LPGA: Coronavirus won't derail Founders Cup tournament in Phoenix, other U.S. events

As the global impact of the Coronavirus continues to spread, questions are being raised about the impact it may have on sporting events, particularly those that compete internationally.

© Rob Schumacher/The Republic Jin Young Ko of South Korea waves to the crowd after finishing her final round at the Bank of Hope Founders Cup on Mar. 24, 2019 at Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott in Phoenix, Ariz.

However, the LPGA on Tuesday said it does not expect the situation to have impact on upcoming tournaments in the United States, including the Volvik Founders Cup, set to take place March 19-22 at the Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix.

Three LPGA events that are part of the tour's international swing recently were canceled in Asia because of concerns about the Coronavirus' spread.

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The LPGA canceled the 2020 Honda LPGA Thailand, which was set to take place Feb. 20-23, the 2020 HSBC Women’s World Championship, which was set to take place in Singapore from Feb. 27-March 1 and the Blue Bay LPGA, which was set to take place March 5-8 in China.  

The impact of the virus has been most severe on mainland China. 

The LPGA issued a statement to The Arizona Republic via email Tuesday stating the events scheduled to take place in the United States are set to go on as planned, the Founders Cup among them.

“The cancellation of three LPGA events in Asia was a direct result of confirmed warnings and advisories from governments and disease control centers in each hosting country, regarding the traveling to and staging of events,'' the statement said.

"We are not currently in a similar situation here in the United States. The NBA, NHL and PGA Tour continue to stage large-scale events throughout the United States and at this time, there is no plan to cancel LPGA Tour events."

The statement went on to say the tour has been in communication with its players, most of whom have been in the United States for awhile, and they are planning to go ahead with events domestically.

© Rob Schumacher/The Republic Yu Lia of China lines-up a putt on the third green during the final round of the Bank of Hope Founders Cup on Mar. 24, 2019 at Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott in Phoenix, Ariz.

The statement did say there will be "heightened measures of precautions" to ensure the safety of fans and players. 

The LPGA tour features many international players among its top ranked competitors. 

Tournament officials, in a news release Wednesday, said this year's event will feature the top female golfers in the world including current World No. 1 defending champion Jin Young Ko, and major champion Valley residents Cristie Kerr and Anna Nordqvist. The full field has not yet been released.

The week-long tournament events begin with pro practice rounds on May 16-17, which will be closed to the public. 

Gates open to the public on March 18 for the pro-am tournament and March 19-22 for the four-day tournament.

More information can be found at thefounderslpga.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: LPGA: Coronavirus won't derail Founders Cup tournament in Phoenix, other U.S. events