PGA cancels tournament after record flood inundates golf course

The golf course was to be the stage for the upcoming PGA Greenbrier Classic, but flooding put an indefinite hold on the event

Commercial Solutions

By Lyle Adriano

The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) announced Monday that it has canceled the upcoming Greenbrier Classic tournament due to the severity of the flood in the golf course to be used, reported The Washington Post.

“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,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem in an official statement. “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.”

Heavy rainfall struck the West Virginia area Thursday, leaving many parts of the state inundated. One of the areas affected was Greenbrier County, where the sporting event was to be held in two weeks. While the rain has ended, the flooding persisted.

“It’s like nothing I’ve seen,” said Jim Justice, owner of tournament course Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. “But our focus right now isn’t on the property, the golf course or anything else. We’re praying for the people and doing everything we can to get them the help they need.”

It is unknown if the PGA had secured commercial liability insurance to cover for the ticket sales and lost vendor profits.

The National Weather Service issued a warning in light of the devastating floods: “Historic and very serious flooding was still ongoing across much of Greenbrier County. Rainfall of 8 to 10 inches fell across the county Thursday. Most creeks and streams and the Greenbrier River remain above flood stage with several roads closed across the county. Even though the rain has stopped, there is still an emergency flood situation across most of the county...”


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