Ryder Cup in 2020? It's just taken another huge blow

First the players, now both captains are on board. Steve Stricker may have just put an end to all hope of playing the Ryder Cup in 2020.

Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Tommy Fleetwood say they don’t want to play without fans at Whistling Straits, while European captain Padraig Harrington also took this stance before admitting the tournament may need to “take one for the team“.

But now his American counterpart Steve Stricker is against the September showdown being played behind closed doors, describing the idea as “a crime”.

“This event is made by the fans,” Stricker told the Golf Affect radio show. “Without fans, it would almost be a yawner of an event.

“To cheat out the Wisconsin fans would be a crime. I hope when we do have it, it can be up to its full potential.”

The biennial match is scheduled to start on September 25, and European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley told reporters this week that they are in talks with the PGA of America and a decision will be made by the end of June.

Stricker added: “We’re planning it like we’re going to have it, but there are some obstacles we’re going to have to face.

“The confidence of the people and the corporate people. It’s probably going to come down to the safety.”

Ryder Cup debate: Should it be postponed until 2021?
Ryder Cup debate: Should it be played without fans?
Ryder Cup debate: Who will make the European team?

Follow NCG on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for free online golf instruction, the latest equipment reviews, and much, much more.

Thanks for stopping by.

We wondered if you might like to contribute to supporting our work?

As the world enters uncharted waters, we’d like to be able to keep our content open for all to entertain and inform in the months ahead.

We’d like to think we are the voice of the ordinary golfer the world over. Whether your interest is in the game from tour level to grassroots, the latest equipment, or independent course rankings, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to read more about how you can help us and to donate, please CLICK HERE.

Alex Perry

Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.