USGA hopeful of June U.S. Open despite Winged Foot closure
The USGA remains hopeful for a June U.S. Open despite New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recent executive order forcing the indefinite closure of the tournament's venue, the Winged Foot Golf Club.
The USGA continues to "hold the dates for the U.S. Open at Winged Foot in June and monitor all available guidance and regulations from the CDC, WHO, and other federal, state, and local authorities to do what is in the best interests of the community for the health and safety of all those involved," the organization said in a statement, according to Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard.
Organizers will be unable to prepare for the tournament and build the required infrastructure, including grandstands, to turn the site into a major championship venue while the course is closed.
Following the postponement of the Masters and PGA Championship, the USGA is reportedly making contingency plans if the U.S. Open is unable to be played at Winged Foot, which, being located in New York state, is in the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
Oakmont Country Club, located outside Pittsburgh, is being considered as a potential host site for the major if the tournament needs to be relocated, according to Dean Iampietro of WPXI.com.
The U.S. Open is currently scheduled to begin June 18.