McIlroy And Johnson Win As Live Golf Returns

Golf Tournament Raises Money For Those Affected By COVID-19

Professional golfer Rory McIlroy recently delivered the winning shot at a live, televised golf match, a tournament that raised more than $5 million to help those affected by COVID-19.

McIlroy and fellow PGA golfer Dustin Johnson were down and trying to win the last six skins, worth $1.1 million, at Seminole in the TaylorMade Driving Relief Exhibition. Both players missed and went back to the 17 par-3 hole for a closest-to-the-pin competition.

“I’m proud to be part of an event to entertain people at home on a Sunday afternoon and to raise money for people who need it,” said McIlroy.

McIlroy and Johnson won $1.85 million for the American Nurses Foundation. Their opponents Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff earned $1.15 million for the CDC Foundation.

With seven birdies, Fowler earned $270,000 for Farmers Insurance. McIlroy made four birdies worth $175,000. Wolff earned $135,000 for three birdies and Johnson earned $75,000 for two birdies.

PGA Tour Charities encouraged fans to donate online during the tournament, raising more than $1 million. At the end of the game, pledges totaled more than $5.5 million.

Due to COVID-19, there were limited crews on the grounds. No fans were present, and all approved spectators were tested for COVID-19, while the announcers gave the play-by-play remotely. The tournament lasted just more than four hours, as players had to wait for the TV cameras to catch up.

The PGA Tour’s Vice President of Rules and Competition Mark Russell was the only one allowed to touch the flagstick.

“It was an awesome day,” said McIlroy. “It was nice to get back on the golf course and get back to some sort of normalcy.”