U.S. Open makes tee times decision amid attendance | Golf News

Tee times have been introduced ahead by one hour and quarter-hour on Sunday in an obvious effort to tackle the U.S. Open’s declining attendance numbers.

A big quantity of vacant seats had been conspicuously seen at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Saturday afternoon, observed not only by journalists but also sparking widespread dialogue on social media about the sparse crowd and lackluster ambiance. The issue was even highlighted during Sky Sports’ UK coverage.

Nevertheless, the USGA appears to have responded by advancing tee times in an effort to generate a more vibrant ambiance for the concluding teams. Wyndham Clark, the day’s frontrunner, accomplished his spherical before partially stuffed grandstands.

Rather than the opening group teeing off at 9 am, Sunday’s initial group will start at 7.45 am. The day’s remaining pairing – Clark and Scottie Scheffler – will start at 2.30 pm. The remaining pairing started at 3.45 pm on Saturday.

The absence of spectators was so pronounced that Clark was questioned about it after his spherical.

“Yeah, it was kind of unfortunate that we’re finishing in the dark and people weren’t really out there because there were some obviously key, big moments, and it did kind of get a little flat, so yeah, unfortunately,” he said. “Hopefully tomorrow there’s a bunch of fans and stuff, but for me, it’s still really important, and I still felt the moment. It’s just maybe unfortunate that there weren’t all the people there.”

When questioned whether or not he’d witnessed such sparse crowds at a major before, he replied, “No. I mean — yeah, actually I can when I was in, like, 50th place or something.

“But yeah, no, it is a little unlucky. I do not know if it is because we completed so late or what, but it is okay. I’m still excited to be where I’m at, and I’m not likely focusing on that half.”

Clark acknowledged that he thrives on fan energy, suggesting Sunday’s earlier tee times should benefit the golfer holding a six-stroke advantage.

“Yeah, I like the vitality,” he explained. “I like making a big putt and feeling that or hitting a good shot and getting the claps. So it was unlucky it bought a little flat.

“Also, because of that, sometimes it made it tough to stay really focused because it seemed like everyone was leaving, and it was like the tournament was over, and I had to keep myself really focused and in the present.

“I did not do my best job; I made type of two poor bogeys coming in. Hopefully there’s people there tomorrow and it is a great ambiance.”