FAN BAN IS ‘ BAFFLING’ FOR MATT
Fitzpatrick hits out at Govt
You can socially distance, no problem
MATT FITZPATRICK says it is “baffling” that no fans are allowed at the BMW PGA this week yet people are allowed to go to the cinema.
The biggest event in Europe this year tees off at Wentworth tomorrow with Ryder Cup stars – including American Patrick Reed – competing for a prize fund of £ 5.4million.
Nearly 110,000 spectators were on the West Course last year to see Danny Willett win the title by three shots from Spain’s Jon Rahm. But Government restrictions will see the third Rolex Series event of a coronavirus- hit season played behind closed doors.
“I am sure like a lot of the country, I just find it baffling that the Government are saying you should go to the cinema,” said world No20 Fitzpatrick. “Why can’t fans come to watch the golf or the football?
“You can socially distance in stadiums, no problem. I just can’t get my head around it like a lot of the country can’t.
“Even more so with golf because there is plenty of room to socially distance. It is pretty sad.
“It is a real shame because this is such a big event. You come here every year and the crowds are fantastic.
“It has a really great feeling about it and you come this year and it just doesn’t feel the same.
“Come Thursday, it will have a good feeling because it is such a big event but without the fans, it is definitely a little bit more flat.
“It has affected my football team, Sheffield United. It goes for a lot of the teams but specifically for ours, we have a great fan base. I know everyone is missing out big time.”
Fitzpatrick broke six- time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo’s record when he became the youngest Englishman to win five European Tour titles by securing his second Omega European Masters crown in September 2018.
But the Yorkshireman, who has played a full season on the PGA Tour for the first time, has not added to his collection since. “I was lucky that I won in the first four years that I was out on tour,” said the 26- year- old.
“It is always frustrating not to get a win every year – that is the goal.
“It would be great to put it right here. I love playing at Wentworth and at the BMW. It is nice to be home.”
A strong performance will see him overtake Tommy Fleetwood, beaten by Aaron Rai in a play- off at last week’s Scottish Open, to become England’s No1.
“It would be good but getting into the places to qualify for the Olympics is more important,” added Fitzpatrick.