Golf returns this week at Charles Schwab Challenge

First, it was MMA, then NASCAR. Golf is now the third major sport to return during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PGA Tour returns with a strong field at the Charles Schwab Challenge from Fort Worth, Texas.

Since the PGA Tour was halted in mid-March, the challenge for the golfers will be to play in a bunch of tournaments in a 15-month stretch. The Players Championship was the tournament that was canceled after one round on March 12.

The Charles Schwab Challenge will not include fans, however, when the PGA returns to Ohio for the Memorial Tournament in mid-July, there are expected to be up to 8,000 fans according to a report from the Columbus Dispatch. That would equate to 20% of the tournament's typical capacity.

This tournament will start on Thursday, Jun 11, with 16 of the top 20-ranked players led by No. 1 Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Webb Simpson.

The revised schedule will have COVID-19 testing and charter flights will be available for caddies and players. There will be designated hotels as well.