Greenbrier Classic cancelled due to West Virginia floods
Saturday 25 June 2016 21:20, UK
The devastating floods in West Virginia have forced the PGA Tour to cancel the Greenbrier Classic, which was scheduled to start on July 7.
The Old White TPC course at The Greenbrier Resort has been hit by a deluge of heavy rain in recent days, and Tour officials have admitted there is no chance of the course recovering in time to host its annual tournament.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem announced the cancellation of the event while also expressing his condolences to the families and friends of the 26 people that have lost their lives in the tragic flooding, which has been triggered by record amounts of rainfall in the region.
Bubba Watson posted a video of waters raging through the course on his Twitter account earlier this week, adding the message: "Prayers for The Greenbrier & surrounding areas. We are without power & it's still raining. Never seen this much rain!"
Finchem released a statement, which read: "We are heartbroken by the devastation that the residents of West Virginia are experiencing at this time and the reports of lives lost due to the terrible flooding.
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"Cancelling The Greenbrier Classic is certainly the most prudent course of action as our foremost concern is the well-being of those who are having to live through this tragic situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
Greenbrier Resort owner Jim Justice added: "All of our focus needs to be on helping all of the people of our great State. So many have lost loved ones, their homes, and have no place to go."
The popular tournament made its debut on the PGA Tour schedule in 2010, and Justice agreed to extend the original deal by six years, making the event a fixture until 2021.
"This is a tremendous partnership and we've received unbelievable support from golf fans throughout the region," Finchem said. "We know we will have the opportunity to return again next year and we look forward to that time. But for now, that is of secondary concern. The priority is safety of the residents and their recovery from this disaster."
Justice added: "We love the PGA TOUR and our partnership with these fine people. All of us are united with only one common goal to help the people through this terrible time."
