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NILES — There was bad news for area golf fans on Thursday.

The bad news was that the PGA of America has decided to cancel the 2020 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, scheduled for May 19-24, at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor.

According to PGA of America officials, they were unable to come up with an alternative date for the tournament.

“While we are incredibly disappointed, we all understand that protecting public health is the highest priority,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh.

“We are especially disappointed for the Benton Harbor community, our friends at KitchenAid, and the fans and volunteers who support this important championship so passionately.”

Tournament officials began looking at alternatives prior to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order on March 23. Once the governor made the declaration, it became clear that the tournament would more than likely have to canceled.

“This was not an easy decision,” said Jeff Noel, vice president of communications and public affairs for Whirlpool Corporation, the parent company of KitchenAid. “This championship means so much to our KitchenAid brand and the southwest Michigan community, However the health and safety of our community is our priority.

“We thank our corporate and hospitality partners and our 1,600 volunteers for their continued support of the championship. The contestants have become a welcomed extension of our community over the years, and while we are incredibly disappointed that the championship will not return to Benton Harbor in 2020, we know that this is the right thing to do.”

The 2021 Senior PGA Championship will be played at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma before returning to Harbor Shores in 2022.

For information on ticket refunds, please visit srpga.com.