The Memorial first PGA event to allow fan entry after COVID-19 outbreak

The Memorial golf tournament will be the first PGA event to allow fan entry when it begins July 16 at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

Patrick Cantlay poses with the trophy after winning 2019 The Memorial Tournament.

Golf fans will likely undergo temperature checks and carry social distancing chip technology as The Memorial got the green light Friday to become the first PGA event to allow the return of spectators.

Tournament organizers said they have received official approval from health officials in the state of Ohio to become the first to permit fans since the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to the golf season in mid-March.

The Memorial was originally scheduled to take place June 4-7 at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, but was moved to July 16-19.

“It's official, thanks to State approval & support from the @PGATOUR, patrons will be permitted to attend the 45th edition of #theMemorial,” the tournament posted on its Twitter feed.

It's official, thanks to State approval & support from the @PGATOUR, patrons will be permitted to attend the 45th edition of #theMemorial . More details coming soon regarding protocols designed to promote the health & safety of all who will be on-site at this year's Tournament. pic.twitter.com/kJG9npxol0

— #theMemorial (@MemorialGolf) June 5, 2020

 

Organizers added that additional safety restrictions would be announced in the coming days.

Last month tournament director Dan Sullivan said fans would be given badges equipped with technology chips to ensure they are properly social distancing. He also said anyone entering the facility would undergo temperature screenings and there would be no grandstands set up around the greens.

The PGA Tour has been on hiatus since March and resumes next week at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Fans will not be permitted at the Texas event.