Golf

Forget the Masters ... here's golf's biggest event of the year now -- TIGER WOODS & PEYTON MANNING VS. PHIL MICKELSON AND TOM BRADY!!!

The quartet of sports legends are reportedly set to hit a course next month in what would be America's first major sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic.

Details surrounding the matchup are a little bit murky at this point -- CNBC reports contracts are still being finalized -- but what is known is the event would benefit COVID-19 relief efforts.

The showdown is tentatively set for May ... and it's believed that the foursome will play with a small film production crew on a fanless course and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

CNBC reports the matchup could go down on TNT ... and feature some of its biggest star analysts -- like Charles Barkley -- providing off-site commentary during play.

Of course, Phil and Tiger famously battled each other in a 1-on-1 matchup back in November 2018 ... with Mickelson beating Tiger on the 22nd hole to take home a $9 MILLION prize.

Could Manning and Brady alter that fate next month?? Well, Peyton is reportedly an 8-handicap, while Tom is reportedly a 9.

SPORTS ARE BACK, BABY!!!

The United Kingdom's coronavirus lockdown is baaahd for humans who want to play a round of golf, but it's good for flocks of sheep ... the animals are taking over a golf course!!!

Check out this huge flock of sheep roaming free at the Avington Park Golf Course in Winchester, England ... there's about 100 sheep setting up shop on the links, roaming and grazing on grass at the prestigious 32-acre golf course.

The UK is under a strict coronavirus lockdown, and the restrictions bar people from taking hacks on a golf course.

But these sheep are making a case as essential workers, because they're pretty much taking over the role of greenskeepers!

We've seen animals starting to take over the world as humans shelter in place due to the outbreak of COVID-19 ... and this scene is eerily similar to the goats that took over a town in Wales.

It's even happening in the United States ... Santa Monica's parks are being overrun with squirrels.

Sports fans, brace yourselves ... live action could be back on your TV in as few as 8 weeks -- the PGA Tour just announced it's gunning to end its coronavirus suspension on June 8!

The golf circuit shut down play last month amid the COVID-19 pandemic ... but officials just announced a June comeback to the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas is officially on the calendar.

Of course, reps for the org. say the tourney -- along with at least the 3 after it -- will be fanless events ... but admit that could change as more coronavirus info becomes available.

"[The TOUR] will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of local and state authorities in order to determine the most appropriate on-site access in each market," the org. said in a statement Thursday.

"As such, the TOUR will continually review available COVID-19-related protocols that could be implemented at PGA TOUR events to ensure the health and well-being for all involved."

Several famous tournaments -- most notably the Masters -- have been postponed due to the pandemic ... with the 149th Open Championship being canceled altogether.

But, the PGA Tour says in its statement almost all of the postponed events have new makeup dates ... with the Masters set for Nov. 9-15 now.

"The health and safety of all associated with the PGA TOUR and our global community continues to be our No. 1 priority, and our hope is to play a role -- responsibly -- in the world's return to enjoying the things we love," PGA TOUR commish Jay Monahan said.

The State of Nevada has finally shut down golf courses over coronavirus fears -- and surprise, O.J. Simpson ain't happy about it.

In fact, Juice thinks the move will hurt older golfers whose only form of exercise is hitting the links.

"I play with a lot of different guys, one of the groups is an older group where 3 of the guys are over 80 and two of them had strokes," Simpson said

"They don't have dogs to walk and couldn't if they wanted to. Their only exercise is golf. So, unfortunately they wont be able to play golf so I just hope they find other ways to get outdoors and get some exercise."

How considerate, right?

Of course, the move to shut down golf in Nevada was announced Wednesday -- with Gov. Steve Sisolak explaining that Nevada golfers couldn't seem to follow the social distancing rules.

"I’ve had a multitude of pictures sent into me that showed me people were not practicing good social distancing, not arriving one in a cart," Sisolak said.

"They were congregating on the greens. We tried it. It didn’t work because some folks chose not to follow the rules. As a result we are closing golf courses."

Simpson -- who basically lives at the golf course -- disagreed with Sisolak.

"Ya know, I thought the golfers were doing a pretty good job on the social distancing."

So, what will O.J. do with all of his free time now? Maybe get back to finding the "real killer?"

Tiger Woods didn't let the pandemic stop one of the greatest traditions in golf -- the Masters Champions dinner -- only this time, it was WAY smaller than usual.

Every year, the reigning Masters champ hosts a lavish dinner for his rival golfers at Augusta National ... and the winner usually customizes the menu with meaningful (and usually pricey) food items.

Since coronavirus threw a huge wrench in this year's plans, Tiger pivoted -- and threw a much smaller dinner for his girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his kids, Sam and Charlie.

"Masters Champions Dinner quarantine style," Tiger says ... "Nothing better than being with family."

Woods even busted out his Green Jacket for the meal -- another tradition he's dead set on carrying on! Did you notice the replica trophy on the table?!

Unclear exactly what he served up, but it looks like Tiger had some sushi, some meat ... and cupcakes!!

By the way, the 2020 Masters has been postponed to November -- with the Champions Dinner tentatively scheduled to go down on Nov. 10 ... as long as the pandemic is over by then.

Kenya officials have just imposed a country-wide ban on golf ... closing down all courses over fears the play could further the spread of coronavirus.

Health Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, made the announcement Tuesday, chastising golfers for not properly following social distancing guidelines during the global pandemic.

"It is not a secret that even in golf clubs, golf clubs have also been abused," Kagwe said. "Consequently, all golf clubs must be closed with immediate effect."

Kenya reportedly only has 172 confirmed cases of COVID-19 ... but it's clearly taking every precaution to make sure that number stays low.

Of course, other major areas of the United States have followed similar paths when it comes to golf ... with even Los Angeles banning the sport as well.

However, states like Florida and Arizona are still allowing golfers to hit tee boxes ... pissing off some residents who fear the courses could become coronavirus hot spots.

The Open Championship -- the oldest golf tournament in the world -- has been officially canceled ... all because of coronavirus.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews made the announcement Monday ... with the chief executive saying they tried everything to make the 149th Open Championship happen in July.

"I can assure everyone that we explored every option for playing The Open this year but it is not going to be possible," Martin Slumbers said of the cancellation.

Now, the plan is to move everything back a year ... with the 149th Open scheduled to take place at Royal St. George's in England in 2021 ... and the 150th anniversary tourney being pushed to 2022.

The PGA is expected to make announcements Monday about the fate of its high-profile events -- including the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, Masters, Ryder Cup and PGA Tour.

There is hope the Ryder Cup could proceed as scheduled -- with organizers hoping the pandemic is contained by Sept.

Meanwhile, golf courses all over America are still open for business -- as reported, officials in Arizona deemed golf an essential activity ... as long as players stay a safe distance apart on the links.

Golfers in Arizona can still get their hacks in amid stay-at-home orders ... the state has declared the sport essential -- and some residents are PISSED over the exception.

Officials laid down the new rules in the Grand Canyon State this week ... forcing Arizonans to shelter in place unless they had good reason to leave -- like for jobs or essential activities.

In the order, they deem golf -- along with walking, hiking, running and biking -- as essential exercises ... and some feel that ain't helping stop the spread of coronavirus one bit.

Of course, while on the links, it's pretty easy to social distance ... but there are definite problem areas at the golf facilities nonetheless.

Practice greens, ranges and the starting area can all get backed up with people ... and we're told some residents in Arizona are seeing their golf-course-lined neighborhoods turn into gathering areas as well.

It'll be interesting to see if Arizona maintains the sport as essential ... remember, California initially kept its courses open during stay-at-home orders before shutting them down just days later.

Baseball might be on hiatus ... but the greatness of Mike Trout sure as hell ain't -- he just hit a ridiculous golf trick shot while in isolation -- and the video is insane!!

The L.A. Angels superstar has been following the rules and staying away from people amid the coronavirus outbreak ... and clearly that's given him some time to become amazing with his wedge.

Check out the clip ... the 28-year-old outfielder went upstairs and hit a ping-pong ball straight into a tiny Solo cup!!

You can see by Trout's reaction ... there was no editing there, 'cause the guy went absolutely NUTS after it splashed home!!!

"#TIGERVISION," Trout wrote of the shot.

It could be a few more weeks until players get back on the diamond -- the league has suspended play indefinitely -- but stars across the MLB sure are providing us great content in the meantime.

Check out how Boston Red Sox slugger Michael Chavis is spending his time in quarantine ... dude went YARD off his girlfriend in a Wiffle ball game!!

Famous golf courses all over the country are still keeping their fairways open despite the coronavirus pandemic ... with some telling TMZ Sports there are no restrictions on the course.

Golf ain't exactly a contact sport ... and it seems well-known courses in the U.S. know this, 'cause most clubhouse officials tell us they aren't changing a whole lot of policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Most major private clubs -- a la Augusta National and Pine Valley GC -- aren't in season yet ... but officials from some of those courses tell us they're planning on business as usual when they open in April and May.

As for public courses ... the ones that are in-season -- like Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Bethpage in New York -- explained to us tee times can still be had with little-to-no limitations on play.

A few notable public courses in Northern California tell us they're closed due to the "shelter in place" regulations inputted by local authorities ... but the plan for those courses is to open up once the orders are lifted.

As for the Los Angeles area, prior to governor Gavin Newsom's "stay at home" order Thursday night ... we're told public courses were still open with regulations.

Officials from one course told us they removed ball washers from tee boxes, and rakes from bunkers ... and instructed players to not pull pins on the greens.

It seems clear they'll all be shutting down after Newsom's speech Thursday, however.

Meanwhile, almost every other course we spoke with tells us their food and drink shops are takeout only.

Of course, golfers all over the U.S. still want to play -- as O.J. Simpson pointed out in a video Wednesday, it's pretty easy to social-distance while playing the sport.

O.J. Simpson is pleading with golf courses nationwide -- PLEASE stay open during the coronavirus scare ... or old dudes across the country are gonna lose their damn minds.

While he continues his search to find the "real killer," O.J. spends a lot of time on the links ... and on Wednesday, he voiced his frustrations with his local course planning to close during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"You don't really get that close to one another on a golf course," O.J. said. "And, I think for some of the older guys that golf as their only exercise, I think it's gonna hurt them if you start closing all the golf courses."

"I'm just saying, and if you do close them, you better open up some insane asylum, get me a bed because I know if I can't play golf for the next month, I'ma go crazy."