ANA Victory Mission "Keywords Are Distance and Heatwave"

Mission Hills攻略法 Extended by 30 Yards: "Long Drive + Accurate Shot," Heat Over 40 Degrees as a 'Variable'

This is the green of the 18th hole at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, a battleground for the ANA Inspiration.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "It has become longer and hotter."

This is about the battleground of the second major of the U.S. Women's Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour, the ANA Inspiration (total prize money $3.1 million), held on the night of the 10th (Korean time) at Mission Hills Golf Club in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. Since its establishment in 1972, Mission Hills has continuously hosted the tournament and is notorious for its challenging course setup. This year, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the event was postponed from April to September, adding a heatwave to the situation.

▲ "It got 30 yards longer?" = Par 72 at 6,799 yards, an increase of 30 yards from last year's 6,769 yards. This is a very long course for a women's tournament. It is common to see players attacking the green on par 4 holes with hybrid clubs. It is evaluated as an "excellent tournament course requiring all 14 clubs." Since becoming a major in 1983, the winning score has exceeded 15 under par only once. In 19 tournaments, the winning score has been in single-digit under par.

Holes up to the 17th (par 3) remain the same as last year. The 18th hole (par 5), where players easily aimed for '2-on,' was changed from 531 yards to 561 yards. Par 4 holes 3 (420 yards), 13 (424 yards), and 16 (418 yards) all exceed 400 yards. Par 3 holes 5 (182 yards) and 17 (179 yards) also approach 180 yards. These distances impose pressure on female players. They need to have long driving power. Considering the fast greens, using shorter clubs is necessary to reduce scores.

The competition of ANA Inspiration begins from the 14th hole at Rancho Mirage Mission Hills.

▲ "Fear of trees" = Long driving is not everything. Accurate shots are essential. Players must keep to the 'ant-waist' fairways and avoid water hazards. Tall trees over 10 meters high densely surround both sides of the fairway. If the ball goes into this forest, it inevitably costs at least one stroke. About 100 trees were cut down to improve conditions somewhat, but if the ball goes off the fairway, the rough will hinder progress. The greens are also fast and firm.

Hole 3 is the most difficult 'caution hole' in the front nine. The landing area is narrow. Hole 5 marks the start of the 'battle with water.' Players must clear the water hazard, and there is a lake behind the green causing optical illusions. Holes 9 to 11 on the back nine are the 'battle with trees.' Hole 9 (par 5, 538 yards) is a dogleg hole that bends nearly 90 degrees to the left. Holes 14 to 16 are the final decisive points. The constantly changing wind direction, dangerous bunkers, and tiered greens pose challenges.

▲ "Battle with the heatwave" = The tough course is not the end. Players must endure the heat. This area has a typical desert climate. After mid-April, deadly heat strikes, with many days exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. On the 6th, the temperature reached 50 degrees. This is why the tournament was originally held in late March or early April when temperatures are around 25 to 30 degrees. The LPGA Tour has allowed caddies to use carts to cope with the heatwave. Instead of the traditional jumpsuit, caddies wear only vests.

However, the rule that players must walk remains unchanged. Players have to battle heat exceeding 40 degrees for four days. Charlotte Thomas (England) said, "This is the first time I've ever played golf in such heat," expressing astonishment. Local meteorological authorities forecast that "the temperature will drop to around 35 degrees a day before the tournament, but will gradually rise with each round, reaching 43 degrees on the final day."