Professional golf returns after a three-month hiatus starting with the Charles Schwab Challenge and Korn Ferry Tour Challenge, and this occurs after George Floyd’s tragic death. This ignited worldwide protests over injustice, discrimination, and brutality against the black race in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic.
George Floyd was killed when a Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin choked the deceased with his knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds against the ground when trying to handcuff George Floyd. The officer has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, and the other three officers who were also involved in the arrest were fired and charged with abetting second-degree murder.
The PGA TOUR feels it also has a role to play in stopping systemic issues of racial and social injustices impact in the country and globally. In honour of the memory of George Floyd, the PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan announced via a memo on Wednesday that there will be a moment of silence at every four rounds of the Charles Schwab Challenge which will coincide with the 8:46 a.m. tee time.
“It has quickly become a universal symbol for the racial injustice faced by the black community,” the memo said. Harold Varner III, who is one of the PGA TOUR members of black heritage, gave his comment “I think there will be a discussion. I think some will forget about it. I think so many people will move on,” Varner said on his arrival at Colonial on Tuesday.
“I’m just so fortunate to be able to say something and it matters, but also be a part of the change,” Varner said. “Everyone in society has a role to play to be a part of that change.”
The Commissioner added, “We are using this little gesture to pay our respect for the lives lost and also committed to using our platform as part of the solution.”
Mohannan also disclosed that the PGA TOUR is developing a plan for a long term financial commitment which is going to be focused in addressing racial justice issues, the details of which will be shared in the weeks to come.”
Also read: African American Golfers: Black History in the Sport