US Open: “Very poor” atmosphere at Los Angeles Country Club explained

The US Open final round leaderboard may have a distinctly major feel – but the subdued atmosphere at Los Angeles Country Club has been undeniably underwhelming.

Those on the ground at the ultra-exclusive LACC and the millions watching from home have been missing a sense of occasion at America’s national championship this year.

That is because, regardless of the debate around the course being too gettable, there are just not enough fans to create a buzz on the property.

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“Very poor…it’s disappointing on the USGA side,” Matt Fitzpatrick told Barstool’s Dan Rapaport.

The US Open’s defending champion has enjoyed a fairly fruitful return to the major he won last year at the electric Brookline Country Club in bustling Boston. He did not endure the disappointment of missing the cut and superbly aced the tiny 15th on Friday.

The only problem was, hardly anyone was there to see it.

“They want a great tournament—from what I’ve heard a lot of members bought tickets and that’s why there’s so many less people,” he added. “Hopefully it’s not the same for other U.S. Opens going forward.”

The resurgent and ever-popular Rickie Fowler holed a monster 70ft putt on the 13th to take a share of the lead on Saturday, but the reaction resembled polite cheers rather than raucous celebrations.

The USGA will point to the fact there have still been around 23,000 fans arriving through the gates each day, which is around 7,000 less than at last year’s tournament in Brookline.

Talk about a hole in one!! @USOpenGolf pic.twitter.com/JJVC77Nibc

— Matt Fitzpatrick (@MattFitz94) June 16, 2023

The lower numbers somewhat owe to the quirky layout beneath the hills of Hollywood. The holes are difficult to access and the unusual terrain littered with barrancas (or ditches) certainly doesn’t make for a spectator’s paradise.

But the problem also lies with the distribution of the tickets. As per Joel Beall of Golf Digest, from the 23,000 daily tickets available, 14,000 are designated for corporate and hospitality tents.

And of the 9,000 left for the general public, half were taken up by LACC members, so only 4,500 fans from outside the opulent circles have had the opportunity to line the fairways and take in the tournament.

Of course, the winner of this year’s championship will care not that roars for their winning putt may not have echoed around the iconic City of Angels on Sunday evening.

But the distinct lack of major atmosphere surely has to be of concern to USGA, with its prime entrainment product penned in to return to the ultra-exclusive North Course in 2039.

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.