[Golf Topic] ‘WGC Series’ Mexico Championship "In the US This Year?"

Patrick Reed cheering after making a birdie on the 17th hole on the final day of last year's Mexico Championship. Mexico City (Mexico) = Getty Images / Multivitz

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○..."This year, it's the United States."

The World Golf Championships (WGC) Series Mexico Championship will be held in the United States due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). According to Golfweek on the 15th (Korean time), "The 2021 Mexico Championship will move from Chapultepec Golf Club in Mexico City to the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, USA." They added, "The tournament name will also drop 'Mexico'." The event is originally scheduled to open on February 26 at Chapultepec.

The WGC Series is a top-tier match comparable to the four major championships. With a total prize money of $10.5 million, it is even larger in scale than the PGA Tour Playoffs (PO) which offer $9.5 million. It was established in 1999 by the International Federation of PGA Tours, formed by the offices of seven major professional golf tours worldwide including the United States and Europe, and has invested huge funds since its inception. The world ranking points are also high: Majors award 100 points, while The Players Championship and the WGC Series award 80 points.

However, this year, COVID-19 has become an obstacle. With the border closure between the United States and Mexico, even player entry and exit are not smooth. A mass withdrawal of world stars is expected. The Mexican conglomerate Salinas Group, which is the title sponsor, then announced that it would no longer support the tournament citing "no spectators" as the reason. It is interesting that this tournament was held at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida from 2007 to 2016. This marks a return after five years.