PGA Players Championship begins amid coronavirus concern
Miami
Golfers teed off in today’s opening round of The Players Championship while US PGA Tour officials watched for updates from health officials regarding the coronavirus. Autograph seekers were kept from players as the tour’s signature event began at the famed TPC Sawgrass layout in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler all opened with pars in their star trio while back-nine starter Scottie Scheffler was the early leader thanks to three birdies in his first four holes. Defending champion Rory McIlroy, trying to become the first back-to-back winner in the event’s history, was among those scheduled for an afternoon start.