COVID-19: Atwal, Lahiri back move made by PGA

 
Top Indian golfers, of Anirban Lahiri and Arjun Atwal, has backed the latest cancellation of a series of events on the PGA Tour due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Indian duo, play on the world’s biggest and most lucrative golf tour. Atwal has over ten years of experience on the Tour while Lahiri has been part of it since 2015.

The PGA Tour, in a statement, said due to the pandemic virus which continues to spread around the world, canceled its events till April 5.

Apart from that, the PGA also canceled four additional events which include the RBC Heritage which was scheduled for April 13-19; Zurich Classic of New Orleans which supposed to hold April 20-26; Wells Fargo Championship scheduled for April 27 to May 3; and AT&T Byron Nelson which supposed to be held between May 4 and 10.

With the cancellation of over two months of its events, Lahiri took to his Twitter and said that this would give him time to stay with his family, urging everyone to stay healthy and safe as the world battle to overcome the challenge.

As Lahiri pointed out that the health and safety of the players and other stakeholders of the Tour are paramount, Atwal on his part, described the decision as a tough call.

While expressing his support over the decision, he said he remained sure all the players supported it. While also noting that it has been a difficult time for all in the game, he remains sure that the regulatory bodies will take a call in the best interest of all concerned.

Other golf events canceled include THE PLAYERS Championship which couldn’t hold between March 12 and 15); Valspar Championship which supposed to start today and end March 22.

Also affected are the WGC-Dell Match Play Championship; The Punta Cana Corales Resort & Club Championship and Valero Texas Open scheduled for April 2-5.

The PGA has also postponed the Augusta National Golf Club, which runs the Masters (April 9-12) while the PGA of America also postponed the PGA Championship that was scheduled for May 14-17. It is hoped that the competition will be held later this year, provided the spread of the virus is curtailed.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed