[Golf Topic] LPGA Tour's 'COVID-19' Support Measure: "Advance Prize Money"

Mike Whan LPGA Tour Commissioner

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…"Advance payment of prize money."

The U.S. Women's Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour has introduced support measures for players facing financial difficulties due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). On the 6th (Korean time), the U.S. Golf Channel reported, "A considerable number of players have been contacted asking if they would like to receive their prize money in advance." Mike Whan, LPGA Tour Commissioner, also acknowledged the support plan, saying, "Players who want can receive their prize money earlier."

The method is to give money to players first and later deduct this amount when the tour resumes and prize money is paid. The advance payment amount varies depending on the player's expected prize money. Lower-ranked players or Symetra (2nd-tier) Tour players receive relatively less. Commissioner Whan explained, "Unfortunately, we are not as financially abundant as the PGA Tour," adding, "We may not be able to help players as much as they need."

The PGA Tour recently announced that it will advance up to $100,000 in prize money to players. The LPGA Tour has not held a tournament since the ISPS Handa Australian Women's Open on February 16, resulting in many players losing income, and some players are even participating in mini-tours. The Pelican Championship and Pure Silk Championship scheduled to open in May, the ShopRite Classic, and the June Mayak Classic have been canceled or postponed, resulting in a 'shutdown' until mid-June.