The PGA Tour has announced their plans to resume the golfing calendar by mid-June, with the first four events being played behind closed doors.
The Tour has been postponed since March 12, when the Players Championship was cancelled after the first round. The plan now is to return to action for the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.
Already, the coronavirus pandemic has led to three of golf's four majors, the Masters, the USPGA and the Open Championship, all cancelling. However, this news means that the PGA Tour are attempting to salvage one major, the US Open, as well as the Ryder Cup, which is scheduled for September.
The Tour had originally been scheduled to return on May 21, but due to continued restrictions, the suspension of the Tour had to be extended.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan stated that the announcement 'is another positive step for our fans and players as we look toward the future, but as we’ve stressed on several occasions, we will resume competition only when – working closely with our tournaments, partners and communities – it is considered safe to do so under the guidance of the leading public health authorities.
'The health and safety of all associated with the PGA Tour and our global community continues to be our number one priority, and our hope is to play a role – responsibly – in the world’s return to enjoying the things we love.'
This news follows on from the European Tour's announcement that players should expect drastically reduced prize funds once play resumes.
Keith Pelley of the European Tour warned players that the impact of COVID-19 will lead to tough measures being implemented on the Tour.
Many of the things you have become accustomed to, such as top-class players’ lounges or courtesy car services will most likely assume a different appearance, if indeed they are present at all. Prize funds will also most likely be different.
SEE ALSO: The Buildup - Favourite Irish Sporting Occasion With Quigley And Doyle
