[Golf Topic] McIlroy: "I Wish There Were Crowds Like Clouds at the Ryder Cup~"

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…World No. 6 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland, photo) expressed his desire for a large crowd at the Ryder Cup, the intercontinental golf competition between the United States and Europe.

In an interview on the European Tour website on the 20th (Korean time), he said, "I hope that as many spectators as in previous years will attend the Ryder Cup held this September at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Wisconsin, USA." The Ryder Cup was originally scheduled for last year but was postponed for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most players and officials opposed holding the event without spectators, saying "a Ryder Cup without fans has no meaning."

This year, it is also expected to be difficult to have a large crowd. This is because the COVID-19 situation is unlikely to be completely resolved. However, limited spectator attendance is expected, similar to some tournaments such as the Masters and the Phoenix Open. McIlroy said, "With vaccinations starting, it seems like the end of a long tunnel is in sight," and added, "Even if it cannot be fully packed, I hope as many spectators as possible will come." He will participate in the European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship starting on the 21st.