SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (NBC 26) -- For local business owners, the 2020 Ryder Cup would have been another opportunity to put Sheboygan County hospitality and Wisconsin's golf scene on the map.
While Whistling Straits has hosted multiple PGA Touor events, "this event was different. Way different," Thomas Nye, general manager of The Blind Horse said.
The Blind Horse was fully booked for corporate events and parties every day of the 2020 Ryder Cup schedule.
"The amount of money and the breadth of how many people are coming from all over the world was just remarkable," Nye said of forseen impact the event had on Sheboygan County restaurants and hotels.
According to the PGA of America's CEO Seth Waugh, the biannual competition between American and European golfers was set to draw 40,000 fans per day.
Kohler Co., which owns manages the Whistling Strais course operated by The American Club, released this statement on their ultimate choice for postponement over cancellation of the 2020 competition:
The health and well-being of everyone involved in the Ryder Cup is a top priority that we share with the PGA of America, and we fully support the difficult decision to postpone the event to 2021. Many options were thoroughly considered and postponing the event is the most prudent course of action for all stakeholders given the continued uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are continuing to work closely with the PGA of America and our community on thoughtful planning and preparations to provide a safe and unforgettable Ryder Cup in 2021. Our host committee and staff have worked diligently to prepare, and we are motivated to ensure a seamless experience for all involved. This move allows us an opportunity to deliver a celebration of sport to be shared among all fans, golfers, corporate patrons, volunteers, vendors, media and countless others in Wisconsin and around the world.
Sheboygan area hospitality leaders are relieved that they still have the opportunity to host spectators, tourists and corporate clients to the fullest extent of the Ryder Cup in 2021 instead of missing out completely.
"To have it delayed is wonderful for the community, not just The Blind Horse. It's wonderful for everyone," Nye said. "We didn't want them to have the event with no spectators; that would have almost made it a non-event for everyone else trying to benefit from this economically."
Hotels have already begun moving reservations and plans to 2021.
"Alright, now that it's official, we will reach out to everybody and honor their reservations if they want to stay and come next year," Patrick O'Toole, chef-owner of The Fig and The Pheasant said. "And then we would release to anyone else."
