Citing a need to protect the players and the visitors from the COVID-19 outbreak, LPGA Tour commissioner Michael Whan released a statement on Thursday announcing the postponement of the next three events, including the year’s first major championship.
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Starting next week, the three events—Volvik Founders Cup, Kia Classic and ANA Inspiration—were set to be played, rather than cancel the tournaments, Whan said the plan is to reschedule all three for later in 2020.
The upcoming two events on the Symetra Tour that were set to take place in California were also postponed (the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Beaumont, Calif., from March 27-29 and the Windsor Golf Classic in Windsor, Calif., from April 2-4).
“This is a difficult situation and as we navigate these uncertain times, we appreciate the support of all those involved with the LPGA,” Whan said in a statement. “I am fully committed to rescheduling these important events on our 2020 schedule, especially our first major, the ANA Inspiration. Our thoughts are with all of those around the world affected by this virus. And on a personal level, it pains me to see the impact of this health crisis on our athletes, our sponsors and our fans. That said, I know keeping our LPGA family safe, and all those who follow us safe has to be my top priority.”
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Previously, LPGA cancelled three events in Asia due to the spread of coronavirus.
The Women’s Australian Open was the last LPGA event contested. It ended on Feb. 16, meaning the tour will be dark for at least seven weeks running through the scheduled end of the ANA in the first week of April.