PGA Cancelled This Week`s Event First in 52 Years

The US PGA called off this week`s event with the nation in shock by the terrorist attacks, which was the first time in 52 years.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said yesterday that the decision was made out of respect for the victims, and not many players and sponsors disagreed.

The PGA cancelled all four tournaments such as the American Express Championship, the Tampa Bay Classic, the Buy.com Tour, and the Senior Tour`s Vantage Championship. A report said that the $ 5 million purse of the American Express Championship would be used for the rescue fund.

It was about a half century that PGA Tour players were sent home without hitting a shot in 1949, when the Colonial Championship was cancelled due to the heavy rain at Fort Worth, Texas.

18 players out of 66 participants could not make it St. Louis, and the players including Tiger Woods left the golf course despondently by car.

Affected by the terrified United States, the European Senior Tour Monte Carlos Invitational was also cancelled following the disapproval of the Morocco authority.

With a series of cancellation of tournaments, it is likely to postpone the Ryder Cup, a contest between the US and Europe scheduled on 28th. Because this biennial contest was scheduled to hold near Birmingham, Britain in which many Muslims live, top-players from both continents are hesitating to participate in the event in order not to expose themselves to the danger of terrorism.

Meanwhile, the US LPGA will go on the three-round Safeway Classic. It will enter the first round on 15th, following the pro-am contest on 14th. However, Ty M. Votaw, commissioner of the LPGA, said that ``if there is a national day of mourning, the tournament format will be shortened to 36 holes for two days.`` suggesting the possibility of rescheduling the event.

Kim Jong-Seok kjs0123@donga.com