The "Bitter Reality of the Golf World" Created by COVID-19

Jeju Golf Course Reservations All Canceled, Park In-bee's Early Departure, Male Tournament Commentators Face 'Forced Vacation'

LPGA Tour players including Park In-bee left early due to concerns over the US ban on entry for Koreans caused by COVID-19.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "It’s bittersweet."

This is the new trend in the golf world created by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Since the domestic golf courses raised their COVID-19 response crisis alert to 'severe,' reservation cancellation rates in certain regions have surged. The cancellation rate in the Yeongnam region increased from 37% last week to 65%. The Honam region saw a 67% cancellation rate, and Gangwon, Gyeonggi, and Chungcheong regions also experienced cancellation rates over 40%. Jeju Island, where concerns about airport visits have grown, saw all reservations canceled, creating a unique atmosphere.

Unlike in the past when cancellation penalties were strict, many golf courses are not charging separate penalties now. Golfers are also minimizing contact with others by going straight home after playing without using the sauna or dining. Golf courses are putting all their efforts into preventing COVID-19. Measures include staff wearing masks, placing hand sanitizers and thermal imaging cameras, and advising customers with fever or cough symptoms to refrain from using bathhouses and restaurants.

Some LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour players left early fearing a U.S. entry ban. These include Inbee Park (32, KB Financial Group), Hee-young Park (33, Isu Group), and Hee-young Yang (31, Woori Financial Group). Inbee Park, the 'ISPS Australia Women’s Open Champion,' was training in Korea and was scheduled to leave for the U.S. in early March but moved her departure date forward. World No. 1 Jin-young Ko (25) is staying in the U.S. to check her condition. The LPGA Tour will resume the season on March 19 with the Founders Cup.

Christie Kerr (USA), who has won 20 LPGA Tour events in total, recently took on a role as a course commentator for a men's tournament. This is because the China, Thailand, and Singapore tournaments were canceled, resulting in a one-month 'forced vacation.' The event is the PGA Tour Honda Classic opening on the night of the 27th at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA. Kerr explained, "I was able to accept the commentary offer because the LPGA Tour schedule was open."