PGA of America announces crowds of 10,000 for major

The PGA of America has announced they will allow up to 10,000 spectators onto Kiawah Island for the 2021 PGA Championship from May 20-23.

The news was understandably lost in the fallout from Tiger Woods’ horrific accident this week but comes as an encouraging sign that things may be slowly getting back to some sort of normalcy.

Collin Morikawa won his first major at the 2020 PGA Championship (Credit: PGA Tour)

While the US recently reached the staggering milestone of 500,000 COVID deaths, the current daily new cases are just 25% of what they were in early January.

“We’re excited to welcome spectators back to the PGA Championship this May in a way that is responsible and aligned with current South Carolina health protocols,” said PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

“While we wish we could accommodate the sellout crowds who had purchased tickets, the 2021 PGA Championship will be steeped in gratitude as the best players in the world compete on the historic Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.”

“While crowds will be smaller than originally planned, we know the passion for golf in the Carolinas will create a memorable atmosphere on-course and excitement throughout the region.”

Fans and tournament staff will still be required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing.

Collin Morikawa broke through onto the world golfing stage in August last year where he won the the 2020 PGA Championship at San Francisco’s TPC Harding Park in what was a spectator-free tournament.