LPGA reschedules first major

It came as no surprise when on Friday the LPGA announced the postponement of three more tournaments. What was not expected was that the LPGA has set a date for the ANA Inspiration, which is to take place between 10th and 13th September.

The ANA Inspiration was due to be played at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California between 2nd and 5th April but was postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is the first major in either the women’s or men’s game to receive a new date. The first two majors of the calendar for the men, the Masters and the PGA Championship are postponed with no indication of rescheduled dates as yet.

However, rumours are circulating that plans are afoot for the Masters to be played in early October. Reports are that hotels in Augusta have been cancelling existing reservations to ramp up prices for the anticipated new date for the event.

“After previously announcing the postponement of our events through the ANA Inspiration and following broadened directives from the various health organizations, the LPGA Tour informed its players that three additional events on our schedule are now postponed: the Lotte Championship in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii (April 15-18), the Hugel-Aar Premia LA Open in Los Angeles, Calif. (April 23-26) and the LPGA Mediheal Championship in Daly City, Calif. (April 30-May 3),” read the statement from the LPGA.

The ANA Inspiration will result in the Cambia Portland Classic in Portland, Oregon being nudged back in the schedule to 17th to 20th September.