World number 1, Rory McIlroy would take centre stage in a charity event hosted by TaylorMade as he plays on the same side with Dustin Johnson against Rickie Fowler and Mathew Woolfe.

The event is part of a coronavirus relief effort to raise money for health workers at the forefront.

Professional golf has been on hold since the Players Championship was cancelled after the first round due to the coronavirus pandemic. The plan to host future golf games without fans was not considered.

All games that were scheduled to hold after that were cancelled and rescheduled without a date. The PGA has announced that they would be resuming play by mid-June and this charity event would be the first golf game avid fans would witness in many months.

The game would feature two teams with McIlroy and Johnson playing for American Nurses Foundation while Fowler and Woolfe would play for the CDC Foundation. The gameplay would feature holes with skins, or charity money.

The team which makes a hole gets to keep the skins. The UnitedHealth Group pledged $3m to that effect. Farmers Insurance has also pledged an additional $1m for all birdies and eagles made. Viewers from home would also get a chance to make donations if they choose.

All of these would be televised as spectators would not be allowed to the course. Even after the PGA resumes, fans would not be allowed to the ground for the first four games, in line with the principle of social distancing. The PGA also promised to strictly observe health protocols in place as regards the pandemic.

McIlroy expressed his joy in being a part of the event and thanked the organisers and sponsors for “providing us with the opportunity to show our support of those on the front lines.” Commissioner of the PGA, Jay Monahan also shared in the joy of the return of golf. He said, “We are excited about the safe and responsible return of live golf and the opportunity to raise significant funds for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Written by:  Leon Osamor