The LPGA has postponed its new few tournaments including the season’s first major, the ANA Inspiration, following the Californian state government’s directive to cancel large, non-essential gatherings to minimise the risk posed by the Covid-19 outbreak.
The next three events on the LPGA Tour schedule which are postponed are the Volvik Founders Cup in Phoenix, Arizona (scheduled for March 19-22); the Kia Classic in Carlsbad, California (March 26-29) and the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, California (April 2-5). The plan is to reschedule these events for later in the 2020 season.
The upcoming two events on the Symetra Tour in California were also postponed – the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Beaumont (March 27-29) and the Windsor Golf Classic in Windsor (April 2-4).
“This is a difficult situation and as we navigate these uncertain times, we appreciate the support of all those involved with the LPGA. I am fully committed to rescheduling these important events on our 2020 schedule, especially our first major, the ANA Inspiration,” said LPGA commissioner Mike Whan.
“Our thoughts are with all of those around the world affected by this virus. And on a personal level, it pains me to see the impact of this health crisis on our athletes, our sponsors and our fans. That said, I know keeping our LPGA family safe, and all those who follow us safe, has to be my top priority.
We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation with our global health partners and are planning for different scenarios for future LPGA events should they be necessary.”
The LPGA has not had an event since the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open in mid-February, following the cancellation of the tour’s traditional Asian swing through Thailand, Singapore and China due to Covid-19.
Barring further developments, the next event on the LPGA schedule is the Lotte Championship in Hawaii on April 15-18.
