FORT WORTH, Texas — PGA golfers are back on the links as the first event of the PGA Tour since the coronavirus pandemic started has begun.
Golfers have teed off at Colonial Golf Course in Fort Worth, Texas, for the Charles Schwab Challenge with $7.5 million on the table for the winner.
No spectators lined the greens and fairways.
PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan stood at the first tee, to hold a moment of silence in tribute to George Floyd, ESPN reported.
The time of the solemn ceremony was 8:46 a.m. to mark the amount of time -- 8 minutes and 46 seconds -- officials said a police officer knelt on the neck of Floyd, who died after being pinned to the ground in that manner.
“As the PGA Tour commits to amplifying voices and efforts to end systemic issues of race and social injustices, we have reserved the 8:46 tee time to pause for a moment of silence, prayer and reflection.” Monahan said.
Three horn blasts signaled to players it was time to pay respects, with many removing hats and bowing heads, ESPN reported.
As for the match, Roy McIlroy was making his debut at the Colonial Country Club, ranked No. 1 in the world, CBS Sports reported.
Also included are:
- Brooks Koepka
- John Rahm
- Dustin Johnson
- Justin Thomas
- Phil Mickelson
- Jordan Spieth
- Kevin Kisner
- Justin Rose
- Kevin Na