2021: Desert's American Express To Be Spectator Free, Pro-Am Format Salvaged

Larry Bohannan details quite a bit about the American Express (aka Bob Hope Classic) confirming a lack of spectators at the 2021 playing. The third PGA Tour event on the 2021 portion of the schedule was able to save its pro-am format, a significant source of charitable income.

Under the county’s current purple tier for reopening, the most restrictive of four state color-coded tiers, live sports can be played but without spectators. The LPGA’s ANA Inspiration was played in September in Rancho Mirage under the purple tier. That women's tournament did allow fans who live in homes around the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club to watch the event from their backyards, something that will also be true at the American Express.

Oh and I can’t wait for the banners this year.

The tournament will, however suffer a huge setback both for its finances and momentum with its popular weekend concerts being put on hold:

While the tournament statement made no mention of the two nights of concerts that are part of the event, no ticketed spectators means no onsite concerts, too.The two concerts in 2020 featured rock legends Stevie Nicks on Friday and country star Luke Bryan on Saturday.Crowd estimate were from 18,000 to 20,000 a night for the concerts, with tickets on those days selling for $50 each.

While not a shock, the PGA Tour’s pre-Florida swings appear destined to be played without spectators,