Note: The PGA TOUR has since decided to cancel THE PLAYERS Championship.
Despite most sporting events completely canceling seasons due to the coronavirus pandemic, the PGA TOUR has decided to continue with the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. However, they will be playing without fans during the final three events.
PGA Tour events will be continue sans fans
PGA TOUR Commissioner, Jay Monahan expounded on this notion in a statement where he said that the no-spectator rule would reach across all future events. “PGA TOUR events, across all tours, will currently proceed as scheduled, but will do so without fans.” He also noted in the press conference that the situation is developing and to stay tuned.
Although the PGA TOUR has decided to continue with the Players Championships, a lot of the PGA TOUR pros have decided to not attend in order to ensure their own safety. Pro golfer C.T. Pan backed out of coming to the Players Championship just a few hours before his tee time on Thursday. Citing his family’s safety and his frequent travel as reasoning for backing out and maintaining caution.
Please see my statement for WD from @THEPLAYERSChamp pic.twitter.com/GZIomUDh91
— C.T. Pan (@ctpangolf) March 12, 2020
NBA Cancelled season after Jazz players coronavirus contraction
A day ago shockwaves were sent through the sports world when the NBA announced that it would be suspending the rest of its season after Jazz player, Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. His teammate Donovan Mitchell also tested positive for the virus due to the exposure he had with his teammates in the past days, and released a statement outlining his health update.
Donovan Mitchell provides an update on his health after testing positive for coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/FOqirLvVw4
— ESPN (@espn) March 12, 2020
NHL & MLS also cancelled seasons
The NHL also followed suit and decided to suspend all upcoming games in the 2019-20 Season to ensure safety of their players. The MLS also announced in a press release that they would spend matches for 30 days due to the pandemonium of the coronavirus.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in the statement, “Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our season—based on the advice and guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other public health authorities, and in the best interest of our fans, players, officials, and employees.” He added, “We’d like to thank our fans for the continued support during this challenging time.”
Situations and decisions seem to change by the hour as updates about the coronavirus develop, so whether or not PGA TOUR will just ultimately cancel events remains to be seen.
Also Read: Players from Italy Caught Up in Coronavirus Incident at Oman Open