Rory McIlroy welcomes PGA Tour & # 039; s silence for George Floyd in Colonial Country Club

McIlroy practiced with Dustin Johnson at Colonial Country Club Charles Schwab Challenge on Wednesday – return of the PGA Tour Dates: June 11-14 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Coverage: BBC Sport will be broadcast live all four days with BBC Radio 5 commentary live Sports Extra and text updates on the BBC Sport website

The decision of the PGA Tour to set the 8:46 am start time at this week's comeback event in Texas in memory of George Floyd is "a wonderful gesture, "says Rory McIlroy.

Eight minutes and 46 seconds was the time African American Floyd was dying under the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis.

The PGA Tour returns on Thursday with the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club, the first event to be played since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

McIlroy praised an initiative that keeps golf in line with other organizations by taking steps to remember the death of Floyd police two weeks ago.

Floyd's funeral took place Tuesday in Houston, Texas. His death sparked protests in many major cities across the United States and around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

No players will arrive on the first tee at 08:46 (14:46). BST) and those already on the course will be asked to "pause for reflection as a show of support for the Tour's commitment to tackling racial and social injustices".

"A great word I've had in mind for the past few weeks is tolerance," said the Northern Irishman. "I think everyone can be just a little more tolerant, and a little better educated and not so ignorant. "

He cited lifelong admiration of 15-time winner Tiger Woods as he discussed current issues of racism and social issues. Justice.

" Tiger doesn't look the same as I, had a very different education from me, but he was my hero growing up, "McIlroy added.

" It didn't matter what color his skin was, what his beliefs were. Tiger was my hero and he has been a lot of child heroes growing up playing golf over the years. "

McIlroy said there was still plenty of room for more diversity in the sport, adding," I think there should be more people like him in golf. "

" The fact that there seems to be a real will to change and reform is great. It was great to watch and I hope it stays in the conversation. "

McIlroy is preparing to compete under strict social distance rules introduced to fight Covid-19, including playing without spectators on the track.

" I think this week is very important is because golf will become the center of the sports world, "he said.

" People have something on TV that they don't really know the outcome of, which I think will be pleasant for them.

"And it's an important week because golf can show that we can play socially aloof. We can hold a tournament and stick to all the safety protocols that have been established."

The quadruple size The winner also says that the current crisis could be the catalyst for a merger between the PGA and European Tours. "I've been asking for it for a while," he said.

"I think for the health of both tours, a world tour is something I've always wanted," added McIlroy, "I think this pandemic has emphasized the need to simplify golf at the highest level. . "