The third round of the PGA competition in East Lake was temporarily suspended on Saturday due to the thunderstorm that swept across Atlanta, Georgia. After a barely half-hour game break, several flashes broke down in the midst of spectators at the enriched golf facility.

"There were several lightning strikes at one time, one in the maintenance area and another just near the tee for the 16th hole and the facility's driving range," Mark Russel, spokesman for PGA, told NBC's US television channel.

PGA: No life-threatening injuries

According to Russel, it was in connection with the latter attack that several people were injured.

- As I understand it, a tree was struck (by the flash, ed. Note) and parts from the tree were cut off, which then fell and injured six people who were on the scene.

He goes on to say that there were rescue personnel at the scene, while the lightning struck. The injured were then transported away from the scene by ambulance for further examination by doctors. None of the victims should have sustained any life-threatening injuries, PGA writes on its website.

The game resumes

After the event, the organizer decided that Saturday's third round would be completely canceled, for the rest of the day. The game is expected to resume on Sunday.

American Justin Thomas leads halfway into the competition at 12 under par, followed by Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy who is currently -11.

“The safety of our fans, players and partners is paramount,” writes PGA.