They had their clubs, their visors, their gloves and all the other typical items needed by a pro golfer. But in these uncertain times of a global pandemic, the players at the much-delayed opening tournament of the Japan LPGA season also brought their masks.
And while they were not required to wear a mask during the competition, a number of players at the Earth Mondahmin Cup that finished up Sunday opted to do so anyway as they made the rounds on the Chiba Camelia Hills Country Club course in Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture.
Organizers adopted a number of countermeasures against the spread of the new coronavirus, including requiring all involved to undergo PCR testing. Masks and the use of disinfectants were a matter of course. All staff and other non-players involved in the tournament were required to wear masks at all times.
Erika Hara, one of the new "golden generation" of players that was born in 1998 that includes rising star Hinako Shibuno, brought along three colored masks -- purple, yellow and pink -- produced by Mizuno Co., one of her sponsors.
On the opening day on June 25, she wore the purple one. "It was really, really hot," she said with a wry grin, adding, "When I talked with my caddie about the line [of a putt on the green], we had to get close to each other. So I thought it would be best to wear a mask."
Veteran Shiho Oyama was another who kept her mask on during play.
In the Japan LPGA's manual on coronavirus countermeasures, it calls for staff who come into contact with many others to thoroughly wear face shields and rubber gloves. While players were allowed to go mask-less during play, when they submitted their scorecards for attesting following their round, they had to wear a mask in the room. If they did not have a mask on them, a staff member would provide one at the door.
While everyone had their own issues trying to deal with the unfamiliar conditions, preventing the spread of infection held top priority. For the time being, masks will be standard items at golf courses, not only on the pro tour, but for general golfers as well.
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