Stenson: Fan-less Ryder Cup Better Than No Ryder Cup
The Swede has give his thoughts on the many issues facing the Ryder Cup in 2020.

The Swede has give his thoughts on the many issues facing the Ryder Cup in 2020.
Stenson: Fan-less Ryder Cup Better Than No Ryder Cup
With the Coronavirus pandemic still having a strong impact on the world of sport and golf, the question of whether the 2020 Ryder Cup will take place at all is becoming an ever-increasing issue.
Set to be hosted at Whistling Straits, one of the main problems is whether fans will be allowed to attend the event, and if they are not, then should the Cup be postponed to 2021?
The fans usually play a huge part in every Ryder Cup event so the prospect of hosting one without them is an idea that doesn't seem popular, with people like Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and USA captain Steve Stricker speaking out against it.
However Swedish Major winner Henrik Stenson has acknowledged that if the Cup cannot be postponed to 2021 then he would much rather play the event without any fans.
Speaking during his podcast, “Almost an Hour presented by Callaway Golf,” he said;
“For the atmosphere and for the feeling, for us as players that would be, very blunt, it would be something that you can’t really imagine at this point.
"Then looking at the bigger picture, if that’s the only way that the Ryder Cup can go ahead, and if it’s not an option to play it next year with crowds, with fans, then I would prefer to play a Ryder Cup than to not play a Ryder Cup.”
Stenson's usual Ryder Cup partner, Justin Rose, has also given his thoughts on a fan-less event and said it could be even more intense.
"We might actually be used to it [no crowds] by then," Rose told Golf.com. "It might almost be interesting if the Ryder Cup is the first event with fans.
"Who knows how the summer is gonna play out? The thought of a Ryder Cup without fans is mind-blowing, but what is the new normal? Would we rather still have the opportunity to play? You can't just bump everything to 2021 because 2021 becomes chaos if that's the case.
"In one way, it could be more intense between the two players. There's nowhere to hide, nowhere else to look. You know, it's eyeball to eyeball. It could create a bizarrely intense environment."
It is believed a decision on the event will be made towards the end of June.
Don't forget to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly.
Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes.
He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.
Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel.
He also oversees all Tour player content as well so if you need to know what clubs Tiger or Rory has in play, Sam is the person to ask.
Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five.
Sam's What's In The Bag:
Driver: Titleist TS3 (9 degrees)
Fairway Wood: Callaway Paradym (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees)
Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5
Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond
Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Infinity NEXT%/Cuater The Ringer/adidas Tour 360 22
-
-
LIV Golf To Return To YouTube From Today
Fans will be able to stream the action on the platform, although some markets will command a daily fee
By Mike Hall • Published
-
We Played The Toughest Three Holes At This Open Championship Venue…And It Wasn’t Pretty
Ahead of the 151st Open in July, Neil Tappin and Dan Parker head to Royal Liverpool Golf Club to play a match across three of its hardest holes
By Dan Parker • Published
-
Who Is Justin Thomas’ Wife?
The American star married Jillian Wisniewski in November 2022
By Matt Cradock • Last updated
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
By Neil Tappin • Published
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
By Elliott Heath • Last updated
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
12 Things You Didn't Know About Gary Woodland
We get to know US Open Champion Gary Woodland a little better
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
By Fergus Bisset • Last updated
-
Who Coaches Tiger Woods?
Who has worked with the American over his career and who currently acts as his swing coach? We take a look.
By Sam Tremlett • Last updated
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
By Matt Cradock • Last updated