The first round of the 2011 FedEx Cup playoffs could not have gotten off to any rockier of a start this week in New Jersey at Plainfield Country Club.
Earlier in the week, the east coast of the US was struck by a very rare earthquake that was felt all the way north to New York and as far south as Kentucky.
Now, to top it all off Hurricane Irene is bearing down on the Northeast packing winds of up to 125 MPH.
Slugger White, the PGA Tour's Vice President of rules and competitions announced not long ago that the Barclays tournament would be shortened to 54 holes and will conclude sometime tomorrow afternoon.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem had this to say in a press conference:
“We weighed all the options available to us, and under normal circumstances, we would obviously prefer to complete 72 holes. That’s even more true here at The Barclays, considering that this is such an important event to our players as they look to advance through the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. But these aren’t normal circumstances.
“We realize that ‘waiting it out’ until Hurricane Irene passes and trying to play golf on Monday or Tuesday would only add unnecessary strain to those who will be trying to help the community recover from whatever potential damage this storm causes. The safety of the community, our fans, players, sponsor guests, television partners and staff is of the utmost importance.”
Barclays executive director Peter Mele also had this to say on the shortening of the event:
“We’re certainly disappointed that the weather will cut short what was on track to be a record-setting event for us. The response from the Edison community and leadership of Plainfield Country Club has been incredible, ever since we announced The Barclays would be coming here in 2011.
“So many people have worked so hard to set us up for an incredible tournament, but now is the time to keep them and their families’ safety in mind. And while we won’t play on Sunday, I have no doubt we’ll crown a worthy champion tomorrow after an exciting ‘final’ round.”
It was also announced that if they are unable finish 54 holes on Saturday, they will distribute FedEx points based on 36-hole leaderboard.
Not the best events and circumstances for the PGA Tour to kick off its much talked-about postseason.
However, they do need to side with fairness and safety first and foremost and I believe they are making the correct call here.
Lamar Odom Baron Davis Blake Griffin Chris Bosh Mario Chalmers Dwayne Wade
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