While nine LPGA events have already been canceled or postponed, and the wave of the coronavirus is only beginning to hit the United States, the resumption date is still undetermined. As a result, places may be expensive for rookies and lower categories, when the circuit resumes its course.

Patty tavatanakit

Patty Tavatanakit. @DR

This is one of the multiple consequences of the current health crisis. Due to postponements, the best players in the world may rush to the tournaments remaining to be played this season. “We were very excited because with the withdrawal of events in Thailand, China and Singapore, and a month without a tournament, we had a field of players much stronger than usual. », Admits Scott Wood, director of the Volvik Founders Cup, which would normally host 9 of the top 10 players in the world last week ... before being postponed in turn.

Forced out of work for several months, the elite of the LPGA circuit will undoubtedly register in most of the tournaments remaining on the calendar when the game can resume. Thus leaving the lower categories to the side, and in particular the 19 rookies of the season. “How many tournaments will I be able to play in 2020? I want to keep my card, it's stressful as a situation, confides Patty Tavatanakit, 20 years old. I was able to play the first two tournaments in Australia. I love this lifestyle, I love this job. " Arrived in the United States at the age of 10 from Thailand, the Los Angeles player no longer even recognizes her city: “It's like a ghost town, it feels like an episode of The Walking Dead, it's almost sinister. "

"We just have to accept the situation and stay in shape"

Jillian Hollis was eagerly awaiting the first Major of the Year, ANA Inspiration, in April. But with the event postponed to September, will the former University of Georgia player still qualify by then? « It upsets everything, II had prepared myself to play this Major. But I'm glad we postponed the tournament. The most important thing is the safety of the fans and the fact that we stop the spread of the virus, jand prie for the people affected by this epidemic, confesses the American, who will turn 23 tomorrow. Fortunately, I havei two strong sponsors, Monster Energy and Progressive Insurance. They support me, financially and humanely. "

The prize for stoicism finally goes to the Swiss Albane Valenzuela, who was happy to play on the LPGA Tour - after finishing 6e Q Series last November - but also to participate in the Olympic Games. “My goal was to qualify for the Olympics, that's one of the reasons that pushed me to go pro, points out the 23-year-old player, whose mother is French. But there are things more important than sport. We just have to accept the situation and make sure to stay in shape. "

Franck Crudo (with Golf Channel)

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