As concerns over heat-related illnesses spread, with spectators collapsing and games being canceled in professional baseball due to the recent heatwave sweeping the country, the golf world has also been put on high alert. The 13th Jeju Samdasoo Masters, which opens on the 6th for a four-day run at Tedin Valley Golf and Resort in Seogwipo, Jeju, is making all-out efforts to prepare for the heatwave and manage on-site safety.

The Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA), in cooperation with the Jeju Free International City Development Center (JDC), has distributed a 'Professional Golf Safety Manual' and a 'Heatwave Response Manual' to tournament officials in advance. A safety management officer has been designated for each tournament, and an emergency contact network has been established, creating a response system prepared for the outbreak of heat-related illnesses. Although Jeju is forecast to reach around 33 degrees Celsius, about 4 to 5 degrees lower than inland areas, the KLPGA and JDC are not letting their guard down given the frequent recent extreme weather events.

Player Protection: Ice Chests Placed at All Holes

To protect players, ice chests have been placed at all holes on the course to constantly provide ice water and ice. Ice packs and glucose are also provided to prevent physical exhaustion during play. If a heatwave warning is issued, players will receive real-time text messages informing them of weather conditions and safety guidelines.

Gallery Protection: Operation of Shelters and Water Mist Sprayers

Measures to protect the gallery against the heatwave are also thorough. Mongolian tent-style shelters have been installed at three locations on the course, and ice water will be provided at major pathways, including the starting plaza, the 1st and 10th tees, and gallery shelters. A medical room and air coolers will operate at the plaza, where glucose will also be available. Automatic water mist sprayers have been installed at the entrance to the 1st tee, the 10th tee, and the plaza, where gallery traffic is heavy, to lower the perceived temperature.

Strengthened Medical Response and On-Site Monitoring

The medical response system has also been significantly strengthened. A total of six medical personnel will be divided into two teams, dedicated exclusively to players and the gallery, respectively. In the event of a patient, a phased reporting and transfer system will be activated, linking the initial discoverer to the area supervisor, the comprehensive situation room, the safety management officer, and relevant organizations such as medical, police, and fire departments. Operational staff, including tournament committee members and broadcasting and recording personnel, will frequently share notable issues on the course, and tournament committee members will report course conditions via radio every hour to conduct on-site monitoring.

The KLPGA continues to provide heat-related illness prevention safety guidelines through LED screens at reception desks and scoreboards on the course. The association stated, 'We will make the safety of players, the gallery, and all tournament officials our top priority, and meticulously operate a phased safety management system, from prevention to on-site monitoring and emergency response, to ensure this is a safe tournament.'