Houston Open to allow limited number of golf spectators

Houston Open tournament officials, Houston City officials and the PGA TOUR announced today that the 2020 Houston Open will host a limited number of fans during the four competition rounds at Memorial Park Golf Course, scheduled for November 5-8.

Tickets are selling for $79 for the opening round and $109 for each of the last three rounds. Each ticket will include food and beverage from designated on-course venues (alcohol is not included).

"We are very happy that we will have fans at Memorial Park for this year's Houston Open".

"It's unprecedented and a real blow for Australian golf and its fans", PGA of Australia chief executive Gavin Kirkman said in a news release.

Protocol and guidelines for those attending the tournament will be announced soon. All spectators must have masks on at all times except when eating or drinking.

The tournament has received commitments from Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Day and Tony Finau.

Defending champion Lanto Griffin, of the USA, is expected to compete.

A final-hole albatross saw Robert Karlsson jump inside the top 10, while Jim Furyk - a two-time victor on the PGA Tour Champions this season - posted back-to-back eagles on his way to a three-under 69.

The tour has not allowed spectators at events since returning from a 13-week break due to the coronavirus pandemic in June.

"This was not an easy decision for either event, but the health and safety of the Naples community, PGA Tour and LPGA players, caddies, sponsors, fans, and volunteers is our No. 1 priority", said tournament director Rob Hartman.