Any move of the ANA would need the cooperation of the LPGA, Mission Hills Country Club and Golf ChannelGETTY IMAGES
ANA Inspiration Tournament Dir Chris Garrett said it is "50-50" whether or not the LPGA tournament moves off its April date on the same weekend as the Augusta National Women's Amateur, according to Larry Bohanan of the Palm Springs DESERT SUN. The reality of the ANWA's debut and its impact on the ANA Inspiration "seem clear" to Garrett, tournament producer IMG and sponsor ANA, as there were "lower television ratings" and lower on-course attendance this year. Any move of the ANA "would need the cooperation of the LPGA, Mission Hills Country Club and broadcast partner Golf Channel and would require some changes for other LPGA spring tournaments." Garrett "admits that a date change might not be possible" as early as '20. Moving back into March "potentially impacts LPGA events in Phoenix and Carlsbad," and an earlier date "might mean less live coverage from Golf Channel." A move later into April "would require at least a two-week move" because one week would put the ANA up against the Masters. Playing the week after the Masters would avoid some March conflicts, but it would also put the ANA "against the first week of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival." Garrett "estimated galleries were down" 10% in '19 from '18 and "well short of a hoped-for 40,000 for the week." The ANA Inspiration saw a 42% drop in TV ratings on Golf Channel (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 4/25).
