Tournament article

Dunlop Phoenix Tournament 2020

Yuta Ikeda promises to make "remote victory" as Dunlop Phoenix become live on ZOOM

Dunlop Phoenix hold great histories, such as Tiger Woods winning in 2005, Brooks Koepka the same in 2017. In 1996, Jumbo Ozaki has made his 3-peat here with counting up his Tour victory to 100th.

But one of most prestigious tournament must suffer the same hardship situation due to COVID-19. None of Foreign players invitations was available, and there will be no fans here.

But the tournament organizers came up with a great idea using the huge monitor by the 1st Tee box. Instead of the spectator's stand, this monitor will connect the fans and the players live remotely.

This idea has been in play on other professional sports, and for the first time on Japan Golf Tour, "remote fan participation" will be in play this week using ZOOM online system. Something more than the TV broadcast.

Fans will be seeing the players performance at the 1st Tee box and players will be able to see the fans reaction. Fans may not be able to be there in person, but still they will be connected.

"When we could see the faces of the fans, that will surely encourage the players", said Yuta Ikeda.
"It is too bad that they cannot come to the course, but at least if they could enjoy through this online system, that will be great. I will do my best to make this remote victory."

This remote fan participation will be available through Dunlop Phoenix tournament official site.