BMW PGA Championship suspended: When will the tournament be resumed?
The BMW PGA Championship suspended play late in the first round of the European tour following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Play was suspended late in the first round of the BMW PGA Championship after it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away at her home in Balmoral in Scotland.
Thirty of the 144 players participating were in the process of completing their first rounds when the announcement was made. The tournament is being held at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.
The tour said play would also be suspended on Friday and flags were to be flown at half-mast to show respect for the queen and her family.
READ ALSO: Premier League postpones weekend fixtures after Queen’s death
Play to resume Saturday morning
The DP World Tour released a statement on Thursday expressing sadness at the monarch’s passing.
“Out of respect for her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday… Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed.”
Tour officials then announced on Friday that they will resume play on Saturday.
The organization said that the tournament “will give players, caddies, staff, volunteers and spectators the opportunity to come together across the weekend, not only to express their condolences but also to celebrate the extraordinary life of Her Majesty.”
The second round of the DP World Tour’s flagship event will resume at 6:40 a.m. on Saturday. The 30 players who still need to finish their opening rounds will tee off at 7:30 a.m. from where they stopped on Thursday. The contest will now only consist of 54 holes.
Fleetwood, Sullivan, Hovland in the lead
When the tour suspended play, Tommy Fleetwood, Andy Sullivan, and Viktor Hovland were tied in the lead after they all shot eight-under par 64s. Matthew Jordan was close behind with a 65 finish.
There had been tensions leading up to the BMW PGA Championship, with defending champion Billy Horschel and former world number one Jon Rahm questioning the presence of LIV golfers at the tournament.