Spectator entry to The Players was delayed ahead of the third round at TPC Sawgrass following a fatal accident near the course the night before.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people were killed in a shooting at a Walgreens less than a mile from the course Friday night around 10:30 p.m.
Local authorities have identified the suspect, who is known to police and was tracked by a canine unit on the course where the PGA Tour’s marquee event will be held this week.
The suspect is believed to have fled on foot, stolen a vehicle and left the area before being arrested in Nassau County around 8 a.m. ET after being pursued by police.
“Last night at approximately 10:30 p.m. at 860 A1A, Walgreens…we received multiple calls of shots fired in the Walgreens parking lot,” St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick said at a news conference before the suspect was arrested.
“Our deputy sheriff arrived on scene. Two individuals were shot multiple times and both were transported (to the hospital) where they succumbed to their injuries.”
“At that time, we were provided with information regarding a possible suspect who was known through a domestic violence situation that occurred in that parking lot.”
“We do know that he came into contact with some of the employees there (TPC Sawgrass). We believe that what he picked up was a radio that belonged to the PGA Tour, not ours. We also know that he then dropped it. Our dogs used that as a scent when they came in there.”
The third round began as scheduled at 8:15am (12:15pm GMT) with Sheamus Power the first player out. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy were among the early starters, and both came on with one over.
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Highlights of The Players’ second round at TPC Sawgrass as Ludwig Oberg took the lead midway through.
“Due to operational considerations, gates for today’s third round will open at 9 a.m. ET (1 p.m. GMT),” the PGA Tour said in a statement.
“We are working closely with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and appreciate the coordination and partnership of Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his team.
“Please note that tee times remain as previously scheduled and all hospitality venues on the course will open at 11am ET (3pm GMT).”
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