BMW PGA Championship halts play after death of Queen Elizabeth II, other events stopped too
The flagship event on the DP World Tour was in the midst of the first round when play was halted. The tournament is also expected to take a pause Friday, with play to resume Saturday at the earliest.
The 96-year-old queen was Great Britain's longest-reigning monarch. She spent 70 years on the throne before her death at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Tournament video boards announced the news: "Play will be suspended until further notice following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."
Viktor Hovland (24) of Norway, as well as England's Tommy Fleetwood (31) and Andy Sullivan (36), all were in the clubhouse before play was suspended with opening rounds of 8-under-par 64. Rory McIlroy (33) of Northern Ireland, who won the PGA Tour Championship at Atlanta last month, shot a 4-under 68.
"Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast," the tournament said in a statement.
" ... Further updates on the resumption of play will be provided in due course. Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with the Royal Family at this time."
The Wentworth Club practice facility also is expected to be closed through Friday.
Sporting Evens Stopped and Tributes Roll In
Saracens' game against Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup later on Thursday was postponed while Scottish Rugby has suspended all domestic watches this weekend.
The British Horseracing Authority has also suspended all events for two days.
A minute's silence was observed at Europa League soccer games featuring British teams on Thursday, while the US Open tennis championships and motor racing's Formula One will also observe silences.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe hailed the queen for her role in the successful staging of the 2012 London Olympics.
"In the most demanding of roles, she has shown exceptional leadership, grace, wisdom and fortitude, touching us across the full fabric of society, including sport," said Coe.
"I will never forget her total commitment to the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."