US PGA Championship called off due to coronavirus

The US PGA Championship, scheduled to be held in San Francisco from May 11-17, has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

"Throughout our evaluation process, we have been committed to following the guidance of public health authorities and given the coronavirus shelter-in-place order in effect in San Francisco, postponement is the best decision for all involved," said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh in a statement.

"This is a reflection of a thoughtful process.

"We are and have been working in concert with Commissioner Jay Monahan and our partners and friends at the PGA TOUR to find an alternative date that works for all. We are all very hopeful for a great outcome," he added.

The US PGA Tour has also announced it was extending its own tournament moratorium.

On March 12, the US tour had announced it was cancelling or postponing four weeks' worth of events on all six of its tours through April 5. Now, it will be on hiatus at least up to May 10.

"With the most recent recommendations from the Centres for Disease Control, the World Health Organisation and the Office of the President of the United States, the PGA TOUR will now cancel four additional events: RBC Heritage (April 13-19); Zurich Classic of New Orleans (April 20-26); Wells Fargo Championship (April 27-May 3); and AT&T Byron Nelson (May 4-10)," read a statement.

Over 100 people have lost their lives in the US due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has globally claimed over 7,000 lives. IANS