Warm 'welcome back' even without fans

FORT WORTH (Texas) • For many of the pro golfers who have not competed in a tournament in three months, the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge was all about shaking off cobwebs from the PGA Tour's coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

The Tour's first event since mid-March teed off on Thursday without spectators, the silence replacing the usual cues of competition.

Top players flocked to the storied Colonial Country Club, eager to get back to work, and represent the strongest field on the Tour since last year's FedEx Cup play-offs.

The invitational event, which traditionally features about 120 players, was expanded to a field of 144.

That list included the top-five ranked players in the world, and 16 of the top 20, with 15-time Major champion Tiger Woods the most notable name missing.

Bryson DeChambeau admitted that the closed-door experience reminded him of a US Open qualifier, an entry-level tournament where golfers can be followed by family members or no one at all.

"It was interesting but nice to not have to worry about anybody saying something weird," the world No. 13, who finished at five-under to be tied for seventh, said. "I appreciate the fans, I love what they do."

Although the tournament traditionally attracts solid fields, most regulars are primarily Tour veterans - steeped in the lore Fort Worth resident and golf great Ben Hogan - who relish shaping iron shots around the tree-lined doglegs.

Many power hitters often skip the event as the course negates their distance advantage and none of the players really knew how their swings would fare in tournament conditions after a long layoff.

But with virtually no wind and calm conditions, Colonial was rendered defenceless.

World No. 14 Justin Rose, who won here two years ago, was in top form. The 39-year-old Englishman's seven-under 63 for a share of the lead alongside Harold Varner III featured seven birdies and no bogeys.

He birdied three of his first five holes for a 31 on the back nine and then birdied holes one till three for a 32 on his front side.

"Everyone has been trying to do their best to prepare, and we're certainly all coming in rested, that's for sure," Rose said. "But no one quite knows where their tournament game is.

"Although my game wasn't great the first few holes, I made a couple of putts, knocked one in from just off the green on my first hole of the day, so I looked at my caddie and went, 'Welcome back'."

Some of the players' off-time was spent studying the Tour's 37-page participant resource guide, detailing strict protocols for testing, disinfecting and social distancing.

Players, caddies and tournament staff members all underwent testing for the coronavirus before being allowed onto the course and will receive daily temperature checks and be required to fill out tracing questionnaires before being permitted into the clubhouse.

But social distancing proved difficult for players and caddies accustomed to huddling over yardage books and handing clubs to one another, with many groups standing shoulder to shoulder on tees.

When Rory McIlroy's caddie struggled to put the flagstick back in the hole, the world No. 1 joked: "You have to put the whole thing all the way in."

Rose said: "We're trying to follow the guidelines, but it's amazing how routine and what you've done for 20 years kicks in, and you've got to keep reminding yourself.

"I'm sure we all made a couple of mistakes out there, but we're definitely very conscious of what we touch personally."

Some fans managed to find ways to catch the action. Behind the second tee, a group of 11 young adults pressed against a chain-link fence, peering over a hedge to catch glimpses of the action.

On the back nine, several houses have erected makeshift mini grandstands. "Maybe they'll come out to watch this weekend," Rose said.

NYTIMES