BMW PGA Championship '54-Hole Reduction'... 'Impact of Queen Elizabeth II's Passing'

On the first day of the BMW PGA Championship, the DP World Tour announced the suspension of the tournament due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom through the electronic scoreboard. Virginia Water (England) = Getty Images / MultiBits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The BMW PGA Championship will be shortened to a 54-hole event.

The DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) announced on the 9th (local time) that "this year's BMW PGA Championship will be held as a 54-hole tournament instead of the originally scheduled 72 holes." The tournament, which began on the 8th in Surrey, England, was suspended following the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Among the 144 players, 30 did not complete the first round. No play took place on the second day of the tournament to mourn Queen Elizabeth II's passing.

The DP World Tour explained, "The schedule will resume on the morning of the 10th, and the tournament will conclude with 54 holes on the 11th." Accordingly, this year's BMW PGA Championship will restart the remaining first-round matches on the morning of the 10th, complete the second round, and hold the final third round on the 11th. During the tournament, flags at the venue will be flown at half-mast, and officials will wear black ribbons. Additionally, a two-minute moment of silence will be observed at 9:50 a.m. on the 10th.

On the first day, Viktor Hovland (Norway), Tommy Fleetwood, and Andy Sullivan (both England) shared the lead at 8-under-par 64. Matthew Jordan (England) was in 4th place at 7-under-par 65, while Shane Lowry (Ireland) and three others were tied for 5th at 6-under-par 66. 'FedEx Cup Champion' Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) started solidly in a tie for 11th at 4-under-par 68. Defending champion Billy Horschel (USA) was also tied for 11th.

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