Lightning strikes injure Atlanta fans after play is halted
The third round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta was suspended yesterday following lightning strikes at East Lake which resulted in some spectators being taken to hospital, the PGA has confirmed.
Play had been suspended from around 4.15pm local time as the weather worsened, with a lightning bolt then striking a tree near the 16th tee around half an hour later.
Following confirmation of yesterday’s play being suspended, Sky Sports reported at least five people had been treated and taken to a nearby hospital, where they were said to be awake and responsive.
A statement from the PGA Tour read: “At 4.17pm, the third round of the Tour Championship was suspended due to inclement weather in the area. At 4.45pm, there were two lightning strikes at East Lake Golf Club; a tree was hit, and debris from that strike injured four people.
“Those fans, and two others, were transported from the property via ambulance for further medical attention. Our latest report is that their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
“Due to these circumstances, the third round has been suspended for the day and play will resume on Sunday at 8am.”
When the players were taken off the course, American Justin Thomas was at the top of the leaderboard at 12-under-par, even on his scorecard through five holes on day three.
Northern Ireland’s Rory Mcilroy was on 11-under, one over for the day after a bogey at the first, while Brooks Koepka dropped shots at both the first and third holes to also be in a tie for second place.
Xander Schauffele was 10-under, oneover for the day, while Chez Reavie was at nine-under after going three-under through seven holes, alongside England’s Paul Casey who was even-par after six.