Women's golf starts up in South Korea - without fans

South Korean women’s golf tour is starting up again with KLPGA Championship opening on Thursday, an event that will be played without fans on course. Women’s golf in South Korea joins Korea’s professional baseball and soccer leagues, which have alrey restarted in wake of coronavirus pandemic. 

“ priority is safety of players, tournament officials and golf fans and ( event) will be brocast,” organizers said in a statement.

tournament at Lakewood Country Club located east of capital Seoul was originally schedule for April 30 through May 3.  Organizers said social distancing will be practiced by players and tournament officials. Players will also have hand sanitizers available. It was t clear if players would take coronavirus tests. 150-player field is topped by Park Sung-hyun, Kim Sei-young and defending champion Choi Hye-jin.

South Korea's Yonhap news ncy reported that Ko Jin-young and Park Sung-hyun, who are . 1 and . 3 in women's world golf rankings, will play an exhibition skins match near Incheon International Airport on May 24, with players donating ir winnings to charities of ir choice.