Ryder Cup postponed until next year at Whistling Straits
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, Wis. (AP/CBS 58) -- With no guarantee of fans, there won't be a Ryder Cup this year.
The PGA of America says the Ryder Cup has been pushed back to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PGA Tour still hasn't allowed spectators at its events, and no other golf tournament is dependent on partisan cheering like the Ryder Cup.
After working with the PGA Tour and its Presidents Cup, the decision was reached to move the Ryder Cup to Sept. 24-26 in 2021. That means the Presidents Cup will return to even-numbered years starting in 2022 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina.
The 2020 Ryder Cup has been postponed.
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) July 8, 2020
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Kohler Co. released the following statement:
The health and well-being of everyone involved in the Ryder Cup is a top priority that we share with the PGA of America, and we fully support the difficult decision to postpone the event to 2021. Many options were thoroughly considered and postponing the event is the most prudent course of action for all stakeholders given the continued uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are continuing to work closely with the PGA of America and our community on thoughtful planning and preparations to provide a safe and unforgettable Ryder Cup in 2021. Our host committee and staff have worked diligently to prepare, and we are motivated to ensure a seamless experience for all involved. This move allows us an opportunity to deliver a celebration of sport to be shared among all fans, golfers, corporate patrons, volunteers, vendors, media and countless others in Wisconsin and around the world.
David Kohler, General Chair 43rd Ryder Cup; President and CEO of Kohler Co. “Serving as Ryder Cup host remains a great honor and wonderful opportunity to show the world that the five-star Destination Kohler resort and the State of Wisconsin are exceptional places to visit and explore. A Ryder Cup deserves fans and Kohler’s hope and intent is to welcome all attendees from near and far with gracious hospitality next year.
Whistling Straits is one of the greatest championship courses in the world and perfect for match play with a variety of high-risk, high-reward holes along the rugged shore of Lake Michigan. We wouldn’t have this opportunity without the creative vision, passion and resolve of my father Herb Kohler, and our dear friend and hall of fame golf architect Mr. Pete Dye, who passed away earlier this year. The two legendary artists worked tirelessly to create a spectacular track that makes play challenging and enjoyable for professionals and amateurs alike. So it means a lot for us to host the Ryder Cup as it was intended to be played, with passionate fans enjoying a thrilling event at one of golf’s most visually stunning venues.”