[Golf Topic] RSM Classic "A-Tier Match Due to COVID-19 Impact?"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○..."This time, an A-grade match."

The PGA Tour RSM Classic (total prize money $6.6 million), opening on the night of the 19th (Korean time) at Sea Island Resort in Georgia, USA, was originally classified as a "B-grade match" because it fell between the Masters and Thanksgiving, the American equivalent of Chuseok. However, this year, 18 players ranked within the top 50 in the world are participating, causing a pleasant commotion. In fact, the "strength of field" index is 348 points, nearly double that of last year.

It is interesting that this is due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Many foreign players who have no suitable place to stay in the US participated in large numbers. Especially, players who also compete on the European Tour, which requires complicated quarantine procedures when returning to Europe, almost all participated. This includes Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics, photo), the runner-up at the Masters, and Dylan Frittelli (South Africa), who finished 5th. Both players do not yet have homes in the US and are moving between hotels.

A major champion also appeared. Shane Lowry (Ireland), the 2019 Open Champion. Henrik Stenson (Sweden), who appeared at the RSM Classic for the first time in eight years since 2012, said, "I haven't played a match for five months due to COVID-19," and added, "I wanted to play as many tournaments as possible." The fact that the venue is a three-hour drive from Augusta, where the Masters is held, also appealed to the players. Tommy Fleetwood (England) commented, "It was convenient to move after finishing the Masters."

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