Wisconsin was supposed to have an awesome 2020. Someone pointed out that we would be winding down Summerfest this week and rolling right into the Democratic National Convention. Who knows, we may have also been celebrating a Bucks championship and all wearing championship gear by now. None of that has happened. Not even close. The Ryder Cup was supposed to happen at the end of September that along with Wisconsin-Notre Dame at Lambeau Field were the final exclamation points for Wisconsin’s banner year. Ryder Cup isn’t happening either as the hits keep rolling. As it is with most sports decisions, it is the right move.

Ryder Cup is the one event where you need the fans. Most golf tournaments can be played without fans, and no one truly cares. The emotion of the crowd only matters at certain events and certain venues. The Ryder Cup makes fans a part of the equation. The rivalry between Europe and the United States is very real for this weekend. These two sides hate each other. And there is the emotion with every putt sinking especially as we get later in the weekend. Fans go crazy like we’re watching a football game, not a golf tournament.

Could they have done the tournament this year? Yes, absolutely. Would have been the same? Absolutely not. While the tournament could have likely taken place, there would still be questions about the Europe team. Multiple players are not currently playing in the United States at this moment. They would likely need to work with the U.S. Government plus their government to figure out how that could all happen. It is a very messy thing that the United States opted out of doing. The case for the Ryder Cup doesn’t exist.

Questions will remain for 2021 though. Despite the vaccine likely populated through the different states and countries, questions will remain about regulation. How do you enforce a rule such as ‘People can only attend if they’re vaccinated?’ I’m sure these things will be thought of as 2021 goes on, but pushing back is only the first step to a long line of follow-up decisions.

Maybe 2021 will be the Year of Milwaukee.

Charlie.