[Golf Topic] JLPGA Tour "8 Consecutive Tournament Shutdowns"

Shin Ji-ae cheering immediately after winning the JLPGA Tour Fujisankei Ladies last year.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] ○..."8 consecutive tournament shutdowns."

The Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour announced the cancellation of the Fujisankei Ladies on the 6th. Through their homepage, they stated, "Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the Fujisankei Ladies, scheduled to open on the 24th in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, will be postponed," adding, "The safety of galleries, players, and volunteers was prioritized." Since the season opener Daikin Orchid in early March 2020, all 8 tournaments have been canceled.

The Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) is in a similar situation. On the same day, they announced, "The Kansai Open scheduled for May 21 will be postponed for one year." Although they co-hosted the SMBC Singapore Open with the Asian (PGA) Tour in January, they have not held a single tournament since. This marks the fourth cancellation following the Token Homemate Cup, The Crowns, and the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup. Considering the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 within Japan, the Mizuno Open scheduled for the 28th is also uncertain.