The Players: Why spectator ban at TPC Sawgrass is no surprise
Friday 13 March 2020 02:50, UK
Ewen Murray reflects on the Players Championship being completed without spectators and the implications it could have for the golfers.
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It came to no surprise to us that the PGA Tour decided not to allow spectators in for the remainder of the tournament. It's not a golf problem, it's a world problem.
I think we should all take the instructions seriously and do what we need to do to reduce the chances of being impacted by the Coronavirus, then infecting those around us.
What we will see in the coming weeks across all sports, not just golf, is just how much of a significant part the fans play in making sport such an enjoyable viewing experience. People will make an albatross or a hole-in-one and it's the noise that makes these moments even more special.
That is something we'll have to get used to and something commentators will need to adapt to, as you haven't got the applause and you haven't got the pictures of spectators looking happy.
The Players Championship Live
It's going to be very difficult, but it is what it is and there's not a lot we can do about it. The Players is up there with the best events in golf and sits just below the majors, with the fans always playing a massive part in that.
There would have been an argument to postpone the event, given the importance of the fans and the fact that so many sports have suspended their own schedules. We will get through this difficult time, it's just the matter of how long it will take to get everything right again.
Only essential people will be allowed to be at the course for the remainder of the tournament and although the majority of those are golf fans, they're not here as fans and are here doing a job.
TPC Sawgrass is going to resemble a ghost golf course over the next few days and that's going to be difficult for the players, because they feed off the atmosphere and the enjoyment of those watching.
The Players Championship Live
There will be some players who will now stand at the 17th tee and be thrilled there is nobody there, but I think the world's top players - who thrive under pressure - will really miss the atmosphere of it all. It's going to be challenging and they're certainly going to have to concentrate more.
Watch the Players Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Friday from 11.30am on Sky Sports' dedicated channel - Sky Sports The Players.
