Common consensus is that Ryder Cup will not happen without fans – Harrington

Padraig Harrington says he has spoken regularly with Ryder Cup organizers about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic

. The "general consensus" is that the Ryder Cup will not be held unless fans can attend, says Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington.

The biennial event still takes place September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, USA.

This year, the four golf majors, including The Open Championship, have already been canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"No one wants to see the Ryder Cup play without the fans there," Harrington told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"There is no doubt that it makes the tournament so much better. I think the general consensus now is that the Ryder Cup will not be played unless the fans are there.

" Not Golfers and golfers all over the world watch the Ryder Cup because of the excitement created by the spectators.

European golfers Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari agree that the tournament would be difficult without fans, with Englishman Fleetwood saying the event "wouldn't be the same" without them.

Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari talk about whether the Ryder Cup would work behind closed doors.

The wave calendar has already changed significantly because of the disturbance caused by the coronavirus.

The 149th Open, taking place in Royal St George & # 39; s in Kent in July, has been canceled and will now be hosted by the venue in 2021. All three majors hosted on American soil hope however still to continue.

The Masters moved back from April to November, while the US PGA Championship is scheduled for August

The US Open, in Winged Foot, New York, moves from June to September, a week before the Ryder Cup starts.

Harrington says he has had regular conversations. with Ryder Cup organizers on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, including the possibility of postponement, but continues to plan the event normally.

"I'm not saying there is no doubt about it. I'm sure they looked at alternatives and things like that," said the Irishman.

"But the only reason why the Ryder Cup is not there, and that is beyond everyone's control, is the coronavirus. It is not something we have in our own hands.

" There are also bigger things than the Ryder Cup. You know it's a big deal in golf, but we need to see the bigger picture.

"I hope we get our chance to play. I think it's something that can bring people together and something to look forward to and enjoy."