The PGA Tour is constantly being tested. From dropping viewership numbers to tackling bad weather at tournaments, it looks like a bad time for Jay Monahan. And now, once again, it looks like it has become a victim of Mother Nature’s wrath. Las Vegas has been a constant venue for the Tour, and it is generally known for its warm temperatures. However, this weekend, TPC Summerlin had completely different plans.

The 2024 Shriners Children’s Open began on Thursday. This led to an incomplete opening round. And well, that was not all for the miseries. The second round was delayed by four hours. The winds were reaching rapidly at speeds of 40 m/h. And well, it was indeed a rather tumultuous condition for anyone to be present at the course. Most of the PGA Tour professionals did manage to tee off on Friday, wearing beanies on their heads, or making full use of their hand warmers in between every swing.

And because the matters went so out of hand, the organizers decided to keep the spectators out of trouble. The X account of the PGA Tour Communications released an official statement stating the cause of the delay on Friday, they wrote, “Out of an abundance of caution for spectator safety, gates to the Shriners Children’s Open are closed to all spectators on Friday, October 18 until further notice.” However, they added that general admission and hospitality tickets bought for the second round can be used for the third day’s play. 

The PGA Tour has been under constant scrutiny by fans due to hindrances caused at every event. So, how could the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open fan-ban could not face the similar fate?

The golf community bashes the PGA Tour for constant troubles

The variable weather at TPC Summerlin during the weekend, with calm and peaceful mornings giving way to strong and gusting winds during the afternoons, was already a major problem since the opening round. A few players also withdrew. For example, Nicholas Lindheim withdrew from the event before the first round. Blaine Hale Jr. had to replace him from Hole 1.

Well, this is not the first time this year Tour has banned fans. At Wyndham Championship, due to Tropical Storm Debby, the Tour announced on Wednesday evening that no fans would be allowed on the grounds Thursday. Probably keeping this in mind, one fan wrote, “Another FU to spectators from the @PGATOUR.” One golf fan, utterly frustrated, left comments like, “Imagine going to watch golf in the first place, let alone knowing the mess that the @PGATOUR creates regularly.” While another pretty much sarcastically commented, “You guys always find a way to drop the ball even harder. Super impressive!” 

“Hahaha, you guys are AWFUL and a JOKE!!! @PGATOUR,” wrote another fan. This year weather delays has been a constant for the Tour, even AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM was cut short to just 54 holes.

The men’s golf circuit hosts four majors in a season. Well, those are among the most prestigious events of the year, and according to some of the fans, they are the only ones that are managed efficiently by the Tour. However, this year, at the Augusta National too, there was drama due to weather conditions. The opening round was delayed from 8 AM to 10:30 AM due to thunderstorms and gusty winds. Nonetheless, it was better than most other events on the Tour. Taking to this, one of them commented, “Wow! I am a fanboy, but you guys make it hard to care about anything other than the four majors. I think I’m going to check out until the Masters.”

While another fan decided to take a jab on LIV Golf using the current scenario. The breakaway league has its events going on for three days. While it is a gala, from the beginning to the end, with several parties on the course, it is still not qualified for OWGR points. This often leaves the fans uninterested, and very few go out to the course to watch them. Hence, one netizen, “With no fans, it will look like a LIV event.”

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below!