KLPGA Responds to Heatwaves... Operating Guidelines and Prevention Measures

Caution Issued at 33 Degrees, Warning at 35 Degrees
Safety Measures Implemented for Players and Spectators Based on Conditions
Heat Illness Prevention Guidelines Displayed on Scoreboards

The Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) is focusing on measures to respond to the heatwave.

Since June, the KLPGA has been implementing the "Heatwave Response Guidelines and Prevention Measures." If the perceived highest daily temperature is expected to exceed 33 degrees Celsius for more than two consecutive days due to the heatwave, a "heat advisory" is issued. If it exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, a "heat warning" is issued. The association then notifies players and spectators of tailored safety measures for each situation. In addition, to ensure the safety of spectators, guidelines for preventing heat-related illnesses are continuously displayed on the course’s scoreboard.

The Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) is monitoring the safety of players and spectators through the "Heatwave Response Guidelines and Prevention Measures." Photo by AFP Yonhap News

If a disaster situation such as a heatwave occurs, the KLPGA’s competition committee, organizing committee, and sponsors will hold discussions to decide whether to cancel the event. As tournaments are difficult to cancel or postpone due to the specific nature of the sport, there has not yet been an event canceled because of a heatwave. To safeguard players and spectators, the KLPGA provides tents and resting spaces at tournament venues. They also install water stations, ice boxes, and air cooling devices, and operate cooling shelters equipped with air conditioning.

This year, the KLPGA has introduced a "Gallery Weather Index," a safety index for spectators during tournaments based on weather information. It is calculated by equally weighting and analyzing eight factors: temperature, precipitation, wind speed, lightning, ultraviolet rays, visibility, air quality, and humidity. Weather forecast data during game hours are reflected in real-time, and the latest weather information is provided a total of four times a day.

The spectator safety levels are divided into five stages: comfortable, safe, normal, caution, and warning. The KLPGA stated, "Recently, we have been proactively responding to rapid climate changes, such as heatwaves and strong winds, to provide spectators with safe and comfortable information about their viewing environment," adding, "We plan to create an even more pleasant and advanced spectator culture for our gallery."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.