The Players: Spectators delayed entering ahead of third round of PGA Tour event after fatal shooting close to TPC Sawgrass

Spectators were delayed entering The Players ahead of the third round at TPC Sawgrass, following a fatal shooting close to the course the previous evening.

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a shooting took place around 10.30pm on Friday night at a Walgreens, less than a mile from the course, killing two people.

Local authorities have identified the suspect, who was known to police and was tracked onto the course – hosting the PGA Tour’s flagship event this week – by canine units.

The suspect is understood to have fled on foot before stealing a car to leave the area, before then being captured in Nassau County around 8am ET (midday GMT), following a police chase.

In a press conference, before the suspect was arrested, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick said: “Last night at approximately 10.30pm at 860 A1A, which is the Walgreens…we received multiple calls in reference to shots fired in the parking lot of the Walgreens.

“Our deputy sheriffs arrived on scene. Two individuals were shot multiple times, both of those individuals were transported [to hospital] and have succumbed to their injuries.

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“At that time we were given information in reference to a possible suspect, known through a domestic violence situation that went on in that parking lot.”

He added: “We know he made contact with some employees in there [TPC Sawgrass]. He picked up – we believe it was a radio that belonged to the PGA Tour, not one of our radios and we know he dropped it after that. Our canines used it as a scent when they came in there.”

The third round got under way at 8.15am (12.15pm GMT) as scheduled, with Seamus Power the first player out. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are among the early starters, having both made the cut on one over.

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Highlights from the second round of The Players at TPC Sawgrass, where Ludvig Åberg grabbed the halfway lead

“Due to operational considerations, gates for today’s third round will now open at 9 am ET (1pm GMT),” the PGA Tour said in a statement.

“We have worked closely with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and appreciate the coordination and partnership from Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his team.

“Please note, tee times will remain as previously scheduled, and all on-course hospitality venues will open at 11 am ET. (3pm GMT).”

Watch The Players throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports Golf, with Featured Groups, Featured Holes and bonus feeds on the Sky Sports+. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.

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