PGA Tour expected to return by June

Editor’s note: This story first appeared in amNewYorkMetro.

It looks like golf will be the first major North American sport to return from the coronavirus hiatus.

On Thursday, the PGA Tour announced a plan to begin play on June 8 with the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

It’s the first of 14 tournaments on the Tour tentatively scheduled between the second Monday in June and Sept. 7.

Amongst notable events is the rescheduled PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, California, from Aug. 3-9. It was originally scheduled for May 14-17.

“The health and safety of all associated with the PGA TOUR and our global community continues to be our No. 1 priority, and our hope is to play a role – responsibly – in the world’s return to enjoying the things we love,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement. “Today’s 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.”

Earlier this month, the schedules regarding golf’s major tournaments received a massive overhaul due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The British Open was canceled for the first time since 1945. Meanwhile, The Masters was moved from its normal spot in early April to Nov. 12-15 while the U.S. Open was pushed back from mid-June to Sept. 14-20 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York.