Normally during practice rounds of a major golf championship, the grounds are packed with spectators watching the world’s best players warm up ahead of the big event.
For instance, a few weeks ago at Kiawah Island (South Carolina), the course was stacked with 10-20,000 fans per day during practice rounds, ahead of the PGA Championship.
Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the 7th tee during Day 3 Practice ahead of the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Resort’s Ocean Course on May 18, 2021 in Kiawah Island, SC. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – PGA of America via Getty Images)
Yet the photos of the practice rounds at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California, ahead of the 76th U.S. Women’s Open, look like something you’d find in a totalitarian state such as North Korea.
Michelle Wie West hits a tee shot on the par-3 3rd hole during final practice round on June 2, 2021. (Photo by Darren Carroll/USGA)The view of the iconic yet empty clubhouse at The Olympic Club during a practice round. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/USGA)Lucy Li hits a tee shot on the 7th hole during a final practice round on June 2, 2021. (Photo by Darren Carroll/USGA)
These young women are world class athletes yet have no fans to cheer them on during practice, taking place outdoors.
