PGA TOUR and Greenbrier Resort officials announced Saturday that the 2016 Greenbrier Classic, scheduled for the week of July 4th, with the primary four rounds of the 72-hole competition July 7-10, has been cancelled due to the devastating flooding caused by record rainfalls through West Virginia.
Greenbrier County, where the Greenbrier Resort is located, was particularly hard-hit by torrential rains. The Old White TPC, host course for the tournament, suffered extensive damage from flooding and is beyond reasonable repair to conduct the tournament, officials said.
As of Saturday evening there had been 26 people confirmed dead, and many homes in the area were ripped from their foundations. Some homes exploded in the height of the storm.
“We are heartbroken by the devastation that the residents of West Virginia are experiencing at this time and reports of lives lost due to the terrible flooding,” PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said. “Canceling The Greenbrier Classic is certainly the most prudent course of action as our foremost concern is the well-being of those who are having to live through this tragic situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
“All of our focus needs to be on helping all of the people of our great State,” Greenbrier Resort owner Jim Justice noted. “So many have lost loved ones, their homes, and have no place to go.”
Saturday, Justice reached out to those affected, offering free rooms and meals on a first-come basis at the resort.
The Greenbrier Classic, which was in its seventh year, has established itself as one of the top stops on the PGA TOUR. The tournament signed a six-year extension, carrying the commitment to host the tournament through 2021.
“This is a tremendous partnership and we’ve received unbelievable support from golf fans throughout the region,” Finchem said. “We know we will have the opportunity to return again next year and we look forward to that time. But, for now, that is of secondary concern. The priority is safety of the residents and their recovery from this disaster.”
It is only the third time in the last 20 years a PGA TOUR event has been cancelled due to weather.
“We love the PGA TOUR and our partnership with these fine people,” Justice added. “All of us are united with only one common goal – to help the people through this terrible time.”
Bill Turner
