The Dubai Duty Irish Open could be lined up for the Ryder Cup's September slot in the calendar if the prestigious team event doesn't go ahead.
European skipper Padraig Harrington has said the competing golfers might have to "take one for the team" and go ahead with supporters present at Whistling Straits from September 25-27.
But USA captain Steve Stricker has come out strongly against the Ryder Cup happening behind closed doors, stating: "This event is made by the fans. If it was without fans, it almost would be a yawner of an event.
"To cheat out the Wisconsin fans would be a crime. I hope when we do have it, it can be up to its full potential.
"So far, we're planning it as it's a go, like we're going to have it. But there's some obstacles that we're going to have to face.
"The confidence of the people and the corporate people. It's going to come down to probably the safety. And who knows, right?".
European Tour chief Keith Pelley has confirmed that a decision will be made by the end of the month - following a meeting with PGA Tour bosses.
If the Ryder Cup is postponed until 2021, the Irish Open could be fitted into that vacant week.
The event was due to take place at Mount Juliet last week and there is speculation that it could happen in October after it wasn't on the initial list of rearranged tournaments that the European Tour released last week.
However Pelley insisted that it "remains hugely important" to the Tour as part of the Rolex Series.
"I don’t want you to think that the Irish Open, because it is not part of this announcement is less important because that would be the wrong message," said Pelley.
