Brooke Hendersen has already withdrawn due to the smokey conditions.
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We’ve all seen the horrific scenes of the decimated homes and burning wildfires that have been spreading across West Coast USA.
It’s absolutely terrifying and questions have now been raised about whether it is safe for the LPGA’s Portland Classic, set for September 17 to 20, to go ahead.
Effecting the states of California, Oregon and Washington, fires are still burning close to host venue Columbia Edgewater Country Club and this had led to concerns about the air quality.
Canadian star and World No.6 Brooke Henderson has already withdrawn from the tournament due to the smokey conditions.
Both the course and practice facilities were closed yesterday (Monday September 14) because of the smoke and it was shortly after this that Brooke made the decision to pull out.
Speaking 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."
As Brooke won the Oregon-based tournament in both 2015 and 2016, it’s safe to say she wouldn’t be skipping it and returning home to Florida unless she thought it was absolutely necessary.
America player Christina Kim also commented on the scary conditions.
After flying into Washington and driving through Oregon to the event she said on Twitter:
"Flew into Seattle and took the drive down to Portland. Usually placid, stunning and so calming with the forestry, it was quite chilling to see all the smoke from these blazing wildfires everywhere. Please stay safe, everyone. All the more reason to wear a good mask when outside."
A National Women’s Soccer League match was due to take place this week in Portland as well but it has now been postponed until September 30.
With such a packed schedule on the LPGA coming up it may not be possible for the Portland Classic to be rescheduled and after already losing so many events this year, it would be a real shame if it had to be cancelled.
This latest situation comes just less than two months after the final of the Rose Series was cut short due to wildfires.
We really hope everyone in the area stays safe.
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