Jack Nicklaus presents the trophy to Patrick Cantlay after winning the 2019 Memorial Tournament. Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine welcomes fans to Memorial Tournament in July

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/5/20

When Jack Nicklaus' Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio hosts the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Tournament in July, fans will be welcomed to the course.

On Friday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine told reporters during his daily coronavirus pandemic briefing that spectators will be allowed to attend The Memorial, which is scheduled for July 13-19. The Memorial confirmed the news via Twitter:

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

This will be the first sporting event to allow fans in Ohio and the Tour's first tournament to host spectators since the virus outbreak caused leagues around the world to suspend play.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Muirfield Village Golf Club will hold a tournament to replace the canceled John Deere Classic on July 9-12. Fans won't be allowed to attend that event.

Exact protocols for The Memorial, such as the number of spectators allowed onto the course, weren't unveiled on Friday.

Last month, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith told reporters he was hopeful up to 50,000 fans would be allowed to attend Buckeyes home games this fall during the college football season despite the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared sports venues can be filled up to 50 percent capacity for events.

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