The event has been postponed until Friday due to concerns about the hazardous air quality.
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We're sure you've all seen the news that wildfires are burning across the West Coast of America, and this latest disaster has forced the LPGA to make a last minute change to its schedule.
The Cambia Portland Classic was due to start this Thursday (September 17) but due to the "hazardous air quality" caused by the fires, this has now been postponed to Friday September 18.
Staged at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in the state of Oregon, it will be reduced from 72 holes to 54 holes.
Heather Daly-Donofrio, the LPGA’s Chief Tour Operations Officer said:
“As we have said throughout recent months, 2020 has been the year of health and safety, and this situation is no different. Our meteorologist says that it is unlikely that air-quality conditions will improve before midday Thursday, and we cannot risk the health of our players, staff, volunteers, broadcast crew and others at the golf course. This is not a choice we made lightly, but we are confident that this is the right decision. We are so appreciative of our partners at Cambia Health Solutions as they continue to support the LPGA Tour through this incredibly challenging 2020 season.”
Smoke caused the golf course to close from Tuesday morning and Wednesday’s Cambia Portland Classic Pro-Am has been cancelled.
However, LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan seems to remaining positive.
Speaking on Twitter he said:
"Hey 2020 - that all you got?? Virus, quarantine, borders, air quality, extreme temps, limited travel, no fans, etc. No worries - you can’t stop the LPGA. We #DriveOn - 70 years & never stronger!"
We reported earlier that two-time champion of the Portland Classic Brooke Henderson withdrew from the tournament on Monday night.
Talking to The Canadian Press she said:
"I felt it was unsafe to go and play in Portland this week with the air quality and the close proximity of the fires.
"It was definitely a tough decision but I feel like it was the right one, given the circumstances."
We'll just have to wait and see if any more players follow her lead.
We hope everyone in the California, Oregon and Washington area is staying safe and the tournament can go ahead as planned on Friday.
Wildfires threaten 2020 Portland Classic - READ MORE
