PGA Tour and LPGA Tour All Stop "Mini Tours Are Ongoing~"

Regular Tour Fully Suspended Due to 'COVID-19' Spread, Men's Outlaw Tour and Women's Cactus Tour 'Thriving'

Carlota Shinda

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Mini tours are ongoing."

The PGA Tour and LPGA Tour in the United States have recently been completely suspended due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) within the country. However, mini tours, including the men's Outlaw Tour and the women's Cactus Tour, are thriving. These tours operate by covering prize money and operating costs through player entry fees. Mainly, veteran players who have been pushed out of the PGA and LPGA Tours, as well as players aspiring to join the big leagues, participate.

The Cactus Tour has attracted even more spotlight as top LPGA Tour players such as Carlota Ciganda (Spain) and Anna Nordqvist (Sweden) have declared their participation. Ciganda explained after winning the 7th event that it was a "desperate measure to maintain competitive form." Nordqvist claimed the top spot at the 10th event, stating, "I get asked why I participate in such tournaments, but people play golf anyway."

Mike Brown, the Cactus Tour operations manager, asserted, "We are faithfully following the health authorities' guidelines in response to COVID-19." Carts are disinfected before rounds and ridden alone. Instead of handshakes or hugs after matches, players wave or greet each other with elbow bumps. Group photos are also taken while maintaining distance. The Outlaw Tour is currently accepting applications for the 17th event, which will be held over three days starting on the 31st.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.