Coronavirus: LPGA Cancels Two More Events, This Week's Asia Pacific Women's Amateur Also Off

While the least of the world’s concerns given the agony and suffering caused by the coronavirus, golf is feeling the first repercussions with more tournament cancellations and inevitably, issues for golf equipment manufacturers.

Again, blips on the radar of a disease that has killed 724. Nonetheless, it must be noted: the LPGA has now cancelled all three events of its late Feburary, early March Asia swing.

“It is always a difficult decision to cancel events and the LPGA greatly appreciates the understanding and all the efforts made by our title sponsors (Honda and HSBC) as well as IMG to host incredible events for our players,” the LPGA said in a statement. “The health and safety of our players, fans and everyone working on the event is always our highest priority. While we are disappointed that these tournaments will not take place this season, we look forward to returning to Asia soon.”

The cancelation of those three tournaments means the LPGA will not visit Asia until at least August, when the Olympics will be held in Japan. There will also be a sizable void in the immediate schedule; after this week’s Women’s Australian Open, the LPGA won’t hold a tournament until the Founders Cup, which begins March 19 in Arizona.

The R&A announced Saturday that it was postponing this week’s Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific.

“The decision has been taken amid serious concerns for the safety of players and officials travelling during the current coronavirus outbreak,” R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said in a statement.