Mcilroy and Johnson to play in Covid-19 charity game
Rory Mcilroy will lead golf’s return after a twomonth hiatus in a televised charity match in Florida, US next week.
The world number one will play with Dustin Johnson against Rickie Fowler and Matthew Woolfe in a US $4m skins game on May 17 in aid of Covid-19 charities.
With the backing of the PGA Tour this will be seen as a first tentative step since the Coronavirus lockdown.
There has been no professional golf since the Players Championship was abandoned after one round on March 12.
The PGA Tour hopes to resume their schedule on June 11 at the Colonial event in Fort Worth, Texas, US. The first four tournaments back are intended to be played behind closed doors.
Next week’s Florida match will see the four players compete for money (skin) on each hole. If a pairing wins the hole, they win the skin. If the hole is halved, the skin carries over to the next hole.
The event will also be played in the absence of spectators but will be screened live by NBC in the US and on satellite television in the UK.
Social distancing protocols will be observed and there will be Coronavirus testing to protect those on site, including TV production crews.
“It’s been difficult to witness what so many are enduring over the last several weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mcilroy.
“I hope we can provide some respite and entertainment for those tuning in across the globe. Dustin and I will have a lot of fun together and our games will fit well as we push to raise funds and awareness.” (BBC)