RANCHO MIRAGE, California – Players can travel in floats during training rounds and caddies can use them during the tournament to cope with the extreme heat expected for ANA Inspiration next week in the California desert.
The LPGA announced the decision on its website Thursday.
Traditionally the first major of the season, ANA Inspiration was moved from the first weekend of April to September 10-13, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the tour to close for five months.
Heather Daly-Donofrio, chief operations officer of the LPGA Tour, said in a note to players and caddies that temperatures should range from 105 to 115 degrees. Considering that this year was all about health and safety, “we will allow caddies to carry carts for the week.”
“We have consulted with our medical team and believe this is the best decision to keep our caddies safe and sound during this extreme heat,” he said.
Caddies can choose to walk and push carts are an option. The LPGA has stated that players can drive on floats during practice rounds, but walking is required during the championship.
Additionally, caddies will have bibs in place of traditional jumpsuits at the Mission Hills Country Club. The LPGA has purchased 1,500 refreshing towels for players, caddies, staff and volunteers.
“This was the date we needed to play ANA Inspiration and hold a major,” Daly-Donofrio said. ” We are looking at the forecast and we know it will be hot. And we don’t want to put the health of our caddies at risk. Will it sound strange? Yes, especially for an important championship. But we will not sacrifice the health of our athletes or caddies for optics. ”
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