PGA Announces Cancellation of Greenbrier Classic Due to Extreme Flooding

The PGA announced Saturday it has cancelled the Greenbrier Classic due to damage from substantial flooding throughout West Virginia. 

The announcement came via press release. The event was scheduled for July 7 through July 10.

Torrential rain earlier this week devastated large parts of the state, as creeks and rivers overflowed into the streets and other residential areas. Per Joe Sterling, Farida Fawzy and Jareen Imam of CNN.com, at least 23 people died, and rescue crews are still working around the clock to aid victims.

The Old White TPC, which was the course for the Greenbrier Classic, was damaged "beyond reasonable repair," according to tour officials.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said, per the release:

"

We are heartbroken by the devastation that the residents of West Virginia are experiencing at this time and the reports of lives lost due to the terrible flooding. Cancelling 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.

"

Greenbrier owner Jim Justice added that the victims of the flooding should be the main concern.

“All of our focus needs to be on helping all of the people of our great state. So many have lost loved ones, their homes, and have no place to go,” Justice said.

This seemed like a likely decision, as tour officials were contemplating the competition's cancellation Friday because the course was under three feet of mud, per the Golf Channel. 

Bubba Watson commented on the storm as it raged at the Greenbrier Resort:

NASCAR's Denny Hamlin also shared his concerns:

The surrounding area of Greenbrier County appears to be in shambles, according to a picture from Stef DiPietrantonio of WCHS in Wheeling, West Virginia:

As of now, no golfers or PGA employees are reported to be injured as a result of the flooding.