Officials for the BMW PGA Championship announced on Thursday that tour play would halt for the remainder of the day — and for the following day — as they paused to recognize the passing of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.
The European Tour made the announcement via a press release that was shared on social media and posted on their website following the somber announcement from Buckingham Palace. Wentworth Club, where tournament play had only begun hours earlier, is located in Virginia Water, Surrey, just outside of London.
“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,” the statement began.
“Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast. Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed,” it concluded.
A photo shared by Golf.com showed players walking off the course while fans observed from behind ropes at the edge of the course. A large billboard showcased the announcement: “Play will be suspended until further notice following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship following the Queen's death. pic.twitter.com/tTUpQwtVZO
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) September 8, 2022
The official Twitter account for the DP World Tour, part of the European Tour Group, shared a similar message about play being halted and the facilities being closed in the Queen’s honor.
Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, play in the BMW PGA Championship has been suspended for the remainder of Thursday.
All facilities in the Championship Village will close with immediate effect.
Further updates and guidance will be provided shortly.
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 8, 2022
Announcing that “further updates and guidance will be provided shortly,” the tour group also noted that the facility’s park-and-ride service would remain open and operational at least temporarily so that spectators would not be stranded by the abrupt closure.
No announcements have yet been made about when the Wentworth Club will reopen or when play could resume.
Buckingham Palace announced the death of the Queen on Thursday, saying that she had passed peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96 years old.