[Golf Topic] ANA Inspiration "Removing Barrier at 18th Hole"

Imirim is seen cheering after making a 'chip-in eagle' in front of the barrier at the 18th hole on the final day of last year's ANA Inspiration.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…The ‘barrier’ of the LPGA major ANA Inspiration is disappearing.

The LPGA Tour announced on the 23rd (Korean time), "This year’s ANA Inspiration will be held without spectators for four days starting April 2 at Mission Hills Golf Club in Rancho Mirage, California," adding, "The ‘big blue wall’ behind the 18th hole (par 5) green will be removed." Normally, a large grandstand is set up behind the 18th hole green during the tournament. Although no grandstands were needed last year due to COVID-19, a temporary wall was erected there, sparking controversy over fairness.

The 18th hole green is surrounded by a pond, so the shot must not be too short or too long, or the ball will fall into the water beyond the green. However, thanks to the temporary wall, players could swing freely aiming for a ‘2-on’ without worrying about the ball going beyond the green. Balls that hit the wall were placed in the drop zone, allowing players to comfortably take their third shot. Im Lee-rim (30, NH Investment & Securities) also dropped the ball here on the final day and made a dramatic ‘chip-in eagle’ to become the ‘major queen.’

"This year, there is nothing behind the 18th hole green," said tournament manager Alyssa Randolph, explaining, "A complete island green will be in place, just like in 1972 when there were no grandstands," adding, "We learned a lot last year." With the wall behind the green removed this year, attacking the 18th hole is expected to be more difficult than last year. Most players are expected to take their third shot from around 100 yards in front of the green, making dramatic eagles hard to witness.