[Golf Topic] PGA Tour Houston Open "First Gallery Allowed Since COVID-19?"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○..."2,000 people per day."

The U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour announced on the 17th (Korean time) that "limited gallery attendance will be allowed at the Houston Open starting next month on the 6th." The Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas, is the battleground. Tickets for the 1st round on the 6th are $79, and tickets for the 2nd to 4th rounds from the 7th to the 9th are $109. The original schedule from the 13th to the 16th was moved up by one week due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Masters will continue from the 13th.

Health guidelines related to COVID-19 will be announced soon. According to regulations from the City of Houston, the tournament, and the PGA Tour, all essential personnel, volunteers, and fans must wear masks at all times except when consuming food or beverages. Giles Kibe, President of the Astros Golf Foundation, said, "We are really pleased to welcome fans at this year's Houston Open," emphasizing, "The health and safety of everyone visiting Houston is our top priority."

It is significant that this will be the first event in the U.S. to allow spectators since COVID-19. The PGA Tour was suspended after the first round of The Players Championship, known as the "fifth major," in March due to the spread of COVID-19, and resumed in June with the Charles Schwab Challenge, holding events without spectators. Outside the U.S., the Bermuda Championship will be held first on the night of the 29th at the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda. Tickets are already being sold through the official website.