WAYNE RILEY

ell, after a couple of months of heavy lockdown, things are starting to ease a little bit, and that means by the time you read this the PGA Tour should be up and running again. I say ‘should’ because nothing is a given in these strange times, but fingers crossed we’ll have some pro golf to discuss in this column next month.

It was good to hear the announcement from the European Tour with regards its six-event UK swing starting in late July. Logistically, it must be so hard with its membership comprised of players from a host of different nations, so I’m glad they’ve managed to put a plan in place for the rest of the season. I’m also happy to see some events that used to be on the schedule in my playing days making a return. I know these are odd circumstances, but we’ve been crying out for more Uk-based events for a while and hopefully some keep their place on the schedule next season and beyond.

The British Masters, the English Open and the Wales Open mean the tour’s resumption has a very late-90s feel, especially given the presence of the Belfry, the Forest of Arden and Hanbury Manor on the schedule. Every venue has a big hotel on-site, which is obviously critical given the need to minimise risk and a key factor behind their selection as hosts.

The players all speak fondly of British events, and while I’m still not sure why so many started to disappear

Wa few years ago, it’s great to see them back. I know it won’t be the same without the crowds, but it’s certainly not bad for English and Welsh golf.

Let’s hope they prove successful, and that paves the way to inclusion again next year. I’m sure these venues would love to be part of the European Tour going forward and I have a feeling it won’t be too long before The Belfry sticks its hand up again for a Ryder Cup. This is pure speculation by the way!

But that’s something for a long way down the line. In the immediate future, it’ll be really interesting to watch what happens on the PGA Tour. Before everything ground to a halt, Brooks Koepka and his great mate Dustin Johnson were quietly in pretty average form. They aren’t in a slump, but I really feel like they need a spark. I do wonder if having no crowds will make that harder. Coming back from injury, Brooks really didn’t need the extended lay-off. There are always doubts when you return from injury and I’m curious as to whether the break has magnified those in any way. Only time will tell.

Rory Mcilroy was in great form and I think he’ll come back just as strong. For me, he’s the best player in the world by a distance right now and I expect him to pick up where he left off. It’s time for him to land another Major and he’s the kind of player who could grab a couple in quick succession if he gets a spring in his step.

I think the rest of this season will produce some unexpected winners and maybe a few players who get over the line for the first time. These are the people who have most to be gained from the lack of crowds. Crowds help build pressure and without this element it’s released somewhat. Sure, there’s still internal pressure, but ask yourself if it’d be easier for a winless player to close out an event in front of a few TV personnel and officials or thousands of spectators? Look for scoring to be low, too, especially at weekends. Matthias Schwab in Europe and Ollie Schniederjans in America are two players I’m optimistic about.

With pro golf the way it is now, the offseason is very short. That’s why the hiatus could have been good for someone like Jordan Spieth – a chance to step away for an extended period, reflect and work on some things. Rickie Fowler, too – he got married in October and it’s tough maintaining form when so much is going on in your private life. I hope these guys come out all guns blazing, because they have so much to offer. But mostly, I hope pro golf’s return gives us all a much-needed boost.

“Brooks and DJ need a spark. I do wonder if having no crowds will make that harder”