I'm not surprised. I'm actually starting to like the no spectator golf. I like hearing the discussions between player & caddie.

It’s definitely different but I enjoy hearing the conversations between players and player/caddies. It’s weird seeing a 50 foot putt drop that’s followed by a 24 foot putt
In a playoff and not hearing the crowds going crazy but I’m okay with it. I can see where the Tour is coming from with their decision.

Personally I find it much more enjoyable to watch at home without hearing “in the hole” a million times by spectators

I’ll take no fans over no golf any day of the week

Really enjoying no spectator golf.

Adds something new to the game. The players do not have to worry about yahoos yelling or interference when they are playing. Now they can totally focus. I like it. Now if we can get the announcers to talk less about nothing. With respect.

Better no fans than no golf. I'll bet if you asked the players off camera, most probably don't mind no fans, especially the drunks and middle of the backswing picture takers.

Im glad they chose to do that, bringing fans was an unnecessary risk to the players and tour staff that would put the rest of this season at risk. No fans is different, ill give you that, but now we should be able to get through the next 2 months and a few majors without a serious breakout amongst the worlds best players. hopefully...

I like it for some reasons (more audio of player-caddie conversations, pace of play seems faster), but I think it will be especially strange to watch Tiger with no crowd buzz or galleries this week.

I'm interested to see how he reacts. It seems like most tour players are accustomed to light galleries a couple of times a week, during early rounds or when they are outside the top 10 or 20 on the weekend. But Tiger draws a crowd no matter what.

Really enjoy hearing the conversations between caddy and player. I DO NOT miss the fans yelling stupid remarks when a player hits a shot/putt. This entire no fans allowed is really refreshing. I have yet to hear the players make in-depth comments about all of this. But then they are probably glad just to be playing!

As of July 16th -

The U.S. Open is Sept. 17-20 at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, N.Y. The USGA, which is still hoping to have limited fans, told GOLF.com last week that it “continues to work through different scenarios in order to conduct the best and safest championship for everyone involved. We are working with the state of New York and the Governor’s office and hope to confirm our final plan regarding on-site attendance soon.”

The Masters (Nov. 12-15) has not made any announcement about fans.

Having fans on site, even for the major championships, seems like an unnecessary risk at this point. None of us want to see any more events canceled. I would rather watch a US open without fans than have the US open allow 5000 or whatever arbitrary number ppl to come in, spread the virus around to 30-40 players or caddies/staff and then shut down the rest of the season and the masters (if it happens) Thats just my initial thought. Seems like the tour has done a good job so far of containing the spread amongst players and staff.

I doubt fans will be at the US Open but a few well-connected people might get through the gates at Augusta. Sometimes (most times?) the rules are different for the rich and famous...but I'll be content to watch from my recliner!

That's an interesting point Lance. The Masters is the only tournament they play that is not administered by the PGA Tour, PGA of America, or the USGA. It's the one independent event so they can pretty much do anything they want to as a private club, within the laws of the State of Georgia and pressures of public opinion. I suspect that the general public will not be invited but that some Augusta club members will be there.

It was a bit weird to hear Tiger’s name announced on the 1st tee Thursday without the usual roar from the fans. That being said, I’m really enjoying watching without the fans. I heard a Tiger interview where he was asked about it and said it was different not being guided around the course by marshals. As long as I get to watch golf, it being without fans is fine with me.

I've come to really like it, but do miss going to tournaments!