The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday.

Citing a source not authorized to speak publicly, ESPN said the biennial match play showdown between the United States and Europe, scheduled for September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, will be delayed until a similar date in 2021.

"There will not be a Ryder Cup this year," the source told the US sports news outlet.&nbsp;

"The Ryder Cup will go to 2021, the Presidents Cup to 2022 and then they will alternate from there."

The PGA of America and European Tour are expected to release the information officially on Wednesday.

The news comes as no surprise in a sports year turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

British newspapers the Telegraph and the Guardian reported weeks ago that the Ryder Cup would be postponed, although the PGA of America has declined to comment so far.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Spectators 'essential' -</h2>

&nbsp;

Passionate fan involvement -- in a sport more known for a sedate atmosphere -- has long been a hallmark of the Ryder Cup.

With COVID-19 cases still soaring in the United States, it seems unlikely fans would be admitted to the event on its regularly scheduled dates.

Even if a limited number were allowed, travel restrictions could still be a factor for fans wanting to come from Europe.

World number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and fellow four-time major champion Brooks Koepka of the United States have both said they would not want to see the matches played without spectators, whose cheers and songs create much of the atmosphere that makes the team event unique.

US captain Steve Stricker and Europe captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland have agreed they don't want to see a Ryder Cup without spectators.

"I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 so that they can play in front of the atmosphere they want to play," McIlroy told BBC Northern Ireland back in May, when England's Lee Westwood said spectators were "essential" to the event.

Golf, like virtually all professional sports, shut down in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The US PGA Tour has resumed play but has yet to admit spectators to tournaments.

The European Tour won't resume until July 22, with COVID-19 testing and social distancing in place and without spectators on the course.

But the Ryder Cup isn't the only big COVID casualty on the golf calendar.&nbsp;

The British Open, scheduled for July at Royal St. George's Golf Club in Kent, was cancelled.

The Masters was pushed from April to November, the PGA Championship switched from May to August and the US Open moved from June to September.

The rescheduling of the Ryder Cup for 2021 will impact the Presidents Cup, the biennial match play contest between the United States and an International team from non-European countries.

ESPN reported that the Presidents Cup -- scheduled for September 30-October 3 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina -- will now be held in 2022.

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday.

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday. Citing a source not authorized to speak publicly, ESPN said the biennial match play showdown between the United States and Europe, scheduled for September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, will be delayed until a similar date in 2021. "There will not be a Ryder Cup this year," the source told the US sports news outlet. "The Ryder Cup will go to 2021, the Presidents Cup to 2022 and then they will alternate from there." The PGA of America and European Tour are expected to release the information officially on Wednesday. The news comes as no surprise in a sports year turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. British newspapers the Telegraph and the Guardian reported weeks ago that the Ryder Cup would be postponed, although the PGA of America has declined to comment so far. - Spectators 'essential' - Passionate fan involvement -- in a sport more known for a sedate atmosphere -- has long been a hallmark of the Ryder Cup. With COVID-19 cases still soaring in the United States, it seems unlikely fans would be admitted to the event on its regularly scheduled dates. Even if a limited number were allowed, travel restrictions could still be a factor for fans wanting to come from Europe. World number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and fellow four-time major champion Brooks Koepka of the United States have both said they would not want to see the matches played without spectators, whose cheers and songs create much of the atmosphere that makes the team event unique. US captain Steve Stricker and Europe captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland have agreed they don't want to see a Ryder Cup without spectators. "I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 so that they can play in front of the atmosphere they want to play," McIlroy told BBC Northern Ireland back in May, when England's Lee Westwood said spectators were "essential" to the event. Golf, like virtually all professional sports, shut down in March amid the coronavirus pandemic. The US PGA Tour has resumed play but has yet to admit spectators to tournaments. The European Tour won't resume until July 22, with COVID-19 testing and social distancing in place and without spectators on the course. But the Ryder Cup isn't the only big COVID casualty on the golf calendar. The British Open, scheduled for July at Royal St. George's Golf Club in Kent, was cancelled. The Masters was pushed from April to November, the PGA Championship switched from May to August and the US Open moved from June to September. The rescheduling of the Ryder Cup for 2021 will impact the Presidents Cup, the biennial match play contest between the United States and an International team from non-European countries. ESPN reported that the Presidents Cup -- scheduled for September 30-October 3 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina -- will now be held in 2022.

Golf's Ryder Cup to be postponed: report

A bulked-up Bryson DeChambeau, who has been knocking on the door since the PGA Tour’s return from a COVID-19 hiatus, finally blew it open as he cruised to victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday.

World number 10 DeChambeau, who arrived at Detroit Golf Club riding an impressive streak of six consecutive top-10 finishes, shot a seven-under-par 65 to reach 23 under on the week, three shots ahead of overnight leader Matthew Wolff (71).

DeChambeau, who re-emerged from the break in mid-June packing serious muscle and startling distance off the tee, began the day three shots back of Wolff but wasted little time taking over top spot on the leaderboard.

The American had four birdies through seven holes, and then added another at the par-four 10th where he drained a 22-foot putt to take complete control.

DeChambeau’s lone miscue came at the par-five 14th where he made bogey, which opened the door as Wolff shrugged off a rough front nine and made a late charge.

But DeChambeau finished his round with three consecutive birdies to secure his sixth PGA Tour victory. The win marks DeChambeau’s fourth straight PGA Tour season with a triumph.

“This is a little emotional for me because I did do something a little different, I changed my body, changed my mindset in the game and I was able to accomplish a win while playing a completely different style of golf,” said DeChambeau.

“And it’s pretty amazing to see that and I hope it’s an inspiration to a lot of people that if they set their mind to it, you can accomplish it. It just takes a lot of hard work.”

Wolff, who was seeking his second PGA Tour title, struggled early and was three over after 10 holes, five shots off the pace, and seemingly out of contention until the par-four 12th where he made the first of four birdies over a six-hole stretch.

Wolff had a chance to move to within one shot of DeChambeau but his 14-foot eagle putt at the penultimate hole stopped just short of the cup.

Kevin Kisner (66) finished five shots back of DeChambeau in third place while former Masters champion Danny Willett (66) was among a group of four golfers a further two shots back.

A bulked-up Bryson DeChambeau, who has been knocking on the door since the PGA Tour’s return from a COVID-19 hiatus, finally blew it open as he cruised to victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday.

A bulked-up Bryson DeChambeau, who has been knocking on the door since the PGA Tour’s return from a COVID-19 hiatus, finally blew it open as he cruised to victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday. World number 10 DeChambeau, who arrived at Detroit Golf Club riding an impressive streak of six consecutive top-10 finishes, shot a seven-under-par 65 to reach 23 under on the week, three shots ahead of overnight leader Matthew Wolff (71). DeChambeau, who re-emerged from the break in mid-June packing serious muscle and startling distance off the tee, began the day three shots back of Wolff but wasted little time taking over top spot on the leaderboard. The American had four birdies through seven holes, and then added another at the par-four 10th where he drained a 22-foot putt to take complete control. DeChambeau’s lone miscue came at the par-five 14th where he made bogey, which opened the door as Wolff shrugged off a rough front nine and made a late charge. But DeChambeau finished his round with three consecutive birdies to secure his sixth PGA Tour victory. The win marks DeChambeau’s fourth straight PGA Tour season with a triumph. “This is a little emotional for me because I did do something a little different, I changed my body, changed my mindset in the game and I was able to accomplish a win while playing a completely different style of golf,” said DeChambeau. “And it’s pretty amazing to see that and I hope it’s an inspiration to a lot of people that if they set their mind to it, you can accomplish it. It just takes a lot of hard work.” Wolff, who was seeking his second PGA Tour title, struggled early and was three over after 10 holes, five shots off the pace, and seemingly out of contention until the par-four 12th where he made the first of four birdies over a six-hole stretch. Wolff had a chance to move to within one shot of DeChambeau but his 14-foot eagle putt at the penultimate hole stopped just short of the cup. Kevin Kisner (66) finished five shots back of DeChambeau in third place while former Masters champion Danny Willett (66) was among a group of four golfers a further two shots back.

Golf: DeChambeau muscles his way to three-shot victory in Detroit

American Chad Campbell is the sixth US PGA Tour player to test positive for COVID-19 as the tour heads into the fourth week of its restart after a three-month shutdown.

The tour said in a statement that Campbell had withdrawn from this week's Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, where he was the first alternate, after he tested positive as part of the pre-tournament screening process.

Campbell, a four-time tour winner, missed the cut at the first tournament since the coronavirus shutdown ended at Colonial three weeks ago and hadn't played since.

He will now enter self-isolation per tour guidelines and must be cleared medically before he can compete again.

"While the positive test result is unnerving, I am incredibly grateful to be asymptomatic and feel physically well, and my thoughts are with anyone dealing with COVID, directly or indirectly," Campbell said in a statement released through the tour.

On Monday, American Harris English tested positive and withdrew from the Detroit tournament.

Like Campbell, English did not play last week in Connecticut.

South African Dylan Frittelli is also in self-isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus, before he was to have flown Sunday on a PGA player charger to Detroit from the Travelers Championship.

Nick Watney was the first PGA Tour player to test positive since the restart at the Heritage tournament two weeks ago. Fellow Americans Cameron Champ and Denny McCarthy tested positive last week at Connecticut, where two caddies also tested positive.

The PGA Tour also announced on Wednesday that three players on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour tested positive prior to this week's TPC Colorado Championship.

American Chad Campbell is the sixth US PGA Tour player to test positive for COVID-19 as the tour heads into the fourth week of its restart after a three-month shutdown.

American Chad Campbell is the sixth US PGA Tour player to test positive for COVID-19 as the tour heads into the fourth week of its restart after a three-month shutdown. The tour said in a statement that Campbell had withdrawn from this week's Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, where he was the first alternate, after he tested positive as part of the pre-tournament screening process. Campbell, a four-time tour winner, missed the cut at the first tournament since the coronavirus shutdown ended at Colonial three weeks ago and hadn't played since. He will now enter self-isolation per tour guidelines and must be cleared medically before he can compete again. "While the positive test result is unnerving, I am incredibly grateful to be asymptomatic and feel physically well, and my thoughts are with anyone dealing with COVID, directly or indirectly," Campbell said in a statement released through the tour. On Monday, American Harris English tested positive and withdrew from the Detroit tournament. Like Campbell, English did not play last week in Connecticut. South African Dylan Frittelli is also in self-isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus, before he was to have flown Sunday on a PGA player charger to Detroit from the Travelers Championship. Nick Watney was the first PGA Tour player to test positive since the restart at the Heritage tournament two weeks ago. Fellow Americans Cameron Champ and Denny McCarthy tested positive last week at Connecticut, where two caddies also tested positive. The PGA Tour also announced on Wednesday that three players on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour tested positive prior to this week's TPC Colorado Championship.

Sixth US PGA Tour player tests positive for COVID-19

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association.

Woods, a 15-time major champion, and Koepka, seeking a third consecutive PGA Championship victory in August, will join defending champion Gary Woodland among 11 US Open winners set to compete in the 120th US Open on September 17-20 at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York.

World number one Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, Britain's Justin Rose and Germany's Martin Kaymer will join fellow US Open winners Woods, Koepka, Woodland, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth.

The coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement of the US Open from its traditional June dates and wiped out all qualifying for the tournament, forcing the USGA to determine exempt categories for entry into the major championship.

"The decision to cancel local and final qualifying for this year's US Open was deeply disappointing, but we are pleased to still provide the world's best professional and amateur players the opportunity to compete for this historic and coveted championship," said USGA senior managing director of championships John Bodenhamer said.

"The exemption categories for this year's championship at Winged Foot Golf Club were carefully developed to mirror a representative US Open field and we are excited that players will still have an opportunity to earn a place in the field through a variety of categories."

The US Open will be played following the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 US PGA Tour season and as the second major event of the year after the PGA, with the British Open having been canceled and the Masters pushed back from April to November due to the deadly virus outbreak.

Entries will be accepted from July 15 through August 26.

The USGA has not given up on having at least a limited number of spectators at the event, to be staged in what had been the first major US epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak.

<h2>- Mickelson makes it in -</h2>

This year's US Open will include the top 70 players in the world golf rankings as of March 15 instead of the usual top 60.

That expansion will allow 50-year-old Phil Mickelson, who was 61st in the March 15 edition of the rankings, to compete in the event. The six-time US Open runner-up needs a victory in the event to complete a career Grand Slam.

Players can also earn a berth in the lineup through performances in the last six scheduled US PGA events of the current season, which resumed two weeks ago after a three-month hiatus.

The top five players on the final US PGA FedEx Cup season points list, the top 10 in aggregate points from the first five events on the European Tour's UK Swing and the top five on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour's regular season points and finals lists will be exempt into the US Open.

The final 2019 Order of Merit categories for the Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour and Australasia Tour will help to complete a field of 144 players at the suburban New York layout.

Six amateurs are currently exempt and the top seven World Amateur Golf Rankings point leaders from August 19 not otherwise exempt will be added to the field.

An average of 15 amateurs have competed in the past five US Opens, including 2018 US Amateur winner Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian who shared 12th last year at Pebble Beach.

Exemptions remain unchanged for winners in several USGA events as well as for winners of the other majors, the Players Championship and BMW PGA Championship.

Other spots to fill the field will be taken from the August 23 edition of the world golf rankings.

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association.

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association. Woods, a 15-time major champion, and Koepka, seeking a third consecutive PGA Championship victory in August, will join defending champion Gary Woodland among 11 US Open winners set to compete in the 120th US Open on September 17-20 at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York. World number one Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, Britain's Justin Rose and Germany's Martin Kaymer will join fellow US Open winners Woods, Koepka, Woodland, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth. The coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement of the US Open from its traditional June dates and wiped out all qualifying for the tournament, forcing the USGA to determine exempt categories for entry into the major championship. "The decision to cancel local and final qualifying for this year's US Open was deeply disappointing, but we are pleased to still provide the world's best professional and amateur players the opportunity to compete for this historic and coveted championship," said USGA senior managing director of championships John Bodenhamer said. "The exemption categories for this year's championship at Winged Foot Golf Club were carefully developed to mirror a representative US Open field and we are excited that players will still have an opportunity to earn a place in the field through a variety of categories." The US Open will be played following the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 US PGA Tour season and as the second major event of the year after the PGA, with the British Open having been canceled and the Masters pushed back from April to November due to the deadly virus outbreak. Entries will be accepted from July 15 through August 26. The USGA has not given up on having at least a limited number of spectators at the event, to be staged in what had been the first major US epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. - Mickelson makes it in - This year's US Open will include the top 70 players in the world golf rankings as of March 15 instead of the usual top 60. That expansion will allow 50-year-old Phil Mickelson, who was 61st in the March 15 edition of the rankings, to compete in the event. The six-time US Open runner-up needs a victory in the event to complete a career Grand Slam. Players can also earn a berth in the lineup through performances in the last six scheduled US PGA events of the current season, which resumed two weeks ago after a three-month hiatus. The top five players on the final US PGA FedEx Cup season points list, the top 10 in aggregate points from the first five events on the European Tour's UK Swing and the top five on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour's regular season points and finals lists will be exempt into the US Open. The final 2019 Order of Merit categories for the Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour and Australasia Tour will help to complete a field of 144 players at the suburban New York layout. Six amateurs are currently exempt and the top seven World Amateur Golf Rankings point leaders from August 19 not otherwise exempt will be added to the field. An average of 15 amateurs have competed in the past five US Opens, including 2018 US Amateur winner Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian who shared 12th last year at Pebble Beach. Exemptions remain unchanged for winners in several USGA events as well as for winners of the other majors, the Players Championship and BMW PGA Championship. Other spots to fill the field will be taken from the August 23 edition of the world golf rankings.

Tiger, Koepka, McIlroy among exempt golfers for US Open

World number one Rory McIlroy&nbsp;says his game is as sharp as possible and he feels in a safe environment as the US&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour returns to competition Thursday.

After three months idled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the four-time major champion from Northern Ireland will tee off&nbsp;without spectators at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.

There will be face masks and gloves, social distancing, coronavirus tests and temperature-taking to create and maintain a "bubble" of safety for players.

"It really does feel safe. Everything at the course, everything that has been put in place for us, it has felt very robust, very safe," McIlroy said.

"There's sanitizer everywhere you look. I feel safe and I'd say basically everyone else that's here feels the same thing."

McIlroy says his game is as good as can be expected after such a long competition layoff.

"The thing I missed the most was the competition," McIlroy said. "I tried to play with high-caliber players and see where I measured up with them.

"I feel like my game is pretty sharp. I'm as sharp as I can be coming in here... the first couple of days here will be the real test. I'll learn a lot about myself and my game in those first couple of days."

With a spotlight on the first event since The Players Championship was halted after one round in March, McIlroy knows how crucial the week will be for golf and the emergence of sport in general from the COVID-19 outbreak.

"This week is very important. Golf will be the center of the sports world," he said. "For people to have something to watch on TV where they don't know the outcome, I think that will be a good thing."

McIlroy expects a strange atmosphere without fans lining the course, as spectators are not scheduled to attend a&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;event until next month at the Memorial tournament.

"It'll be a little eerie, you're not getting claps or feedback from good shots," McIlroy said. "At the same time, it's what we have to do. It's what we're going to have to live with for the forseeable future."

McIlroy reiterated, however, that he sees no chance of the Ryder Cup, set to be played in September at Whistling Straits, being contested if spectators cannot attend.

"It's either going to be played this year with fans or we'll be kicking it down the road," McIlroy predicted.

"I'm pretty sure they won't carry on without spectators. I don't think that (playing in such an event) would have to be an option that I would consider. I just can't see it going ahead without fans."

McIlroy said the rescheduling of events forced by the pandemic showed golf's global structure could use simplification.

"I don't know if everything being under one umbrella is the solution, but definitely fewer umbrellas is a way forward," McIlroy said.

"The more all these bodies can work together for the greater good of the game can only help everybody."

<h2>- Floyd moves 'wonderful' -</h2>

The greater good beyond golf was also on McIlroy's mind in the wake of two weeks of global protests over the police killing of George Floyd and the concern of racial injustice it has raised.

"I think everyone can be a little more tolerant and a little more educated and not as ignorant," McIlroy said. "The fact that it does seem to be this real will to change and have reform is amazing."

McIlroy called the decision to have a moment of silence and vacant tee time at 8:46 a.m. -- to symbolize the eight minutes and 46 seconds in which a police officer kneeled on Floyd's neck -- "a wonderful gesture" and noted his own golf idol was black, Tiger Woods.

"It didn't matter what color his skin was, what his beliefs were," said McIlory. "As long as we continue to give people from different backgrounds opportunities to be in golf, that can only be a good thing."

World number one Rory McIlroy says his game is as sharp as possible and he feels in a safe environment as the US PGA Tour returns to competition Thursday. After three months idled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the four-time major champion from Northern Ireland will tee off without spectators at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.

World number one Rory McIlroy says his game is as sharp as possible and he feels in a safe environment as the US PGA Tour returns to competition Thursday. After three months idled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the four-time major champion from Northern Ireland will tee off without spectators at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas. There will be face masks and gloves, social distancing, coronavirus tests and temperature-taking to create and maintain a "bubble" of safety for players. "It really does feel safe. Everything at the course, everything that has been put in place for us, it has felt very robust, very safe," McIlroy said. "There's sanitizer everywhere you look. I feel safe and I'd say basically everyone else that's here feels the same thing." McIlroy says his game is as good as can be expected after such a long competition layoff. "The thing I missed the most was the competition," McIlroy said. "I tried to play with high-caliber players and see where I measured up with them. "I feel like my game is pretty sharp. I'm as sharp as I can be coming in here... the first couple of days here will be the real test. I'll learn a lot about myself and my game in those first couple of days." With a spotlight on the first event since The Players Championship was halted after one round in March, McIlroy knows how crucial the week will be for golf and the emergence of sport in general from the COVID-19 outbreak. "This week is very important. Golf will be the center of the sports world," he said. "For people to have something to watch on TV where they don't know the outcome, I think that will be a good thing." McIlroy expects a strange atmosphere without fans lining the course, as spectators are not scheduled to attend a PGA event until next month at the Memorial tournament. "It'll be a little eerie, you're not getting claps or feedback from good shots," McIlroy said. "At the same time, it's what we have to do. It's what we're going to have to live with for the forseeable future." McIlroy reiterated, however, that he sees no chance of the Ryder Cup, set to be played in September at Whistling Straits, being contested if spectators cannot attend. "It's either going to be played this year with fans or we'll be kicking it down the road," McIlroy predicted. "I'm pretty sure they won't carry on without spectators. I don't think that (playing in such an event) would have to be an option that I would consider. I just can't see it going ahead without fans." McIlroy said the rescheduling of events forced by the pandemic showed golf's global structure could use simplification. "I don't know if everything being under one umbrella is the solution, but definitely fewer umbrellas is a way forward," McIlroy said. "The more all these bodies can work together for the greater good of the game can only help everybody." - Floyd moves 'wonderful' - The greater good beyond golf was also on McIlroy's mind in the wake of two weeks of global protests over the police killing of George Floyd and the concern of racial injustice it has raised. "I think everyone can be a little more tolerant and a little more educated and not as ignorant," McIlroy said. "The fact that it does seem to be this real will to change and have reform is amazing." McIlroy called the decision to have a moment of silence and vacant tee time at 8:46 a.m. -- to symbolize the eight minutes and 46 seconds in which a police officer kneeled on Floyd's neck -- "a wonderful gesture" and noted his own golf idol was black, Tiger Woods. "It didn't matter what color his skin was, what his beliefs were," said McIlory. "As long as we continue to give people from different backgrounds opportunities to be in golf, that can only be a good thing."

No. 1 McIlroy feels safe and sharp in PGA Tour return

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: Anirban when I messaged you this morning you were set to tee off for a round, so how relieved are you to get back to playing again?

Anirban Lahiri: It's great to be back playing again. It was a huge relief when I got the clubs out. This lockdown period has been very tough for us athletes because our lives are centred around sport and it was suddenly taken away from us. So it was great to get back to what I love doing.

DSD: Was it an unfamiliar feeling when you hit that golf balls for the first time and did you hit it straight down the fairway?

Anirban Lahiri: It felt extremely strange, I don't think I have ever had so much time away from golf since I was in school. It almost felt like I was returning from my summer vacations in school because I didn't have any golf clubs back then. I was just happy to be back playing. Obviously it will take some time to return to my peak skill level.

DSD: Now usually such a long period without any action happens only when one is seriously injured, so how did you cope through this lockdown phase?

Anirban Lahiri: I don't believe the lockdown has been a terrible period for me as I got to spend some quality time with my 15-month old daughter. I also used this time to read and just get some much-needed rest. It has been a very hectic last five years for me on the PGA Tour, I have constantly been travelling. So it was great to be able to relax for a while, but that too got frustrating after about 30 days. I have been trying to stay fit by doing yoga, working out and eating healthy.

DSD: For you personally, a chance to introspect and plot a course to get back to your best form and also a way up the rankings. Also with the Olympics now a year away there is enough time to get back into the mix.

Anirban Lahiri: Before the scheduled Indian Open in March, my coach and I had drawn up a phase-wise plan to improve certain areas of my game that needed attention, which would help me get back to my best. My performances over the last two years have been extremely disappointing. We were in phase one of that plan when the lockdown began. Now that I have started playing a bit of golf again, I'm in touch with my coach. My participation in PGA Tour events depends on when international travel will resume. I would also like to spend 15 days with my coach in Ahmedabad, where he's based so that I can work on certain aspects of my game before I return to competitive golf. The Olympic postponement is actually a blessing for me because it gives me more time to secure qualification. This lockdown period has brought a lot of positives in my life and I will try to build on them.&nbsp;

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbe03d74-4306-40fb-9fa3-89db1d895ef9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg10218701.jpg" />

DSD: You were in India when the PGA Tour abruptly shut down during the Players'&nbsp;Championships, at that time it was just a temporary break but perhaps no one had an idea of what they were dealing with.

Anirban Lahiri: The coronavirus crisis has affected all industries in the world, including sport. But hats off to the PGA Tour for being so proactive and putting a proper schedule out for the players. The PGA is one of the few major sporting organisations which has released a detailed plan to get the sport up and running. I have been involved in some form in the decision-making process and it has been a very difficult period for the PGA Tour. There are a lot of stakeholders in the game and their safety must be the priority. No one could have predicted the extent to which sport and life in general, would be affected by the crisis .it is good to see that there are signs of a return to some sort of normalcy, at least in golf. When the tour resumes, it will probably be a 'new normal' and it'll be interesting to see how the sport adapts. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and the PGA Tour could also be a model for other sports to follow amid the coronavirus pandemic. I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be part of the tour right from the get-go, but I'm delighted that I'll get to see some live golf again.

DSD: Is it safe to resume the PGA Tour in the USA, given the massive health crisis the country is in.

Anirban Lahiri: I have been part of the players' advisory council for the last three years and i must say that the pga tour has left no stone unturned in trying to set up an environment where everyone involved in the tour can stay as safe as possible in the current climate. There are extremely strict health protocols in place at every step. Players and caddies will be tested for the coronavirus before travelling to the event, upon arrival and also just before the tournament begins. They are going to stay in designated hotels and no family members are allowed to travel with them. Only one coach can accompany the player to the events. Chartered flights have been organised for travel between events, which will only carry essential personnel. These protocols are going to be followed for the first four events after the hiatus. There have been hours of work and a lot of deliberation after which the PGA Tour has come up with these safety measures. I feel that this is the safest possible environment that can be created for players, given the current situation. Obviously it is impossible to guarantee 100% safety of all individuals, there are still chances of people contracting the virus. In fact, there are protocols in place in case an individual on the tour contracts the virus during the event. All contingencies have been covered by the PGA Tour. The players obviously want to get back to action and earn their living, but the last thing they want is to contract the virus and get it home. I think most of the players' concerns have been addressed by the tour and now it is just a case of executing the measures and hoping everything goes well. If I were in America and able to travel to the events, I would definitely play.

DSD: Now the PGA Tour is primarily an American Tour but obviously the biggest and most prestigious professional tour in the world. Now unlike tennis, they do not need everyone to be available before resuming. But it is players like you who are from abroad that will have a problem getting into the US, it's not really fair on the non-American players.

Anirban Lahiri: That's the reality of the situation, it is certainly unfair for certain players but these are unprecedented times and certain compromises have to made. Although to tackle that situation, the PGA Tour has guaranteed that those players who were eligible to play on the tour in 2020, will retain their rights for the 2021 season. The European tour is also having six events in the UK at the start of its season and most countries are going to have mandatory quarantine protocols in place even for athletes, in order to protect the greater population. I don't think any athletes will be exempted from those quarantine periods. The massive advantage that the PGA Tour has is that it can hold the entire season in the USA.

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1940497c-7ab1-4444-be35-cfa2e4584503" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_HC7XX.jpg" />

It might not be fair on players living outside the US, but this is the best we can do at the moment. I can't participate in the first few events of the tour but I'm not complaining because I realise that the sport needs to resume in some form, it is about survival and getting through this tough phase. That is the primary concern. There are still some players who are uncomfortable playing in these circumstances, and it is their right to choose not to play. The ultimate choice to compete for lies with the player and no one has the right to judge that decision. It's a completely personal choice. Also, the other tours are looking at the PGA Tour to set the standard in terms of how to resume golf amid the pandemic. I know that the Asian Tour is definitely employing that strategy. In a sense, the PGA Tour is going to be the industry leader in setting a template for the sport to resume. There are always going to be different opinions, but personally I want to see the sport restart sooner rather than later.

DSD: At some point, you have to get back so then are you looking at a long stint in America till the end of the year because of these quarantine regulations.

Anirban Lahiri: I'm definitely going to have to be in the US for a while, whenever I go there. At some point, I will have to return to America because I live there. I love it here in India and this has almost been like a holiday to me because I'm not working. The problem I have right now is that I have no goal to work towards in a certain time frame, I don't know when flights will resume and when I'll be able to get back to playing competitive golf. As soon as I get a definite timeline, I will start mental and physical preparation for my return to action. Any athlete has to be in the right frame of mind to be able to prepare for an event, it is difficult to do so without a fixed deadline. I am patiently waiting for some decision to be made on international travel.

DSD: The action resume at the Charles Schwab Challenge and there's the stellar lineup on the cards. Does that just show the desperation of everyone to get back to playing again?

Anirban Lahiri: I spoke to some of the golfers who were part of the players' advisory council, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, and all of them just wanted to get back to the course again. It is how us golfers earn our living and not playing for 3-4 months is very hard on us as competitive athletes. It gets frustrating after a certain point of time and that's why we're seeing such a star-studded entry list at the first tournament after the break. We might see very strong fields heading into the other tournaments as well because so many events have been lost and players are desperate to pick up their ranking points in order to qualify for the fed-ex cup.

DSD: Most of the American golfers stay on golf courses and have been probably playing more regularly than say the likes of you. But there also has been a lack of competition. So are we going to see some strange names up the leaderboard?

Anirban Lahiri: Players will certainly be a bit rusty in the first few rounds, but I don't think it will last very long. Most of my friends in the US have continued to play golf because the lockdown measures there were nowhere near as strict as the restrictions in India. The situation in India would have been exponentially worse if such stringent measures would not have been adopted. I don't feel that we will see a lower standard of golf, we might get to see the depth in the PGA Tour with some of the lesser-known players coming to the fore and doing well, or it might be normal service for the likes of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. It is hard to say but I don't think the overall standard of golf will drop substantially. As far as I know, no golf course in the US was shut for more than two weeks. Despite the situation being so grave in America, golf courses were still open. A lot of the pros must have practised together which also might be a big help to them.

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a0ee7c3-0505-4c20-882c-ac715d69604c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9H4B3.jpg" />

DSD: Actually more than us it is professionals like you who would be able to pick up on minute details. Did you get a chance to watch some of the charity matches which featured the likes Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson?

Anirban Lahiri: I didn't watch any of the exhibition games. At the end of the day, they are just charity matches and they have got absolutely no correlation with what you'll see in competitive tournaments. Some of the golfers might hit great shots, but that isn't a reflection on how they will perform at the proper tour events, it's a completely different ball game.

DSD: Ryder Cup remains a huge talking point, you have played in team competitions before and you know how significant the atmosphere is, some like Ian Poulter thrive off it.so do you see it being held without fans or pushed back?

Anirban Lahiri: Team Europe would certainly prefer the Ryder Cup to be played without fans because it is happening in America. The golf course at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, is one of my favourites and it is ideal for match-play. I would personally not want to be in a team competition without fans. Team events are the only ones which come closest to golf becoming a stadium sport. There are fans at regular events as well but there is a special atmosphere that is created by fans during team competitions.

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more.

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Anirban when I messaged you this morning you were set to tee off for a round, so how relieved are you to get back to playing again? Anirban Lahiri: It's great to be back playing again. It was a huge relief when I got the clubs out. This lockdown period has been very tough for us athletes because our lives are centred around sport and it was suddenly taken away from us. So it was great to get back to what I love doing. DSD: Was it an unfamiliar feeling when you hit that golf balls for the first time and did you hit it straight down the fairway? Anirban Lahiri: It felt extremely strange, I don't think I have ever had so much time away from golf since I was in school. It almost felt like I was returning from my summer vacations in school because I didn't have any golf clubs back then. I was just happy to be back playing. Obviously it will take some time to return to my peak skill level. DSD: Now usually such a long period without any action happens only when one is seriously injured, so how did you cope through this lockdown phase? Anirban Lahiri: I don't believe the lockdown has been a terrible period for me as I got to spend some quality time with my 15-month old daughter. I also used this time to read and just get some much-needed rest. It has been a very hectic last five years for me on the PGA Tour, I have constantly been travelling. So it was great to be able to relax for a while, but that too got frustrating after about 30 days. I have been trying to stay fit by doing yoga, working out and eating healthy. DSD: For you personally, a chance to introspect and plot a course to get back to your best form and also a way up the rankings. Also with the Olympics now a year away there is enough time to get back into the mix. Anirban Lahiri: Before the scheduled Indian Open in March, my coach and I had drawn up a phase-wise plan to improve certain areas of my game that needed attention, which would help me get back to my best. My performances over the last two years have been extremely disappointing. We were in phase one of that plan when the lockdown began. Now that I have started playing a bit of golf again, I'm in touch with my coach. My participation in PGA Tour events depends on when international travel will resume. I would also like to spend 15 days with my coach in Ahmedabad, where he's based so that I can work on certain aspects of my game before I return to competitive golf. The Olympic postponement is actually a blessing for me because it gives me more time to secure qualification. This lockdown period has brought a lot of positives in my life and I will try to build on them. DSD: You were in India when the PGA Tour abruptly shut down during the Players' Championships, at that time it was just a temporary break but perhaps no one had an idea of what they were dealing with. Anirban Lahiri: The coronavirus crisis has affected all industries in the world, including sport. But hats off to the PGA Tour for being so proactive and putting a proper schedule out for the players. The PGA is one of the few major sporting organisations which has released a detailed plan to get the sport up and running. I have been involved in some form in the decision-making process and it has been a very difficult period for the PGA Tour. There are a lot of stakeholders in the game and their safety must be the priority. No one could have predicted the extent to which sport and life in general, would be affected by the crisis .it is good to see that there are signs of a return to some sort of normalcy, at least in golf. When the tour resumes, it will probably be a 'new normal' and it'll be interesting to see how the sport adapts. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and the PGA Tour could also be a model for other sports to follow amid the coronavirus pandemic. I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be part of the tour right from the get-go, but I'm delighted that I'll get to see some live golf again. DSD: Is it safe to resume the PGA Tour in the USA, given the massive health crisis the country is in. Anirban Lahiri: I have been part of the players' advisory council for the last three years and i must say that the pga tour has left no stone unturned in trying to set up an environment where everyone involved in the tour can stay as safe as possible in the current climate. There are extremely strict health protocols in place at every step. Players and caddies will be tested for the coronavirus before travelling to the event, upon arrival and also just before the tournament begins. They are going to stay in designated hotels and no family members are allowed to travel with them. Only one coach can accompany the player to the events. Chartered flights have been organised for travel between events, which will only carry essential personnel. These protocols are going to be followed for the first four events after the hiatus. There have been hours of work and a lot of deliberation after which the PGA Tour has come up with these safety measures. I feel that this is the safest possible environment that can be created for players, given the current situation. Obviously it is impossible to guarantee 100% safety of all individuals, there are still chances of people contracting the virus. In fact, there are protocols in place in case an individual on the tour contracts the virus during the event. All contingencies have been covered by the PGA Tour. The players obviously want to get back to action and earn their living, but the last thing they want is to contract the virus and get it home. I think most of the players' concerns have been addressed by the tour and now it is just a case of executing the measures and hoping everything goes well. If I were in America and able to travel to the events, I would definitely play. DSD: Now the PGA Tour is primarily an American Tour but obviously the biggest and most prestigious professional tour in the world. Now unlike tennis, they do not need everyone to be available before resuming. But it is players like you who are from abroad that will have a problem getting into the US, it's not really fair on the non-American players. Anirban Lahiri: That's the reality of the situation, it is certainly unfair for certain players but these are unprecedented times and certain compromises have to made. Although to tackle that situation, the PGA Tour has guaranteed that those players who were eligible to play on the tour in 2020, will retain their rights for the 2021 season. The European tour is also having six events in the UK at the start of its season and most countries are going to have mandatory quarantine protocols in place even for athletes, in order to protect the greater population. I don't think any athletes will be exempted from those quarantine periods. The massive advantage that the PGA Tour has is that it can hold the entire season in the USA. It might not be fair on players living outside the US, but this is the best we can do at the moment. I can't participate in the first few events of the tour but I'm not complaining because I realise that the sport needs to resume in some form, it is about survival and getting through this tough phase. That is the primary concern. There are still some players who are uncomfortable playing in these circumstances, and it is their right to choose not to play. The ultimate choice to compete for lies with the player and no one has the right to judge that decision. It's a completely personal choice. Also, the other tours are looking at the PGA Tour to set the standard in terms of how to resume golf amid the pandemic. I know that the Asian Tour is definitely employing that strategy. In a sense, the PGA Tour is going to be the industry leader in setting a template for the sport to resume. There are always going to be different opinions, but personally I want to see the sport restart sooner rather than later. DSD: At some point, you have to get back so then are you looking at a long stint in America till the end of the year because of these quarantine regulations. Anirban Lahiri: I'm definitely going to have to be in the US for a while, whenever I go there. At some point, I will have to return to America because I live there. I love it here in India and this has almost been like a holiday to me because I'm not working. The problem I have right now is that I have no goal to work towards in a certain time frame, I don't know when flights will resume and when I'll be able to get back to playing competitive golf. As soon as I get a definite timeline, I will start mental and physical preparation for my return to action. Any athlete has to be in the right frame of mind to be able to prepare for an event, it is difficult to do so without a fixed deadline. I am patiently waiting for some decision to be made on international travel. DSD: The action resume at the Charles Schwab Challenge and there's the stellar lineup on the cards. Does that just show the desperation of everyone to get back to playing again? Anirban Lahiri: I spoke to some of the golfers who were part of the players' advisory council, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, and all of them just wanted to get back to the course again. It is how us golfers earn our living and not playing for 3-4 months is very hard on us as competitive athletes. It gets frustrating after a certain point of time and that's why we're seeing such a star-studded entry list at the first tournament after the break. We might see very strong fields heading into the other tournaments as well because so many events have been lost and players are desperate to pick up their ranking points in order to qualify for the fed-ex cup. DSD: Most of the American golfers stay on golf courses and have been probably playing more regularly than say the likes of you. But there also has been a lack of competition. So are we going to see some strange names up the leaderboard? Anirban Lahiri: Players will certainly be a bit rusty in the first few rounds, but I don't think it will last very long. Most of my friends in the US have continued to play golf because the lockdown measures there were nowhere near as strict as the restrictions in India. The situation in India would have been exponentially worse if such stringent measures would not have been adopted. I don't feel that we will see a lower standard of golf, we might get to see the depth in the PGA Tour with some of the lesser-known players coming to the fore and doing well, or it might be normal service for the likes of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. It is hard to say but I don't think the overall standard of golf will drop substantially. As far as I know, no golf course in the US was shut for more than two weeks. Despite the situation being so grave in America, golf courses were still open. A lot of the pros must have practised together which also might be a big help to them. DSD: Actually more than us it is professionals like you who would be able to pick up on minute details. Did you get a chance to watch some of the charity matches which featured the likes Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson? Anirban Lahiri: I didn't watch any of the exhibition games. At the end of the day, they are just charity matches and they have got absolutely no correlation with what you'll see in competitive tournaments. Some of the golfers might hit great shots, but that isn't a reflection on how they will perform at the proper tour events, it's a completely different ball game. DSD: Ryder Cup remains a huge talking point, you have played in team competitions before and you know how significant the atmosphere is, some like Ian Poulter thrive off it.so do you see it being held without fans or pushed back? Anirban Lahiri: Team Europe would certainly prefer the Ryder Cup to be played without fans because it is happening in America. The golf course at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, is one of my favourites and it is ideal for match-play. I would personally not want to be in a team competition without fans. Team events are the only ones which come closest to golf becoming a stadium sport. There are fans at regular events as well but there is a special atmosphere that is created by fans during team competitions.

Lahiri: PGA Tour restart will set the template for resumption of golf

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again.

The 44-year-old Woods says he's been able to use the down time during the coronavirus pandemic to get himself in shape for an expected condensed fall golf season.&nbsp;

"It is going to be interesting," said Woods during a four-man charity golf tournament in Florida on Sunday. "I am used to trying to peak for majors in April, May, June and July, forever. Now this (COVID-19) has changed everything. It is fluid. It is on the fly."&nbsp;

Asked to rate how his back feels on a scale of one to 10, Woods said, "Well, let's just say 10 is not what it used to be."&nbsp;

PGA stars Woods and Phil Mickelson and two NFL quarterback legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady squared off in an entertaining made-for-television charity golf event on Sunday that raised $20 million for coronavirus relief efforts.

The 18-hole match included nine holes of four-ball and nine holes of modified alternate shot, with on-course challenges for charitable funds.&nbsp;

Woods, who paired with Manning, showed no rust as they&nbsp;held off a back-nine rally from Mickelson and Brady for a one-up victory in the 18-hole match play format.

Sunday's event, called "The Match: Champions for Charity," &nbsp;was a rematch of sorts for Mickelson and Woods, who faced off in a similar charity event last year in Las Vegas. It also marked a return to the golf course for the both PGA stars due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The PGA Tour is on hiatus until June 11, when the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial is scheduled to begin in Texas.

The charity match was the first competitive golf for Woods since the Genesis Invitational on February 16, where he shot weekend rounds of 76-77 to finish in 68th place at the Riviera Country Club course.&nbsp;

He said the forced break has been refreshing and described his health as surprisingly good considering he has been taken out of his regular training regime.&nbsp;

"It is to nice be at home training each and every day," Woods said. "I get some treatment on it and get onto a routine basically.&nbsp;

"With this pandemic and everything that has happened, we (have) all been very careful and try to stay at home," he said.

Woods says he has enjoyed spending more time with his family and has added tennis to his workouts.&nbsp;

"It has been good in that regard because I have been able to spend a lot of time with my kids. We had a lot of fun. This is the most amount of tennis I have played ever."&nbsp;

The start of Sunday's match was delayed by rain that fell steadily throughout the majority of the round.

Woods helped offset the difficult playing conditions Sunday by taking advantage of competing on his home course, the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound.&nbsp;

"I am just trying to hit it in the right spots. I kind of know this place," he told a television interviewer early in his round.

The entertaining match featured plenty of friendly banter and trash talking going back and forth between four of North America's biggest sport stars.

Brady, who recently signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after winning six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, made the shot of the day on the par-five seventh.

<h2>- Wardrobe malfunction -</h2>

Brady had been struggling for much of the first round, but his approach on No. 7 landed just past the hole before spinning wildly to the right and rolling into the centre of the cup.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going," an obviously relieved Brady said of his first good shot of the day.

The shot was notable for another reason: it included a wardrobe malfunction. Brady also split his pants on the shot, resulting in a hasty costume change.

"There was so much torque on that swing," he joked.

The birdie also lightened the wallet of PGA golfer Brooks Koepka. When he saw Brady struggling early in the round, Koepka tweeted out a promise to donate $100,000 to charity if Brady could make a par on the front nine.

"Brooks owes me a little money," Brady said following his surprise birdie.

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again.

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again. The 44-year-old Woods says he's been able to use the down time during the coronavirus pandemic to get himself in shape for an expected condensed fall golf season. "It is going to be interesting," said Woods during a four-man charity golf tournament in Florida on Sunday. "I am used to trying to peak for majors in April, May, June and July, forever. Now this (COVID-19) has changed everything. It is fluid. It is on the fly." Asked to rate how his back feels on a scale of one to 10, Woods said, "Well, let's just say 10 is not what it used to be." PGA stars Woods and Phil Mickelson and two NFL quarterback legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady squared off in an entertaining made-for-television charity golf event on Sunday that raised $20 million for coronavirus relief efforts. The 18-hole match included nine holes of four-ball and nine holes of modified alternate shot, with on-course challenges for charitable funds. Woods, who paired with Manning, showed no rust as they held off a back-nine rally from Mickelson and Brady for a one-up victory in the 18-hole match play format. Sunday's event, called "The Match: Champions for Charity," was a rematch of sorts for Mickelson and Woods, who faced off in a similar charity event last year in Las Vegas. It also marked a return to the golf course for the both PGA stars due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PGA Tour is on hiatus until June 11, when the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial is scheduled to begin in Texas. The charity match was the first competitive golf for Woods since the Genesis Invitational on February 16, where he shot weekend rounds of 76-77 to finish in 68th place at the Riviera Country Club course. He said the forced break has been refreshing and described his health as surprisingly good considering he has been taken out of his regular training regime. "It is to nice be at home training each and every day," Woods said. "I get some treatment on it and get onto a routine basically. "With this pandemic and everything that has happened, we (have) all been very careful and try to stay at home," he said. Woods says he has enjoyed spending more time with his family and has added tennis to his workouts. "It has been good in that regard because I have been able to spend a lot of time with my kids. We had a lot of fun. This is the most amount of tennis I have played ever." The start of Sunday's match was delayed by rain that fell steadily throughout the majority of the round. Woods helped offset the difficult playing conditions Sunday by taking advantage of competing on his home course, the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound. "I am just trying to hit it in the right spots. I kind of know this place," he told a television interviewer early in his round. The entertaining match featured plenty of friendly banter and trash talking going back and forth between four of North America's biggest sport stars. Brady, who recently signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after winning six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, made the shot of the day on the par-five seventh. - Wardrobe malfunction - Brady had been struggling for much of the first round, but his approach on No. 7 landed just past the hole before spinning wildly to the right and rolling into the centre of the cup. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," an obviously relieved Brady said of his first good shot of the day. The shot was notable for another reason: it included a wardrobe malfunction. Brady also split his pants on the shot, resulting in a hasty costume change. "There was so much torque on that swing," he joked. The birdie also lightened the wallet of PGA golfer Brooks Koepka. When he saw Brady struggling early in the round, Koepka tweeted out a promise to donate $100,000 to charity if Brady could make a par on the front nine. "Brooks owes me a little money," Brady said following his surprise birdie.

Woods-Manning prevail in star-studded match, raised $20m for charity

Golf is continuing to come back to its feet following a prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, Tiger Woods will be teaming up with Peyton Manning to lock horns against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in what will be a two-on-two charity match.&nbsp;

This will be a follow up to their clash in November 2018 as Woods, Mickelson and NFL quarterbacks gear up to raise funds for the COVID-19 pandemic relief work when they face off at The Match: Champions for Charity on Sunday.&nbsp;

The 18-hole made for television clash will be held at Woods’ home course at the Medalist Golf Club in Florida. Woods would be hoping to hit some form after the 15-time major winner returned with a disappointing 68th-place finish at the Genesis Invitational.

Mickelson had struggled earlier this and missed the cut in four of his five tour appearances before being victorious in his head-to-head match with Woods 18 months back.&nbsp;

Both Manning and Brady have not hyped their golf skills. While Manning last played with Woods at the 2005 Bay Hill Pro-Am and the 2009 Quail Hollow Championship, Manning has enjoyed his life on the course since retiring from NFL in 2016.&nbsp;

While the level of play in Sunday’s match may not be the best, but fans are eager to watch the iconic Woods in action.

Golf is continuing to come back to its feet following a prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, Tiger Woods will be teaming up with Peyton Manning to lock horns against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in what will be a two-on-two charity match.

Golf is continuing to come back to its feet following a prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, Tiger Woods will be teaming up with Peyton Manning to lock horns against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in what will be a two-on-two charity match. This will be a follow up to their clash in November 2018 as Woods, Mickelson and NFL quarterbacks gear up to raise funds for the COVID-19 pandemic relief work when they face off at The Match: Champions for Charity on Sunday. The 18-hole made for television clash will be held at Woods’ home course at the Medalist Golf Club in Florida. Woods would be hoping to hit some form after the 15-time major winner returned with a disappointing 68th-place finish at the Genesis Invitational. Mickelson had struggled earlier this and missed the cut in four of his five tour appearances before being victorious in his head-to-head match with Woods 18 months back. Both Manning and Brady have not hyped their golf skills. While Manning last played with Woods at the 2005 Bay Hill Pro-Am and the 2009 Quail Hollow Championship, Manning has enjoyed his life on the course since retiring from NFL in 2016. While the level of play in Sunday’s match may not be the best, but fans are eager to watch the iconic Woods in action.

Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning heavy favourites for charity match against Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady

World number one Rory McIlroy says there's little chance he'd tee it up again with US President Donald Trump, criticizing Trump's handling of the COVID-19 crisis on a golf podcast.

McIlroy told the McKellar Golf Podcast on Thursday that a more settled life away from the golf course has him feeling "more comfortable in my own skin" and more able to voice opinions.

The 31-year-old from Northern Ireland, who has a home in Florida, has not been impressed with Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We're in the midst of something that's pretty serious right now and the fact that he's trying to politicize it and make it a campaign rally, saying that (the United States) administers the most tests in the world like it's a contest... It's just not the way a leader should act and there is a bit of diplomacy that you need to show and I just don't think he's shown that, especially in these times," McIlroy said.

Back in 2017, McIlroy was surprised at the "blow-back" he received after accepting an invitation to play a round with the then-recently inaugurated president.

"I'll sit here and say that the day that I did spend with him and others was very enjoyable," McIlroy recalled this week of that round with Trump.

"He's very charismatic. He was nice to everyone. It didn't matter whether you were me or the guys in the cart barn or the pro at the golf club.

"He has something. He obviously has something or he wouldn't be in the White House, right?

"So I will sit here and say that the day I had with him I enjoyed but that doesn't mean I agree with everything -- or, in fact, anything that he says."

And while he once defended that round with Trump as a show of respect to his office, McIlroy indicated he wouldn't accept another such invitation.

"I don't know if he'd want to play with me again after what I just said," McIlroy said. "I know it's very self-serving of me to say, 'No' and if I don't, then it means then I'm not putting myself in position to be put under scrutiny and that I'm avoiding that.

"But I probably wouldn't, no."

World number one Rory McIlroy says there's little chance he'd tee it up again with US President Donald Trump, criticizing Trump's handling of the COVID-19 crisis on a golf podcast.

World number one Rory McIlroy says there's little chance he'd tee it up again with US President Donald Trump, criticizing Trump's handling of the COVID-19 crisis on a golf podcast. McIlroy told the McKellar Golf Podcast on Thursday that a more settled life away from the golf course has him feeling "more comfortable in my own skin" and more able to voice opinions. The 31-year-old from Northern Ireland, who has a home in Florida, has not been impressed with Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic. "We're in the midst of something that's pretty serious right now and the fact that he's trying to politicize it and make it a campaign rally, saying that (the United States) administers the most tests in the world like it's a contest... It's just not the way a leader should act and there is a bit of diplomacy that you need to show and I just don't think he's shown that, especially in these times," McIlroy said. Back in 2017, McIlroy was surprised at the "blow-back" he received after accepting an invitation to play a round with the then-recently inaugurated president. "I'll sit here and say that the day that I did spend with him and others was very enjoyable," McIlroy recalled this week of that round with Trump. "He's very charismatic. He was nice to everyone. It didn't matter whether you were me or the guys in the cart barn or the pro at the golf club. "He has something. He obviously has something or he wouldn't be in the White House, right? "So I will sit here and say that the day I had with him I enjoyed but that doesn't mean I agree with everything -- or, in fact, anything that he says." And while he once defended that round with Trump as a show of respect to his office, McIlroy indicated he wouldn't accept another such invitation. "I don't know if he'd want to play with me again after what I just said," McIlroy said. "I know it's very self-serving of me to say, 'No' and if I don't, then it means then I'm not putting myself in position to be put under scrutiny and that I'm avoiding that. "But I probably wouldn't, no."

World No. 1 McIlroy 'probably wouldn't' golf again with Trump

Golfers based outside the United States will face a 14-day quarantine before they are able to compete on the US PGA Tour when the circuit resumes play next month, tour officials said Wednesday.

Britain's Matthew Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood and Italy's Francesco Molinari are among around 25 golfers who would need to move quickly to arrive in time for the US PGA's planned June 11 return at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.

Despite moves by the tour to help players and caddies based outside US borders return for events, the 14-day quarantine will be in force and those coming over from Britain would face another two-week isolation when they return across the Atlantic Ocean.

"We're working with the federal government to facilitate the return of players and caddies who are currently residing outside of the United States, and we're optimistic that's going to occur," said Andy Levinson, tour vice president of tournament administration.

"We're optimistic we'll be able to facilitate their return prior to our return to competition."

Helping players return doesn't mean the players could escape two weeks of quarantine, however, as a protective measure due to the coronavirus pandemic that shut down most sports, including the US PGA Tour, in March.

"That is currently in place, and it is likely to continue, so it's imperative that those constituents that we have that need to come back in the United States do so at least two weeks prior to our return to competition," Levinson said.

It's uncertain how many of the 25 players Levinson said are outside US borders would even want to return for events given the isolation required.

The tour outlined its coronavirus safety rules for its return, with at least the first four events to be played without spectators.

Coronavirus testing and daily temperature taking will be part of plan, devised in consultation with medical experts and government leaders in tournament host sites.

Nasal swab tests for the deadly virus would start when players and caddies perform a pre-travel screening test. They would be tested again when they arrive at event lodging.

When they arrive at the course each day, players and caddies will face health questions and thermometer readings before they can enter.

If a player's temperature is above 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius)&nbsp;on any day, he will be given a coronavirus test.

With up to two days needed for results, golfers will be able to only practice and play -- observing social distancing protocols -- while awaiting results. They would be banned from other course facilities.

Any player who tests positive for the virus must immediately quarantine for at least 10 days. If a player tests positive after making the 36-hole cut, he will be paid last-place prize money.

Medical privacy laws prohibit virus test results being made public, but players withdrawing for unknown reasons will come under scrutiny for such a situation.

And contact tracing will be used to try and contain any other possible positive tests.

"We're not going to play if we can't do it in a safe and healthy environment," PGA Tour chief of operations Tyler Dennis said.

The John Deere Classic at Sylvis, Illinois, on July 9-12 is the first possible event on a revamped US PGA schedule that could be open to fans.

<h2>- No handshakes allowed -</h2>

PGA staff, including rules and scoring officials, security, select clubhouse, tournament and volunteer staff, trainers and coaches will be permitted at the event. No family members will be allowed on site.

The tour will provide face masks and disinfectant wipes and cover test costs for players, caddies and essential staff.

Players will retrieve golf balls from holes and are urged to remove and replace their own clubs from the bag.

Caddies can rake bunkers and tend flagsticks but must use sanitary wipes on the equipment after doing so.

And there will be no handshakes after the round. Courses will be roped off for safety reasons even without spectators.

A player and caddie would share a cart back to the clubhouse if players are pulled off the course due to bad weather approaching.

A tour-hired charter flight will carry players and caddies between tournaments, but they have virus tests within 24 hours of departure. Only those who test negative can board the plane.

Golfers based outside the United States will face a 14-day quarantine before they are able to compete on the US PGA Tour when the circuit resumes play next month, tour officials said Wednesday.

Golfers based outside the United States will face a 14-day quarantine before they are able to compete on the US PGA Tour when the circuit resumes play next month, tour officials said Wednesday. Britain's Matthew Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood and Italy's Francesco Molinari are among around 25 golfers who would need to move quickly to arrive in time for the US PGA's planned June 11 return at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite moves by the tour to help players and caddies based outside US borders return for events, the 14-day quarantine will be in force and those coming over from Britain would face another two-week isolation when they return across the Atlantic Ocean. "We're working with the federal government to facilitate the return of players and caddies who are currently residing outside of the United States, and we're optimistic that's going to occur," said Andy Levinson, tour vice president of tournament administration. "We're optimistic we'll be able to facilitate their return prior to our return to competition." Helping players return doesn't mean the players could escape two weeks of quarantine, however, as a protective measure due to the coronavirus pandemic that shut down most sports, including the US PGA Tour, in March. "That is currently in place, and it is likely to continue, so it's imperative that those constituents that we have that need to come back in the United States do so at least two weeks prior to our return to competition," Levinson said. It's uncertain how many of the 25 players Levinson said are outside US borders would even want to return for events given the isolation required. The tour outlined its coronavirus safety rules for its return, with at least the first four events to be played without spectators. Coronavirus testing and daily temperature taking will be part of plan, devised in consultation with medical experts and government leaders in tournament host sites. Nasal swab tests for the deadly virus would start when players and caddies perform a pre-travel screening test. They would be tested again when they arrive at event lodging. When they arrive at the course each day, players and caddies will face health questions and thermometer readings before they can enter. If a player's temperature is above 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) on any day, he will be given a coronavirus test. With up to two days needed for results, golfers will be able to only practice and play -- observing social distancing protocols -- while awaiting results. They would be banned from other course facilities. Any player who tests positive for the virus must immediately quarantine for at least 10 days. If a player tests positive after making the 36-hole cut, he will be paid last-place prize money. Medical privacy laws prohibit virus test results being made public, but players withdrawing for unknown reasons will come under scrutiny for such a situation. And contact tracing will be used to try and contain any other possible positive tests. "We're not going to play if we can't do it in a safe and healthy environment," PGA Tour chief of operations Tyler Dennis said. The John Deere Classic at Sylvis, Illinois, on July 9-12 is the first possible event on a revamped US PGA schedule that could be open to fans. - No handshakes allowed - PGA staff, including rules and scoring officials, security, select clubhouse, tournament and volunteer staff, trainers and coaches will be permitted at the event. No family members will be allowed on site. The tour will provide face masks and disinfectant wipes and cover test costs for players, caddies and essential staff. Players will retrieve golf balls from holes and are urged to remove and replace their own clubs from the bag. Caddies can rake bunkers and tend flagsticks but must use sanitary wipes on the equipment after doing so. And there will be no handshakes after the round. Courses will be roped off for safety reasons even without spectators. A player and caddie would share a cart back to the clubhouse if players are pulled off the course due to bad weather approaching. A tour-hired charter flight will carry players and caddies between tournaments, but they have virus tests within 24 hours of departure. Only those who test negative can board the plane.

Up to 25 golfers face 14-day quarantine before US PGA return

The PGA Tour is changing its qualification guidelines for next season by allowing more golfers to retain their eligibility status even if they had an off season in 2019-20.

Normally golfers who don't finish in the top 125 of the FedEx Cup standings will lose their PGA spots for the next season.

But because of the shortening of the 2019-20 season due to the Covid-19 outbreak, organizers are now allowing exempt players to retain their playing status for 2020-21 regardless of where they finish.

The Tour has revised its schedule and is due to resume play on June 11 with an invitational event in Fort Worth, Texas.

"This eligibility update, contingent upon the planned restart of the season at the Charles Schwab Challenge the week of June 8, was deemed the best and most equitable solution for the membership," a Tour spokesman said in a news release on Thursday.

The Tour also decided to not have the top players from the development Korn Ferry Tour earn promotions to the PGA. Their positions will be filled by players who fell from the top 125.

Also, eligibility for the Tournament of Champions, normally limited to event winners from the prior year, will be altered for next year.

In addition to all 2020 winners, non-winners who finish in the top 30 of the FedEx Cup playoff points list and who qualified for the 2020 Tour Championship will be able to compete in the Tournament of Champions.

The PGA Tour is changing its qualification guidelines for next season by allowing more golfers to retain their eligibility status even if they had an off season in 2019-20.

The PGA Tour is changing its qualification guidelines for next season by allowing more golfers to retain their eligibility status even if they had an off season in 2019-20. Normally golfers who don't finish in the top 125 of the FedEx Cup standings will lose their PGA spots for the next season. But because of the shortening of the 2019-20 season due to the Covid-19 outbreak, organizers are now allowing exempt players to retain their playing status for 2020-21 regardless of where they finish. The Tour has revised its schedule and is due to resume play on June 11 with an invitational event in Fort Worth, Texas. "This eligibility update, contingent upon the planned restart of the season at the Charles Schwab Challenge the week of June 8, was deemed the best and most equitable solution for the membership," a Tour spokesman said in a news release on Thursday. The Tour also decided to not have the top players from the development Korn Ferry Tour earn promotions to the PGA. Their positions will be filled by players who fell from the top 125. Also, eligibility for the Tournament of Champions, normally limited to event winners from the prior year, will be altered for next year. In addition to all 2020 winners, non-winners who finish in the top 30 of the FedEx Cup playoff points list and who qualified for the 2020 Tour Championship will be able to compete in the Tournament of Champions.

PGA alters playing status guidelines due to coronavirus

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco.

Waugh, in an interview on SiriusXM radio, said the first option would be to play the tournament as currently scheduled at Harding Park.

A second option would be to hold the first major championship of the year there but without spectators and a potential third option would be to move it to another location should play in California prove impossible.

The tournament has already been postponed from May as the coronavirus pandemic up-ended the golfing calendar along with the rest of the sports world.

Under the revamped plans agreed by golf's governing bodies, the US PGA Championship in August would be followed by the US Open in September and the Masters at Augusta National in November. The British Open has been cancelled.

"The plan is to do it as normally as possible, with fans, obviously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park," Waugh said.

"If the safest way, and/or the only way to do it is without fans, we're fully prepared to do that. We believe that having it as a television event is worth doing regardless of whether there's fans there or not.

"Obviously, that'll change the experience, but we think the world is starved for some entertainment, and particularly in sports."

California Governor Gavin Newsom said this month that he does not anticipate having crowds at sporting events in the state this year.

Waugh said that if California or San Francisco City authorities decide the tournament can't be held at Harding Park, the PGA could try to find an alternate venue.

"It makes it simpler if there aren't any fans to think about things like that," he said. "We don't certainly have a plan C right now, but we'd be prepared to think about that if that became a possibility.

"We're going to do everything we can to play the PGA Championship this year."&nbsp;

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco.

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco. Waugh, in an interview on SiriusXM radio, said the first option would be to play the tournament as currently scheduled at Harding Park. A second option would be to hold the first major championship of the year there but without spectators and a potential third option would be to move it to another location should play in California prove impossible. The tournament has already been postponed from May as the coronavirus pandemic up-ended the golfing calendar along with the rest of the sports world. Under the revamped plans agreed by golf's governing bodies, the US PGA Championship in August would be followed by the US Open in September and the Masters at Augusta National in November. The British Open has been cancelled. "The plan is to do it as normally as possible, with fans, obviously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park," Waugh said. "If the safest way, and/or the only way to do it is without fans, we're fully prepared to do that. We believe that having it as a television event is worth doing regardless of whether there's fans there or not. "Obviously, that'll change the experience, but we think the world is starved for some entertainment, and particularly in sports." California Governor Gavin Newsom said this month that he does not anticipate having crowds at sporting events in the state this year. Waugh said that if California or San Francisco City authorities decide the tournament can't be held at Harding Park, the PGA could try to find an alternate venue. "It makes it simpler if there aren't any fans to think about things like that," he said. "We don't certainly have a plan C right now, but we'd be prepared to think about that if that became a possibility. "We're going to do everything we can to play the PGA Championship this year."

Officials 'fully prepared' for PGA Championship without fans

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