Following queen’s death, BMW PGA Championship to resume Saturday as 54-hole event

The DP World Tour’s flagship event will resume on Saturday and be contested as a 54-hole event.

The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club outside of London was suspended on Thursday plus the entirety of Friday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and out of respect for the Royal Family. The queen died on Thursday at age 96.

The DP World Tour on Friday announced its decision to resume the tournament over the weekend, citing the Official National Mourning guidance and after consulting with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

“The Wentworth event will give players, caddies, staff, volunteers and spectators the opportunity to come together across the weekend, not only to express their condolences but also to celebrate the extraordinary life of Her Majesty,” a statement read.

The second round will begin at 6:40 a.m. local on Saturday with its original second-round tee times and groupings. Those who didn’t finish their first rounds will resume at 7:30 a.m. The third round will finish on Sunday to complete the 54-hole tournament. According to the release, a 72-hole tournament and Monday finish was not an option since the DP World Tour could not guarantee staff and security beyond the weekend due to on-going plans for a state funereal.

Flags at Wentworth Club will fly at half-mast, and black ribbons will be distributed to those on site. There will also be a two-minute moment of silence at 9:50 a.m. local on Saturday to honor the queen, and the proclamation of King Charles III will be shown live in the Championship Village at 10 a.m. on Saturday.