This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
June 10, 2020 - The US PGA Tour returns to competition Thursday, with world number one Rory McIlroy leading the pack at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.
After a three-month layoff due to the coronavirus pandemic, McIlroy is ready to tee off without spectators, who are not scheduled to attend a PGA event until next month at the Memorial tournament.
Face masks, gloves, social distancing, coronavirus tests, and temperature-taking will be in place to create a 'bubble' of safety for players.
McIlroy expressed his confidence in the safety measures, saying, '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.'
He also acknowledged the importance of the week's event, stating, 'This week is very important. Golf will be the center of the sports world.'
McIlroy expects a strange atmosphere without fans, but emphasized that the safety of players and staff is the top priority.
He also weighed in on the rescheduling of events forced by the pandemic, suggesting that golf's global structure could use simplification.
McIlroy also spoke about the global protests over the police killing of George Floyd and the concern of racial injustice it has raised, saying, 'I think everyone can be a little more tolerant and a little more educated and not as ignorant.'
