Sophia Popov of Germany became a Major champion and a cause celebre, all in a matter of days, when it was revealed that her improbable victory in the AIG Women’s British Open on Sunday earned her only a two-year LPGA exemption rather than five and no exemption into the next women’s Major, the ANA Inspiration in two weeks.
Popov’s improbable win (she came into the event ranked 304th in the world with no status on the LPGA Tour) was a product of solid ball-striking and timely putting.
West Australian Hannah Green will tee it up at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon on Thursday evening Australian time knowing she is a genuine chance of capturing her second Major championship.
China’s General Administration of Sports cited “science and order” as impetus for its decision. The country has largely contained and curbed transmission of COVID-19; however, China is on guard for imported cases of the disease.
The field at Troon will be comprised of the leading players from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as well as recognising successful players from recent tournaments staged on the world’s leading tours.
Officials for the tournament announced the decision overnight, citing ongoing travel/border restrictions and government quarantine requirements for the cancellation.