The ANA Inspiration, traditionally golf’s first major of the year, was rescheduled on Friday by the LPGA Tour, which also announced that three more tournaments have been postponed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Originally scheduled for April 2-5 on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course (pictured) at Mission Hills Country Club http://www.playmissionhills.com in Rancho Mirage, the ANA Inspiration now will be played on Sept. 10-13, dates on which the Cambia Portland Classic originally was scheduled.
“I promised myself that I wouldn’t send any more cancellation/postponement emails without some positive, rescheduling news and I’m happy to report that we have been successful in rescheduling the ANA Inspiration for the week of Sept. 7 at Mission Hills,” Commissioner Mike Whan wrote in a letter to LPGA Tour players. “With this move, the Cambia Portland Classic will shift to the week of Sept. 14 at Columbia Edgewater in Portland. ”
“As you can imagine, we are busy working on dates (and other changes) for postponed events. Assuming we get some relief from the COVID-19 issues soon, it’s pretty clear that the rest of the 2020 season will be quite busy and crowded.
“We are focused on giving you as many playing opportunities as we can. I will share more details about the back half of 2020 as soon as I can.”
Added to the list of postponed events were the Lotte Championship at Ko Olina Golf Course in Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, that was scheduled for April 15-18, the Hugel-Air Premier LA Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades that was set for April 23-26, and the LPGA Mediheal Championship that was slated for April 30-May 3 at Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City.
Already postponed were the Volvik Founders Cup at Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Phoenix Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz., which was scheduled to take place March 19-22 and the Kia Classic on March 26-29 at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, Calif.
Canceled were the Blue Bay LPGA on Feb. 20-23 at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club in Hainan Island, China, the Honda LPGA Thailand on Feb. 20-23 on the Old Course at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand, and the HSBC Women’s World Championship on Feb. 27-March 1 on the Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore.
“Virtually all our events are concerned given the conditions they currently face in their respective markets,” Whan added in his letter. “At this point, the only option is to reschedule what we can and hope the COVID-19 situation starts to improve. Trust me, patience is NOT my best quality, so this situation is hard on me, too.
“I know you deserve better and I wish I had better news to report. Again, stay tuned for updates on Fall 2020. Stay safe and stay connected with your family and friends.”
The next scheduled LPGA Tour event is the Pelican Women’s Championship in Florida from May 14-17, but obviously there is no guarantee that it won’t be postponed, too, or even canceled.
The Official World Golf Ranking and the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking have been frozen from the week ending Sunday, March 15.
 at Mission Hills Country Club http://www.playmissionhills.com in Rancho Mirage, the ANA Inspiration now will be played on Sept. 10-13, dates on which the Cambia Portland Classic originally was scheduled.){kind=link}