The opening round of the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship, being held 25 miles southwest of London in Virginia Water, England, was suspended on Thursday evening following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at age 96.
Thirty of the 144 players in the field still having holes to complete to close out the first round at Wentworth Club, where flags were lowered to half-staff to honor the United Kingdom’s late monarch. Tommy Fleetwood, Andy Sullivan and Viktor Hovland share the lead in the tournament after posting eight-under 64s.
What happens next for the DP World Tour’s flagship event is unclear in terms of when, or if, the tournament will resume. Tour officials announced on Thursday evening that there would be no play on Friday, with the golf course and practice facilities closed. But there was no information on whether the tournament will resume on Saturday and whether it might be played to its 72-hole conclusion.
The DP World Tour offered this statement: “On behalf of our members and everyone connected with the European Tour group and the BMW PGA Championship, it is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She truly was an inspiration to people the world over.”
In the wake of the Queen’s death, Peter Forster, captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, released a statement through the club:
“We are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty today. Following her accession in 1952, Her late Majesty graciously accepted the Patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, as has been the custom of reigning Monarchs since HM King William IV in 1834.
“Although not a golfer, Her late Majesty’s 70-year patronage of the Club was a great honour for its Members.
“We hold His Majesty The King and all The Royal Family in our thoughts at this time of mourning.”