By Rahul Banerji
In the arid golf desert created by the corona-virus pandemic worldwide, the occasional oases are beginning to crop up on the horizon.
The first such bright spot is a $3 million charity event featuring PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff that seeks to raise awareness and money for those leading the battle against the virus.
The made for TV event, called the TaylorMade Driving Relief, will raise funds for the American Nurses Foundation and CDC Foundation, two organizations helping to lead COVID-19 relief efforts in the United States.
World number one McIlroy teams up with Johnson to take on Fowler and Wolff at the Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida, on May 17 in the exhibition skins (money) match.
First off the block
It will be the first live golf on television since the game came to a grinding halt after day one of the Players Championship on March 12 (boy, that looks like a long time ago!!) and will follow strict social distancing guidelines.
In a statement, the PGA Tour said it would also follow “local mandates and will utilise appropriate testing measures to help protect the health and safety of the golfers, production crew and others on site”.
“It’s been difficult to witness what so many are enduring over the last several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” McIlroy, who turned 31 on Monday, said.
“I’m excited and thankful to TaylorMade and UnitedHealth Group for making this event possible and providing us with the opportunity to show our support of those on the frontlines.
“I hope that we can provide some respite and entertainment for those tuning in across the globe.
“Dustin and I will have a lot of fun together and our games will fit well as we push to raise funds and awareness on May 17.”
Added Johnson, “I’m really excited to team up with Rory, and to get back out on the golf course.
‘Ready to go’
“Seminole is a great venue and it will be cool to show it to the world through this event. I’m sure Rickie and Matthew will be ready for us, but hopefully Rory and I can take them and help generate a lot of money and support for those affected most by Covid-19.”
With a base sum of $3 million and United Health kicking in an additional $1 million into a birdie and eagle pool, additions are expected to come from online donations.
The PGA Tour said all four golfers were donating their time for the 18-hole, two-man team competition. McIlroy and Johnson will play for the American Nurses Foundation and Fowler and Wolff for the CDC Foundation.
No fans or spectators will be permitted on site.
Safe return
“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 pandemic through the TaylorMade Driving Relief event,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.
“With four of the PGA Tour’s top stars participating, golf fans around the world can look forward to a unique, interactive and entertaining event that will help those in need,” he added.
Competitive golf is scheduled to make a return on June 11 at the Colonial Masters in Fort Worth, Texas. It will be the first of four events, all behind closed doors.
Leading up to those will be another TV-only live exhibition featuring Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. They pair up with American football stars Tm Brady and Peyton Manning in May end.
Also read: Woods, Mickelson line up charity rematch, with add-ons this time
Discover more from Tee Time Tales
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.