’t have any issues.”

Not likely to be welcome at the tournament: retired company founder T. Denny Sanford, who is currently under investigation.

"How the PGA Tour resumed its season, navigated a pandemic and played its way to the Tour Championship"

There’s a lot of sound recap info from Brian Wacker at GolfDigest.com explaining how the PGA Tour has made it to the 2020 Tour Championship in a pandemic. With a large, often unwieldy band of egomaniacs to coral, it’s hard to imagine a better outcome for pro golf’s return after June’s inevitable rocky restart.

Yet in reading the piece, it’s also quite easy to imagine how the PGA Tour needs to remain vigilant both with safety practices, scheduling and welcoming back fans. The early wake up call is a good reminder of how things evolved:

Having a plan helped. And while it wasn’t without its holes, continued adjustments made a difference. One such change included an update during the Travelers that a player would not be eligible for the tour’s $100,000 stipend if he tested positive after not following the outlined safety protocols. Monahan emphasized that the onus was on everyone involved and said, “We need you to do your part.”

It was a wake-up call, indeed. And, for the most part, the players, caddies and all involved got the message.

As Wacker notes, the lack of a positive test in some time might also be a result of players taking the at-home tests before boarding a plane.

While some unidentified players, according to multiple sources, have tested positive at home in recent weeks and as a result did no play again until returning a negative result, no one has tested positive on site at a tournament in nearly a month. The tour hasn’t canceled any more tournaments, and earlier this week, Monahan unveiled a robust 50-tournament schedule for its 2020-’21 season that will begin next week in California.

Could this explain the epidemic of back injury WD’s in recent weeks? We’ll never know but ultimately, if players isolated and did not infect others on planes, airports, hotels or on the PGA Tour, then the system worked. Perfect, it is not. But six months into the pandemic, imperfect is more than acceptable compared to the alternative.

Kisner: "Without the fans, the tournaments aren't the same. The revenues aren't the same."

Well he’s certainly not wrong.

Kevin Kisner, as quoted by Rex Hoggard at GolfChannel.com on the eve of the $45 million Tour Championship.

“We need the fans back. Without the fans, the tournaments aren't the same. The revenues aren't the same,” said Kevin Kisner, one of four player directors on the Tour’s policy board. “We need them back.”

As a player director he’s privy to more numbers than the rest of us, so there is no reason to doubt him. Still, the Tour’s commissioner outlined a robust charitable outlay vision yesterday while holding firm on purses while others cut back. It’s hard to imagine ticket sales will aid as much as taking a million off a purse here and there. But it’s nice to see Kisner misses fans, as do most players and TV audiences.