Steve Stricker: Ryder Cup without fans 'a yawner'

United States Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker is the latest player to hit out at the idea of completing the 2020 competition without fans amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As ESPN's Bob Harig wrote, Stricker recently discussed the matter during an appearance on "The Golf Affect Radio Show," which airs on Madison radio station The Big 1070.

The Ryder Cup is currently scheduled to occur at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisc., on Sept. 25-27.

Regarding the Ryder Cup occurring without spectators on the course, Stricker said:

"Personally, I would hate for that to happen. I mean, this event is made by the fans. To me, if it was without fans, it would almost be a yawner of an event. The passion, I don't know if it would be there.
"So far we're planning it as a go, like we're going to have it. But there's some obstacles that we're going to have to face. The confidence of the people and the corporate people. It's going to come down to probably the safety. And who knows, right?
"They're going to have to make a decision here probably within the two or three weeks because the buildup to put all the stands and all the corporate tents, all that kind of stuff, has to happen in June."

Brooks Koepka has repeatedly said he'd rather see the Ryder Cup canceled than happen with no fans. Rory McIlroy echoed those comments. 

The PGA Tour is set to hold multiple events without fans once the season restarts with the upcoming Charles Schwab Challenge at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Earlier this week, the Tour announced a July tournament at Jack Nicklaus' Muirfield Village Golf Club that's replacing the canceled John Deere Classic may allow some spectators.