[Golf Topic] LPGA Tour 2020 Season Resumes "From July Marathon Classic?"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○…The possibility of the U.S. Women's Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour resuming in July has increased.

Golfweek in the U.S. reported on the 7th (Korean time) that "Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will allow gallery attendance at golf tournaments held in Ohio in July and August." The Marathon Classic is the stage to reopen the 2020 season, which was completely suspended due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) right after the Australian Women's Open in February. Ohio had banned outdoor events until now, and officials had declared, "We will not hold games without spectators," making the situation uncertain.

The problem is that the next schedule is in Europe, including the Evian Championship (France) in August, the Scottish Women's Open, and the Women's British Open (UK). Mike Whan, LPGA Tour Commissioner, also expressed concerns, saying, "Since the entry and exit procedures between the U.S. and Europe are currently complicated, it is necessary to continuously review whether the events can proceed normally." From mid-October, the so-called 'Asian Series' including Korea, China, Taiwan, and Japan will take place, and entry and exit procedures are also variables.

With this measure, the U.S. Professional Golf (PGA) Tour will allow gallery attendance at the Memorial Tournament opening on July 16 in Dublin, Ohio. The PGA Tour's turning point is the Charles Schwab Challenge on June 11, held at Colonial Golf Course near Fort Worth, Texas. The five tournaments including the RBC Heritage on the 18th, Travelers Championship on the 25th, Rocket Mortgage Classic on July 2, and a newly established tournament on the 9th will be held as 'no-spectator events.'