It’s been a long break already for many on the LPGA Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic and although it’s set to be even longer, some good news was shared on Friday.
Worldwide fears over the coronavirus first impacted the LPGA Tour season back on February 9, when the Tour decided to cancel two tournaments in Asia. Fast forward to March 12 and three more tournaments were postponed, including the first major of the year, the ANA Inspiration.
But a positive sign came on March 20, as LPGA Tour commissioner Mike Whan said in a letter to the members of the LPGA Tour that, although three more tournaments were to be postponed – including the LOTTE Championship, where Golf Town athlete Brooke Henderson is the two-time defending champion – the ANA Inspiration has been rescheduled for Sept. 13, a week after the CP Women’s Open in Vancouver.
“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 the rest of the 2020 season will be quite busy and crowded,” said Whan. “We are focused on giving you as many playing opportunities as we can.”
This means it will be an extended break for Brooke Henderson.
It will be more than 110 days between when Brooke last played, when she notched a T15 at the Gainbridge LPGA at Boco Rio and when she is scheduled to tee it up again at the Pelican Women’s Championship presented by DEX Imaging (a new event on the schedule that’s set to go May 14-17 in Florida).
For context, the LPGA Tour’s official off-season (from the final day of the CME Group Tour Championship to the opening round of the Diamonds Resorts Tournament of Champions) was only 53 days.
“This is a difficult situation and as we navigate these uncertain times, we appreciate the support of all those involved with the LPGA. I am fully committed to rescheduling these important events on our 2020 schedule,” said Whan on March 12.
“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.”
Since Brooke did not play the two events in Australia she’s had a longer break than many. Brooke and her team have been keeping busy practicing and playing at her home club in Naples, Florida in the interim.
As soon as the announcement was made that the LPGA Tour wouldn’t be playing in Asia, Brooke says she allowed herself a bit of a breather. She knew that 2020 was gong to be busy already.
With the five majors on the schedule, the national importance of the CP Women’s Open, the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, and special for this year: hopefully representing Canada at the Olympics, saving up her energy was important.
In between preparing to return, Brooke also watched friend Josh Donaldson play a spring training baseball game for his new team, the Minnesota Twins, in Florida and made the day of four older members of the Brooke Brigade – she left signed golf balls in the 18th hole for a group of Canadians who played behind her one day in Naples.
Great time this weekend @Twins game! Fun watching @BringerOfRain20 play! ⚾️ #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/hdebkSpFfA
— Brooke Henderson (@BrookeHenderson) March 2, 2020
Brooke got off to a great start to her 2020 LPGA Tour season, finishing T4 at the first event of the year in Orlando.
“I was excited going into more competition, playing in Asia, because I felt like my game was in a good spot,” Brooke said in a recent interview.
“It was a great call by the LPGA to cancel those events,” she added. “We’re grateful for that. But at the same time we’re all competitive, and are looking forward to challenging ourselves again.”
And while it remains to be seen when the LPGA Tour will officially return, you can be sure Brooke Henderson will be ready for competition once again.
“Health and safety is always the priority, especially at this time,” said Brooke. “I appreciate the LPGA’s decision and look forward to getting back to action.”